The KTM 125 Duke is the most affordable bike currently available in India from the Austrian OEM. The bike was first launched back in the later part of 2018. As soon as it was launched, it was evident that the bike was a smashing hit among Indian riders.
The bike got its first major update two years later. The latest iteration comes with quite a few cosmetic as well as electromechanical updates. So, is the bike still worth it!?
It is time to find out in the following sections –
The looks
When the KTM Duke 125 first came out, it was visible that it was a small displacement bike. The latest iteration of the motorcycle has a design language that adds a bit of bulk to the bike. In terms of overall looks, the bike has a design that is pretty similar to the Duke 200.
KTM designers made sure that the bike can blend in with the rest of the KTM bikes sold in India.
The bike comes with a muscular tank paired with impressively designed tank shrouds. The rear section of the bike is stubby which was made possible due to the re-engineered Trellis frame.
The front headlight unit has a sharp design language and comes with LED DRL. The tail lamp and turn indicators too are all-LED units. The subframe of the bike is kept partially exposed. It is a design language that is oh-so-KTM but it doesn’t look ungainly at all. It only adds to the raw streetfighter looks of the Duke 125.
The bike comes with two dual-tone colour schemes. The Trellis subframe will be coloured differently than the rest of the chosen colour scheme. The body graphics on the bike are revised as well and looks appealing, to be honest!
Product packaging
Although it is a 125 CC motorcycle, the KTM Duke 125 is loaded.
For instance, it comes equipped with WP Apex inverted fork suspensions at the front. The rear suspension unit is a monoshock that is preload adjustable. It also comes with an LED display that is orange backlit. The display offers up all essential information to the rider. The available information includes –
- Service-due indication
- Fuel economy (average and real-time)
- Clock
- Speedometer
- Odometer
- Tachometer
- Fuel gauge and
- Engine temperature gauge.
The bike is equipped with single-channel ABS as a standard OEM fitment. Hence, at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 2, 00,558* the bike doesn’t feel under-equipped.
Check the latest price list: KTM Bikes
How does it ride?
The rider would sit with an aggressive stance as the same would need to bend forward to reach the handlebar. The footpegs are rear set and the overall ergonomics are on par with a typical streetfighter bike.
The rider will get ample support to their thighs. The seats are well-padded and contoured which allows comfortable rides.
The overall setup of the suspensions at the front and rear are stiff. At low speeds and over small undulations, the ride is plush. But at high speeds, the ride tends to be a bit harsh. A stiff suspension setup is synonymous with streetfighter bikes and the KTM Duke 125 is no exception.
What about its engine?
The bike is powered by a 124 CC, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine. It produces 14.3bhp power and 12Nm torque. The performance of the engine is linear and composed.
The mid-range is impressive. The redline of the motor is 9500 rpm. The electronically controlled and achievable top speed is 112 KMPH. The motor is paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed transmission. The clutch is light hence the clutch pull action won’t strain the left hands of riders.
Is buying the bike worth it!?
When the bike first came out, it was readily established that it rode seamlessly on the road and track. The latest iteration of the bike holds on to that agility and adds more stability into the mix. Pairing this with the premium parts, styling and overall performance makes buying this bike a sensible decision by all means!
