The 125 Duke and the RC 125 contribute as much as 40% to the total sales of KTM in India. The entry-level motorcycles, which were launched in November 2018 and June 2019 respectively, have made the Austrian two-wheeler brand more accessible.
Also Read: KTM India to focus on mid (200-390) segment over the next year
Speaking on the sidelines of the KTM 790 Duke's launch in India, Sumeet Narang, president (pro-biking) at Bajaj Auto, said:
The Duke 125 and RC 125 currently account for about 40% of our total sales. With differentiated products and expanding network, we will be able to significantly outpace the market.
KTM has grown at 44% CAGR in the Indian market since its inception in 2012. In fact, India has become the largest market for KTM in the world. KTM’s share in the supersport segment grew from 20% in FY19 Q2 to 34% in FY20 Q2 YTD. The company registered a 40% volume growth over the last year in our market.
The 125 twins have been clocking decent sales despite their respective price increases. The 125 Duke has received three price revisions since its launch in November last year, while the RC 125 has witnessed two hikes since June 2019. The 125 Duke, which was introduced at INR 1.18 lakh*, now retails at INR 1.32 lakh*. The RC 125 that was launched at INR 1.47 lakh* is now sold at 1.49 lakh*.
Do note that the premium price tag brings high-spec mechanical specifications to the motorcycles – some of which are a segment-first in the Indian market. The suspension setup, for example, features inverted forks at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the back. Braking department comprises disc brakes on both wheels as standard, while the safety net includes single-channel ABS.
Mechanical specifications are identical on both motorcycles. Thus, propelling tasks are performed by a BS-IV compliant 124.71 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, DOHC, fuel-injected motor that makes 15.2 PS of peak power at 9,250 rpm and a max torque of 12 Nm at 8,000 rpm. The engine is linked to a six-speed gearbox although it misses features such as an assist and slipper clutch – hardware that is seen on the closest rivals from Yamaha, the YZF-R15 V3.0 and the MT-15.
Also Read: KTM 790 Duke - Where and how you can buy one
Both motorcycles also share their underpinnings and are built around a steel trellis frame. The styling, however, is completely different. The track-focused RC 125 gets a sharper steering head angle, shorter trail and a shorter wheelbase than the 125 Duke. The full fairing design of the RC 125 aids the aerodynamics, and helps the motorcycle achieve higher top speed than its roadster sibling. The RC 125 delivered a top speed of 115 km/h at Bajaj’s track, while the 125 Duke managed to reach 109 km/h on the same stretch – speedometer indicated speed – with the same rider.
[Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com]
*Ex-showroom Delhi prices
