KTM India launched its smallest, most affordable and least powerful offering in the country, the KTM 125 Duke which will start arriving at dealer yards from later this week. Priced at INR 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), it doesn't have any direct competition. However, the nearest rival to the KTM 125 Duke is the Yamaha R15 V3.0. Here's a detailed spec level comparison between the two bikes.
Before we start, let me give you a disclaimer that both the bikes are as different as chalk and cheese. While the KTM 125 Duke is an entry-level naked streetfighter in the performance segment, the Yamaha R15 V3.0 is a beginner' Sportsbike. They compete in the same price bracket, offer comparatively identical features, and produce different but not vastly different outputs.
The sportsbike design is the biggest USP of the Yamaha R15 V3.0. On the other hand, the KTM 125 Duke is the most feature-rich offering in its segment. As compared to the R15 V3.0, the KTM Duke features a single-channel ABS and upside-down front forks, although, the R15 V3.0 is the one with LED headlight.
Both the bikes feature a digital instrument cluster, disc brakes at the front and back, cast aluminium swingarm and a racing chassis. The KTM 125 Duke features wider MRF Revz radial tyres. However, the Yamaha R15 V3.0 gets an optional H-rated Metzeler rear tyre.
The KTM 125 Duke employs a 124.7cc, single-cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine that pairs to a six-speed transmission. The fuel injected motor churns out 15 PS (11 kW) of maximum power at 9,000 rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm.
| Specifications | KTM 125 Duke ABS | Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 |
| Engine | 124.7cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine | 155 cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected SOHC engine with VVA technology |
| Maximum Power | 15 PS (11 kW) at 9,250 rpm | 19.3 PS at 10,000 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 12 Nm at 8,000 rpm | 15 Nm at 8,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed constant mesh | 6-speed with assist and slipper clutch |
| Front Suspension | 43 mm WP Upside-down forks | 41 mm telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | WP mono-shock, adjustable | Link-type mono-shock , adjustable |
| Front Brake | 300 mm disc with single-channel ABS | 282 mm disc |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm disc | 220 mm disc |
| Kerb Weight | 137 kg (Dry weight) | 139 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.2 litres | 11 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 170 mm |
| Front Wheel | MRF Revz FC1 110/70 R17 (Tubeless, Radial) | MRF Nylogrip Zapper-FX1 100/80-17M/C 52P (Tubeless) |
| Rear Wheel | MRF Revz C1 150/60 R17 (Tubeless, Radial) | MRF/Nylogrip Zapper-S 140/70-17M/C 66H (Tubeless) |
| Price, ex-showroom, Delhi | INR 1.18 lakh | INR 1,30,000 (MotoGP) |
On the other hand, the Yamaha R15 V3.0 is from a segment above, and use a 155 cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-valve motor that features fuel injection and liquid cooling. The variable valve actuated engine develops 19.1 PS of maximum power at 10,000 rpm and 14.8 Nm of peak torque at 9,000 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox along with a standard slipper clutch.
Also Read: KTM 200 Duke ABS launched in India at INR 1.60 lakh
The Yamaha R15 V3.0 is available in two variants - Base & MotoGP, priced at INR 1.27 lakh and INR 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), respectively. It doesn't get ABS even as an option. The KTM 125 Duke features standard single-channel ABS and is priced at INR 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
