KTM 125 Duke is now available for INR 1.18 lakh in India, carrying differences that are more than just physical for the European and Indian model. The soul of the motorcycle is all-new for Europe, with Indian version getting a cost-effective structure based on the ABS version of Duke 200. The difference between both the models is clearly explained through the following points.
KTM 125 Duke India-Spec vs. Euro-Spec
1) Design: The Euro-spec KTM 125 Duke is inspired from 2018 KTM 390 Duke, using the same dual colored frame with updated sub-frame for better handling than the older model. The headlight is sharp and tank shrouds are even sharper, resulting in a typical liter-class design.
The India-spec version comes with iconic fiber-based fuel tank, basic frame and Orange wheels. It is similar to Duke 200 in terms of overall design and style. The euro-spec model comes with a side-mounted exhaust like the new model of 390 Duke while the India-spec model has an underbelly exhaust system.
2) LED Headlight: Euro-spec 125 Duke comes with full LED headlight, shared with none other than 390 Duke. India-spec model comes with a halogen headlight that has considerable amount of fairing in comparison to the international model. The illumination is highly improved with the new headlight but resulting cost increase was avoided in India for the most affordable Duke model of all time.
3) Ride-by-Wire & Tyres: The feature may sound useless until the brand adds traction control and other electronic features to the package but, Euro-spec model comes with a chance of adding comfort enhancing features in the future. The Indian version is available with just fuel injection and liquid cooling. Ride-by-wire can also help adding cruise control to the package. The Euro-spec 125 Duke is equipped with Metzeler tyres while the Indian model has MRF tyres like the Duke 200 and Duke 250.
4) Steel Fuel Tank: Apart from other visual differences, the Euro-spec motorcycle comes with a steel fuel tank with 13.4-liter capacity. It improves the overall range by 100 kilometers. Also, rider preferring long distance rides can use magnetic tank bags for the European model. The shrouds suit the character of this steel fuel tank with raised upper end and added aerodynamics. The India-spec model comes with a 10.2-liter fuel tank.
5) Ground Clearance & Dry Weight: The higher seat height (830mm) of the international model is suitable for the average height of European riders. The high seat brings more ground clearance (185mm) for the international model, making it better in terms of overall usage.
The sitting position is more aggressive and ride controls are improved on the international version. The India-spec model has 818mm of seat height and 175mm of ground clearance. The euro-spec 125 Duke is also lighter at 137kg in comparison to the India-spec model which weighs 141kg (dry weight).
6) Instrument Console: The Euro-spec model is available with flat TFT screen that comes with automatic brightness control, ‘KTM My Ride’ and day/night mode. It also supports smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth. The Indian version of KTM 125 Duke is equipped with the aging standard digital display with red back-lit pattern.
7) Price: KTM 125 Duke was recently launched in India with an introductory ex-showroom price tag of INR 1.18 lakh. It is cheaper by INR 42,000 in comparison to the ABS model of 200 Duke priced at INR 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Euro-spec model of 125 Duke is priced at £4,099 (INR 3.73 lakh), it is cheaper by £600 (INR 54,500) in comparison to the new model of 390 Duke, which is priced at £4,699 (INR 4.27 lakh) in Europe.
The 390 Duke is priced at INR 2.44 lakh in India, and if KTM would have launched the Euro-spec model of 125 Duke in India, the ex-showroom price would have been somewhere around INR 2.10 lakh. This is the reason why KTM made an India-specific model of 125 Duke based on the 200 Duke.