KTM 125 Duke

The KTM 125 Duke is a properly proportionate, street-naked bike having similar dimensions as its older sibling, the KTM 200 Duke. The wheels, chassis, instrument cluster, body panels and suspension setup are mostly shared with the 200 Duke. The 125, however, misses out on the regular split-LED headlamp which was a signature aspect on KTM’s higher capacity range of Dukes. The halogen unit, however, has remained the same. The rear end and the pointy, sharp extension of the tank provide an overall aggressive stance. Most of its cosmetic elements, such as the engine cowl or the radiator shrouds, have undergone some modifications. The styling template of the bike is inclusive of the modern 390 inspired design. However, the old model is still offered in India for sustaining competitive prices. The new fuel tank also got some updates and contributes to the overall aggressive appearance of the bike. 

What remains almost the same is the liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC, 124.77 cc engine that propels the KTM 125 Duke by dishing out 14.30 bhp of power at 9250 RPM and 12 Nm of peak torque. This model performs reasonably well but with a kerb weight 159 kg it is slower with a pick-up speed of 0 to 100 kmph in 21.3 sec than the model it replaces. However, this bike feels decently fun, thrilling and peppy in usual traffic until the road opens up and the deficits can be noticed. It efficiently revs through all the six gears, but this bike’s speedo accelerates noticeably slower than its tacho. The smaller engine of the bike will restrain from building speed without a couple of downshifts. Luckily, the chassis is quite qualified to carry the momentum. The 43 mm monoshock and USD fork, the 300 mm disc brake at the front and the 150-section tyre at the rear makes it go beyond limit without stress. The suspension offers the same feedback and while it is naturally firm, it does not feel uncomfortable either. The single channel ABS do its braking duty and the MRFs inspire confidence. 

The super outright frantic character that KTM bikes are known for is noticeably lacking in the new KTM 125 Duke. Tall gearing is apparent in the 6th gear but there is a lack of power when the rider has to accelerate quickly, demanding one or two downshifts for getting back the engine into its powerband. At 60 kmph on the sixth gear, its tacho hovers a little above 5000 rpm, and 100 kmph is attained a little above 8000 rpm. This bike does not keep up with the riding standard of the known KTM bikes. However, on long hauls, especially, this bike rides smoothly and gives a calming experience. The engine feels seamless both on highways and in city traffic and contributes to a fatigue-free ride. On level roads, however, this bike will not achieve its top speed. 

The KTM 125 Duke has been given a saddle height of nearly 2.68 feet which makes it comfortable for even a rider having a height of 5 feet. The riding posture is not aggressive and can provide prolonged posture without causing pain to the shoulders, spine or wrist. However, the seat has this firmness, especially the rider’s half. One can travel for 40 minutes at a stretch without feeling the hardness of the seat but beyond it, the ride becomes a little uncomfortable and the back muscle is strained. It is, however, a good bike for commuting every day.