India-Spec KTM 125 Duke to be Based on 200 Duke; Official Launch Soon

KTM 125 Duke is almost ready for an official Indian entry, with buyers still confused for the features and design that will come along for 2019. The most affordable KTM bike for India, 125 Duke is said to support the 2016 Duke design lines with black frame and alloy wheels. Also, the maximum number of parts will stay similar to the current generation Duke 200. A recent report claims that the brand is preparing to offer single-channel ABS on their youngest model. The statement seems impractical at this moment as the selection of the 125cc engine segment was done to avoid the additional ABS cost.

As the government has ordered manufacturers to fit CBS in products under 125cc and ABS in those above this limit, the move of bringing KTM 125 Duke was expected as an excuse to start the range at an expected INR 1.25 lakh price tag. Adding ABS to the bike will raise the overall price by INR 12,000 for single-channel and INR 14,000 for the dual-channel unit. Even if they are willing to keep the Duke series loaded with safety, why sacrifice the rear ABS feature for an increase of INR 2,000 in total pricing? The question is still unanswered as the above statement is sourced from a KTM dealer.

If KTM enters the single-channel league, the same unit is expected to move into RC 200 and 250 Duke in the next four months. Most fans expect KTM to offer a dual-channel unit on all the bikes, even if they plan to skip ABS from the youngest version due to an attractive starting price. The use of dual-channel ABS on KTM 200 Duke will take the price to INR 1.66 lakh while RC 200 will then retail for INR 1.93 lakh. The quarter-liter Duke 250 may get a price tag of INR 1.95 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom (expected).