The KTM 125 Duke was launched in India on 26 November, and the company has shipped 457 units of the bike in about a week to dealers.
It is the case of the company shipping out display bikes to the 450-odd dealerships in India, but every unit that leaves the factory is a sale. A clear picture will emerge when data is available for December and January. On a side note, the KTM 200 Duke averages over 2,500 units per month, and the 125 Duke could find more takers.
The KTM 125 Duke retails at INR 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), with an on-road price of INR 1.38 lakh. The 125 Duke is not an average Joe in the 125cc class, as it comes equipped with best-in-class features, which are not seen even in segments above. We recently rode the KTM 125 Duke at Bajaj’s Chakan test track, and you can read our first ride impressions here.
The KTM Duke 125 features USD front forks, single-channel ABS, fully-digital speedometer and much more. Apart from the engine and the different graphics, the 125 Duke shares everything with the KTM 200 Duke. It uses the same trellis frame, rear WP mono-shock, cast-aluminium swingarm, wheels and tyres with the elder sibling.
The engine on the KTM 125 Duke is based on the same architecture as the 200 Duke but features shorter bore and stroke. The 124.7cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected DOHC 4-valve engine produces 11 kW (14.5 PS) of maximum power and 12 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. While the engine specs are nothing to boast about in KTM’s speak, they are quite impressive when compared to other bikes in the segment.
Also Read: KTM 125 Duke vs Yamaha R15 V3.0 - Price, features & spec comparison
While the KTM 125 Duke is definitely priced at a premium, its performance and features are new to the segment. The trellis frame offers the handling prowess, and the suspension supports it well. The 125 Duke doesn’t have direct competition; the Yamaha R15 V3, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Suzuki Gixxer are indirect rivals.
