After a long wait, KTM has introduced the 125 Duke in Indian market, at a price of ₹ 1.5 lakh. This will be the brand’s most affordable model in our market for 2021. It also carries some of the revisions that are found on the recently updated 200 Duke. The motorcycle costs that bit more than the BS6 model.
Styling case
This entry-level, smaller-capacity model boasts of a design language that absolutely similar to what you’ve seen on its Duke equivalents. However, it does not sport an LED headlamp, and instead, is found with a halogen bulb. It does feature an LCD instrument cluster that is full of information. Gone is the old-look 125 Duke, and in comes the sharper, more athletic and aggressive-looking replacement. It features a trellis frame with a bolt-on subframe and gets a nice, up-sweeping tail section. The chunky tank shrouds add to the bike’s character and the seat is spacious, just like the one on the other new Dukes.
Engine and transmission
The 124cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine on the 125 Duke produces 14bhp and 12Nm of torque and is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The exhaust note is soft and the throttle opens up to reveal a nice jump in the revs. The riding position is quite good, and on the new bike, you don’t feel like you’re short on room. Although it does feel quite underpowered, acceleration is strong and throttle response is crisp. It can reach about 100kph in a linear, unhurried fashion, while the quick-reacting gearbox does its bit. In the 6th gear however, it feels strained. KTM bikes are primarily aimed at first-time riders who don’t want to be going down the fast lane. And a light rider should be a bonus too.
The chassis
The frame gets some updates and is the exact same one used on its higher-capacity siblings. It is also shod with MRF tyres that are found on the other KTMs, but the 125 Duke’s fuel tank capacity has improved to 13.5 litres because of its bigger tank design. However, the bike is now slightly portly at 159kgs, while the seat height too, has risen by a fair margin to 822mm.
Should you buy one?
What’s instantly known to you is the change on the outside, which is refreshingly good. The new 125 Duke is lot more refined and smoother, but isn’t track-focus like the other higher-capacity Dukes. It is now more comfortable to be seated on than before, which should lure customers that little bit more. While the other Dukes are hoot to ride, this one is for that buyer who wants to look like he’s going fast while actually remaining slow. Also, grab the latest info on the new bikes, only at autoX.