KTM Duke 125 walk around & exhaust note: First owner in India [Video]

KTM recently launched the 125 cc version of their Duke model lineup in India. The bike has been priced at Rs. 1.18 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) and has its design inspired by the 200 Duke, unlike in the international markets where it is styled similar to 390 Duke.

That might have been done to keep the prices low but more importantly, to make sure that the 125 Duke does not become a sales threat to its bigger 200 cc sibling. There has been a lot of excitement around the bike lately, so here is a video, courtesy DV, which shows the bike in full along with the exhaust noise and some riding.

The 200 Duke is itself a looker so it’s natural for the 125 Duke to look cool too, as it’s a design copy of the former. It is unlike any other bike in the 125 cc segment, which is still largely a commuter friendly segment. The 125 Duke, though expensive, breathes in a fresh air into the territory. Talking about the design, it is almost visually the same as the 200 Duke, which is actually a good thing. There are three colour schemes on offer – orange, white, and black, though all three feature the same distinctive orange painted alloy wheels. The one seen in the video has been bought with the orange paint scheme.

Talking of the exhaust note, it still has that typical gargle Duke touch to it. However, being less on power reflects in the note and the note is not as much deep as its high powered siblings. However, you won’t mistake it for anything but a Duke, that’s for sure. The exhaust vent design is also the same as on the duke with the small outlet opening at the rear side body of the motorcycle.

The KTM 125 Duke gets powered by a liquid-cooled, 124.7 cc single cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts. It produces 14.3 Bhp of power at 9,250 rpm and 12 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. The engine comes paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The KTM 125 Duke features the signature Trellis frame chassis and an aluminium swingarm. Suspension duties are taken care of by 43 mm inverted forks up front and a mono shock with 10-step adjustment at the rear.

Coming to brakes, which are usually the shining aspect of KTM bikes, the KTM 125 Duke comes with a 300 mm disc up front and a 230 mm unit at the rear. The new 125 Duke runs on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 110/70 and 150/60 MRF REZ-FC tyres at the front and rear respectively. As already mentioned, the 125 Duke is quite expensive for being a 125 cc bike but comes with much more power and features than on many of the 150 cc bikes out there, including the Bajaj Pulsar 150.

As of now, the KTM Duke 125 has no direct competition. In price terms, motorcycles such as the Yamaha R15 and the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 ABS compete with this motorcycle. However, they are not street nakeds but are full faied sportsbikes with more aggressive riding positions. With the Duke 125, KTM may be hoping to create a new segment altogether.