KTM 125 Duke

Expert Review by Maxabout

KTM Duke 125 is a small segment version of the new KTM 390 Duke with a 125cc engine. The bike gives us a fresh, aggressive design based on the same lines as Duke 390. It has some impressive array of things to offer such as bifurcated LED headlamp, all new instrument console, tank shrouds which extend to the headlight, new rear sub frame and a revised exhaust system. Although manufactured in India, the KTM 125 Duke is not likely to be launched in the country as a price of INR 1.25 lakh+ and low fuel efficiency does not make it a good option where most bikes in the 125 cc segment come at a price of INR 55k-70k, along with very high mileage figures.

Outside India, KTM Duke 125 is available in the shades of White and Orange with a tubular base frame. The New Duke 125 comes with conventional naked street bike styling from KTM, coming with some sharp edge looks, which are sure to make heads turn. With the promising reliability of the brand, the bike looks like a replica of the 390 Duke with some toned down features, using the same components as the elder sibling. KTM 125 Duke is the only bike in the 125 cc segment which can show off a glorious TFT display which adapts its illumination to the surrounding light conditions.

The LED headlight seems directly borrowed from 1290 Super Duke R and the parking light also consists of 20 LEDs. The KTM 125 Duke also has extended stylized tank shrouds which are visible up to the headlights. The steel fuel tank and the high quality cast along with other aesthetic features give you a feel of a very impressive naked street bike. Sure, it is normal to expect a very good performance from all the KTM Duke variants. And this one too does not disappoint, with a 124.7 cc engine giving out a power of 15 bhp @ 9500 rpm and a torque of 11.8 Nm @ 8000 rpm.

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It comes with a single cylinder four stroke engine which is liquid cooled. The bike comes with 6 speed manual transmission. Given such power packed performance in the 125 cc segment, the KTM Duke 125 has a mileage of around 35-40 kmpl. This is not a consideration here because this bike won't make it to the Indian streets. It uses fine technology to ensure a good user experience and enables control. It comes with an electric start, attractive split seat, pass light and pillion footrest.

The KTM Duke 125 comes packed with high quality upside down WP suspension with open cartridge technology. The shock absorber has a progressive spring, where pre-load is adjustable providing a well balanced suspension. The KTM Duke 125 is a very impressive bike offering us the same panache as we find in KTM 1290 Super Duke R. It has some serious style quotient, with the bifurcated LED lights being a show stealer. As a fan of KTM, this looks like a fair deal in the 125 cc segment and also carries the royalty coming with the brand name. It lies in the same class as Honda CBR125R and Yamaha MT-125 as competition.