KTM 125 Duke

Introduction

KTM has taken some time to go ahead, revamp and unify the appearance of its Duke range here in India. Having done this facelift, KTM finally puts an end to its first-gen styling of Duke that debuted back in 2012,and has modified it into the 390s design which is integral to the 125. This revision, however, is not essentially cosmetic, but incorporates a host of utilitarian refinements too. KTM should be known for endowing this sharp styling to the Duke Bikes, which was launched on the 390 model. It offers an incredible road presence and road manners, flaunting an entertaining personality for riders who look forward to a thrilling on-road experience. 

How is the design? 

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. 

How is the performance?

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. 

How does the KTM 125 Duke ride? 

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. 

How comfortable is the KTM 125 Duke? 

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. 

How's the tech? 

This bike is propelled by a 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. It has single channel ABS and disc brakes on both the front and the rear. There is an engine-kill switch and pass lights. The console is fully digital. 

How's the mileage of the KTM 125 Duke? 

The KTM 125 Duke can give a mileage of 34.5 KMPL which is pretty good for everyday use. However, on highways and level roads it can achieve a mileage of about 40 KMPL. It gives a similar mileage as its older siblings. 

Is the KTM 125 Duke good value for money? 

This bike is priced at Rs 176,000 and at this price one can expect a dual-channel ABS and this is unfortunately missing in this bike. But this bike is well equipped and looks pretty good but also significantly heavier and costlier than the previous models. However, this hike is expected and justified due to its upgrade to BS6 and the major changes given to it. In fact, it costs more than the powerful 200 cc bikes offered by the other brands. It is however a good choice if one just wants to own a KTM bike without bothering about its manic performance. 

How is the after sales service? 

KTM news to extend its network of service hubs across the country. It offers the first three services for free for the KTM 125 Duke. The first one can be availed after 1 month since the purchase date or 1000 km, the second one after 5 months or 8500 km, and the third one after 9 months or 16000 km. The following services are chargeable. The service and maintenance charges are pretty high. 

Which motorbikes compete in this segment? 

The popular comparisons of KTM 125 Duke in this category are the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Revolt RV 400, Yamaha R 15 S and Bajaj Pulsar NS160. 

Verdict (Value for money)

Although the KTM 125 Duke is good for commuting through city traffic every day, this bike is more expensive than some of the 200 cc bikes by other brands. This bike also lacks the expected performance of KTM. From this standpoint, this bike is not a good value for money.