KTM Duke 125 is the cheapest KTM bike to be launched in India and the costliest among all other 125 cc bikes on offer today in the country. It is targeted at people who may be looking at affordable performance oriented bikes.
125 Duke’s primary idea is to offer superior styling and performance and combine it with the practicality and usability of a standard commuter bike. Here’s a quick comparison between KTM Duke 125 with its bigger 200 cc sibling and the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 to understand which one would be most suitable for you. KTM Duke 125 vs 200 Duke vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 200.
Design and styling: KTM 125 Duke and KTM 200 Duke look almost the same and share the same features. Only exception is stickers used on both KTM bikes. Earlier, it was expected that 125 Duke will be based on 390 Duke, but the company chose to follow the styling of 200 Duke. Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 on the other hand, comes with a more muscular styling. Where the KTMs are much leaner, the Pulsar looks much more imposing.
This has primarily been done to keep the cost in check. This makes Indian-spec 125 Duke different from its International-spec that comes with high-end features such as all LED headlamps and TFT instrument console offering smartphone connectivity. Duke 200 and Duke 125 have the same instrument cluster, headlamps, seats, wheels, trellis frame and suspension system.
Engine specs: KTM Duke 125 gets its power from a 124.7cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC motor that delivers max power of 14.5 hp @ 9,250 rpm and max torque of 12 Nm @ 8,000 rpm. Engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
In comparison, KTM 200 Duke gets its power from a 199.5 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with fuel injection system that delivers 25 bhp @ 10,000 rpm and 19.20 Nm at 8,000 rpm. Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 too is powered by a 200 cc single cylinder engine, derived from the KTM 200 motor. It delivers slightly lesser power and torque.
Braking: Both KTMs have 300 mm front and 230 mm rear disk brakes. Both have single channel ABS, which makes 125 Duke the first 125 cc bike in India to get ABS. Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 has a 280 front disc and 230 mm rear disc. It also has single channel ABS.
Pricing: KTM 125 Duke sports a price tag of Rs. 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), whereas 200 Duke is available at Rs. 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 is the cheapest of them all, at Rs 1.12 lakh ex-sh.
Verdict – Which one should you buy? KTM 200 is the best selling KTM bike in India. It registers about 3,000 unit sales each month. It is not clear if there will be enough buyers for the KTM Duke 125, as in that price range you get many more options which are more value for money – like the Pulsar 200. But if it is the Duke styling that interests you, and budget is limited, then the KTM Duke 125 fits perfectly in your scheme of things.
This post was last modified on January 16, 2019 7:22 am