KTM 125 Duke: Same Price, Other Options

With its price now hiked, the list of alternatives to the 125 Duke has also seen a change

When KTM launched the 125 Duke back in November 2018 at Rs 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), we had brought you a list of other bikes in the same ballpark. However, as KTM had mentioned the price was introductory, over the course of a few months, the Austrian brand steadily increased the price of the motorcycle bringing it to Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) now. And that brings in quite a few new alternatives to the picture:

Bajaj Pulsar RS200 (Rs 1.39 lakh):

The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is the brand’s flagship Pulsar model and gets a properly aggressive design, with projector headlamps, LED tail lamp and indicators. Even though it’s a faired bike, the ergonomics are relatively relaxed, thanks to the raised clip-ons. 

Powering this motorcycle is a 199.5cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which churns out 24.5PS and 18.6Nm, working alongside a 6-speed transmission. That’s a whole 10PS and 6.6Nm more than the 125 Duke for just a premium of Rs 9,000. Just like the KTM 125 Duke, this motorcycle also gets a single-channel ABS.

Yamaha MT-15 (Rs 1.36 lakh):

The Yamaha MT-15 is essentially the naked version of the famed YZF-R15 Version 3.0. Just like its faired sibling, the MT-15 also comes with the Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology which helps in maintaining a balance between the low-end grunt and top-end power. However, the MT-15 has a tuned ECU and a slightly larger sprocket than the one in the R15 for better acceleration. The wide handlebars and the upright riding position make it easy to ride in traffic too. 

The motorcycle makes 19.3PS and 14.7Nm from the 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor. It comes with a slip and assist clutch too. This helps in reducing the clutch lever effort and also prevents the rear wheel from locking up during hard downshifts. If you’re in the market for a tech-laden 150cc performance bike with forgiving ergonomics, the MT-15 is a sound choice over the KTM 125 Duke.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 ES (Rs 1.33 lakh):

This motorcycle caters to an entirely different genre compared to the KTM 125 Duke. The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 ES is for those who like the idea of a laidback, old-school motorcycle with a timeless design. While the baby Duke is filled to the brim with premium components, the Bullet 350 is relatively barebones. 

The instrument cluster is analogue and the engine is a traditional air-cooled, carburetted unit. The 346cc powerplant is mated to a 5-speed transmission and generates 20.07PS of power and 28Nm of torque. The motorcycle offers healthy low-end torque, but the engine isn’t exactly refined at high speeds, so it’s best to stay under 80kmph on the highways. Its comfortable seat and ergonomics are perfect for long-distance touring. Moreover, Royal Enfield also offers a range of accessories like windshields, panniers and the likes to enhance its touring potential.

Yamaha FZ25 (Rs 1.33 lakh):

The Yamaha FZ25 comes with a 249cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine with oil cooling. At 20.9PS and 20Nm, the FZ25 is more powerful than the KTM 125 Duke by 6.4PS and 8Nm. The engine offers very good mid-range performance, making it ideal for city riding. However, out on the highway, the bike’s 5-speed transmission leaves you craving for an extra gear which would have made for relatively stress-free cruising. 

In terms of styling, the FZ25’s bodywork certainly looks more muscular with the beefy tank extensions and a stubby exhaust. Even though the bike features an LED headlamp, its intensity isn’t what you’d expect of one. In terms of safety, Yamaha offers a dual-channel ABS in the FZ25, making it the only bike in this list to get a dual-channel unit.

All prices are ex-showroom Delhi.