The smaller engine commuter bikes in India tend to be the mainstay of most auto manufacturers in India. But it’s not a segment that invokes excitement in us when we consider it. The launch of KTM Duke 125 breathes performance into the segment and caters to a rider group that’s niche.
This bodes well with KTM’s strategy of being a one of a kind manufacturer with niche offerings in the 390cc and 200cc segment. For India, KTM hasn’t introduced an international-spec model that looks akin to KTM 390 Duke.
Here the 125 Duke borrows much from the 200 Duke in keeping prices in check. While similar in looks with 200 Duke in body, 125 Duke has its own graphics. Both bikes use the same digital instrument console, which is feature laden, something that even higher cc bike segments lack.
Power comes from a 124.7cc single-cylinder liquid cooled engine mated to 6-speed transmission to return max power output of 14.5 PS at 9500rpm and max torque of 12Nm at 8000rpm. While there will always be a group of buyers who will pay a premium for performance bikes, that appeal is lost in mass market requirements.
A segment that commands a price tag at around 75k, sees KTM Duke 125 available at a price of Rs 1.18L. The one positive is that this 125cc, quintessentially performs at part with 150-160cc bikes on offer in India.
Launch last month, KTM Duke 125 has registered sales of 457 units. Which is impressive enough as not many expected the entry level Duke to perform well, considering the high price tag. But, with the performance it offers, KTM seems to have struck the nail right on its head with the baby Duke.
