KTM 125 Duke India Launch Next Month: Here's Our Take on It!

A recent report by an automotive portal has claimed that KTM 125 Duke will launch in India in November 2018. The validity of this claim feels dizzy for a second if one hears the expected price tag of 125 Duke will put it against Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and TVS Apache 200, both considered with ABS. The motorcycle is based on 390 Duke, which carries a price tag of INR 2.43 lakh. [caption id="attachment_288161" align="aligncenter" width="1275"] KTM 125 Duke Front 3-Quarter[/caption] The use of a smaller 125cc engine, along with tire swap from sticky Metzeler to MRF, may not be enough for them to cut INR 1.30 lakh from the price of Duke 390. KTM unveiled the 125 Duke at the EICMA 2016. The motorcycle carries exactly the same changes as the bigger KTM 390 Duke and comes with the same signature LED headlight as the flagship SuperDuke R, but with white illumination instead of red. [caption id="attachment_288162" align="aligncenter" width="1418"] KTM 125 Duke Rear 3-Quarter[/caption] The big bike feel from the 125cc Duke is considerably held with all new sharp edges, 43mm front WP forks, and even the bigger disc brake. Duke 125 comes with the same TFT instrument console, further offering the KTM MY Ride as an option. The motorcycle gets the same side-mounted exhaust, making it Euro-4 complaint and even retaining a weight of 137 kg. The rider now sits at a higher, 830 mm seat while the big 125 marking on the fuel tank shrouds differentiate the motorcycle from the 390 cousin. [caption id="attachment_288163" align="aligncenter" width="970"] KTM 125 Duke Instrument Console[/caption] The engine stays the same 124.7cc, 1-cylinder motor producing 15 HP @ 9500 rpm and 11.8 Nm of torque. The 125 Duke now uses the same fuel tank as the bigger Duke, carrying 13.4 liters of fuel for extended runs in a single refill. The brand is yet to announce its stand on the existing Duke 200, which not just feels overpriced but also comes with an older design. As of now, KTM has not revealed anything officially regarding the launch of the 125 Duke in India.