Compare the specifications of the 2023 Yamaha MT125 and the KTM 125 Duke

A new Yamaha MT125 model has been launched for the European market. With a few exciting updates for 2023, the motorcycle becomes one of the most loaded bikes in its class. For our curious readers, we pitch it against the KTM 125 Duke, despite its India arrival still being uncertain.

Yamaha MT125 V/s KTM 125 Duke: Design

It’s clear that both bikes are designed with modernity and aggression in mind. Most of the bodywork on the 125 Duke is shared with its bigger siblings, making it look big and fancy for its displacement. The angular extensions on the tank and tail make it look slightly more aggressive than the MT. Meanwhile, the MT125’s robotic-style headlamp makes it look radical. Despite its compact dimensions and minimalistic styling, the car has an attention-grabbing shape.

Yamaha MT125 V/s KTM 125 Duke: Features

It is here that the MT125 takes the lead by a huge margin. With the 2023 model, Yamaha has installed a colour TFT instrument cluster featuring Bluetooth compatibility. As an added bonus, it now comes with traction control, which isn’t common in this segment. Front and backlighting systems are full-LED. Despite the 125 Duke’s data-expansive LCD dash, Bluetooth, an LED headlamp, and traction control are absent.

Yamaha MT125 V/s KTM 125 Duke: Engine

There are many similarities between the two bikes when it comes to power and torque output numbers. MT125’s 125cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine makes 15 bhp and 11.5Nm of torque. In a similar category, the Duke makes 14.3 bhp and 12Nm with liquid cooling. Transmissions are equipped with six-speed gearboxes as well. As far as kerb weight is concerned, the MT is around 17kg lighter than the Duke, thereby offering a better power-to-weight ratio.

Also read: New Yamaha XMax 125 Updated overseas version

Yamaha MT125 V/s KTM 125 Duke: Hardware

In addition to the engine specifications, most of the cycle parts are identical among these contenders. In addition to 17-inch alloy wheels, upside-down forks up front, a mono-shock at the rear, and dual-channel ABS at both ends, the package include 17-inch alloy wheels as well. The chassis is different though. The MT125 is built upon a Deltabox frame, while the Duke is built on a steel trellis frame, both of which are known for facilitating agile handling.

Yamaha MT125 V/s KTM 125 Duke: Price

India’s most expensive 125cc motorcycle is the KTM 125 Duke, priced at Rs 1.78 lakh (ex-showroom).¸ It is likely that, if the Yamaha MT125 is ever launched in India, it will be priced higher than the R15 V4 and MT 15.