2021 Suzuki GSX-S125 vs KTM 125 Duke: Photo Comparison

Here’s how the just-updated baby Gixxer fares when pitted against the popular baby Duke

Suzuki’s smallest naked streetfighter, the GSX-S125, is finally Euro 5-compliant. But to be anywhere near successful in this category, it must take on the popular and trusted KTM 125 Duke. Wondering whether the GSX-S125 can do so? Well, here’s a photo comparison between the two for a fair bit of idea:

Both bikes get a premium design language and look like 200-300cc bikes, not 125s.

Up front, the Suzuki GSX-S125 gets a wide LED headlight, while the KTM 125 Duke packs a halogen unit. The latter does look more radical than the former, though.

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Both bikes get an 11-litre fuel tank with muscular tank extensions. Here, however, the Suzuki looks more premium, thanks to its bigger, body-coloured belly pan.

Towards the rear, again, the Suzuki GSX-S125 looks sportier as it has a more prominent, superbike-like split-seat setup.

Further, the Suzuki GSX-S125 is offered in three colours, while the 125 Duke comes in two shades. We find the former’s colour options more likable.

Both bikes feature ABS, disc brakes at both ends, and an LCD instrument cluster. The GSX-S125 gets an LED headlight but misses out on LED indicators, which the KTM gets. Bear in mind, though, the UK-spec 125 Duke comes with a TFT instrument cluster and an LED headlight, which should give it an edge over the GSX-S125.

The KTM 125 Duke is sprung on a more premium 43mm USD fork, while the Suzuki gets a conventional telescopic fork up front.

There’s nothing to separate these two in terms of engine. Both employ a 125cc single-cylinder motor that puts out 15PS and around 12Nm. However, the Suzuki GSX-S125 weighs just 133kg (kerb), which is a substantial 9kg lighter than the Duke’s dry weight. This means a better power-to-weight ratio for the Gixxer, ultimately meaning better performance.

And to further strengthen its case, the Suzuki GSX-S125 has a 37mm lower seat height and 10mm higher ground clearance than the KTM 125 Duke.

So, all in all, the GSX-S125 is more than capable of dethroning the KTM 125 Duke. And we sure hope Suzuki brings the baby Gixxer to India soon.