If you have been wanting a smaller capacity KTM bike, your prayers have been answered. KTM has launched the 125 Duke at an introductory price of Rs 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The entry level KTM will soon be available in all its 450 outlets across the country.
The 125 Duke will also be equipped with a single channel ABS, becoming the first 125cc bike with the safety feature, in line with the government’s mandate on ABS and CBS for two wheelers. From April 2019, ABS (for all bikes above 125cc) and CBS (for all bikes below 125cc) are mandatory.
Styling is in line with its 200cc sibling, with only the graphics distinguishing it from the 200 Duke. The 125 Duke gets underbelly exhaust unit and USD forks. The 125 Duke gets the same trellis frame and aluminium swingarm like the 200 Duke. Powering the 125 Duke is a liquid cooled 124.7cc heart, which is a bored out version of the 199.5cc engine doing the duty in the 200 Duke. The 124.7cc engine develops 14.3bhp and 12Nm of peak twist. The engine is matched to a 6-speed gearbox.
On the launch of the 125 Duke, Amit Nandi, president (Probiking) at Bajaj Auto Ltd. said, “KTMs are always about high performance, edgy design and a thrilling ride. The 125 Duke will be the new stepping stone into the KTM brand for riders starting out in the world of racing.”
The 125cc Duke is the most powerful 125cc bike in the country and there are no rivals to it in the 125cc segment. However, there are rivals in the 150cc segment like the Honda CB Hornet 160 R and the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 to match its power.