2021 Aprilia Tuono 125 vs KTM 125 Duke: Photo Comparison

We compare the  top-of-the-line 125cc nakeds through detailed images

The performance-oriented 125cc naked segment is still nascent in the country, with our only option being the KTM 125 Duke. Foreign markets, however, enjoy a variety of these starter motorcycles, including the 2021 Aprilia Tuono 125. Though the Italian pony is a far-fetched dream for Indian enthusiasts, it is still interesting to see how it fares against the baby Duke:

The Tuono 125 as well as the 125 Duke take design inspiration from the bigger bikes in their respective lineups. While the Tuono’s minimal panels and puny proportions makes it easily identifiable as a 125cc bike, the 125 Duke can sneakily pass as the 2021 KTM 200 Duke.

Aprilia has retained its iconic three part headlight unit, however, it is now much sleeker. Replacing the halogen unit is the new LED setup, complete with LED DRL. The baby Duke, on the other hand, still relies on the old-school halogen bulb unlike the Europe-spec model which gets an LED headlight.

Both the bikes run an LCD instrument console with a bunch of information. However, unlike the decade-old unit from KTM, Aprilia’s console looks thoroughly modern and comes with bluetooth connectivity and even an option to switch between white and blue backlights.

Aprilia and KTM have equipped the bikes with thoroughly modern engines. However, while the 125 Duke produces 14.3PS and 12Nm, the Aprilia produces 15.2PS and 11.2Nm. Both come with 6-speed gearboxes, however, the Italian bike gets an electronic quickshifter as an option.

The Aprilia Tuono 125 rides on a 40mm USD fork and a monoshock, while the KTM 125 Duke gets a 43mm WP USD fork and a monoshock.

Both the bikes come with similar braking setup. While the Aprilia gets a 300mm disc at the front (same as the 125 Duke), it gets a smaller 218mm disc at the rear, against the KTM’s 230mm rear disc. Both bikes get ABS as standard, however, the India-spec 125 Duke gets single-channel ABS, rather than a dual-channel unit like the Tuono 125.

The Aprilia Tuono boasts of a 14.5-litre fuel tank, the largest in the segment. The baby KTM, on the other hand, gets a smaller tank with a capacity of 13.5 litres.