KTM 125 Duke [2021] vs Bajaj Pulsar RS 200

This is the KTM 125 Duke, the most affordable offering in the brand's global line-up. Launched in late-2018, the 125 went on to become one of the highest-selling motorcycles for KTM. And now, two years later, it has received a major cosmetic makeover to keep things fresh. So we spent a good number of hours in the 125 Duke's saddle to find out what kind of experience it delivers.

Offering the same looks as the 200 Duke with a smaller motor, KTM has ventured into the 125cc space with a performance-oriented motorcycle. With premium features and a price tag that crosses the one lakh mark for a 125cc bike, is the 125 Duke worth the price it demands?

It’s finally here. Ever since KTM entered the Indian market with the Duke 200, it got accepted quickly by motorcyclists on the lookout for a swift, nimble and potent machine that was ready to offer a rush of adrenaline when desired. The 200 Duke did well and it still does by making for a major chunk of the sales by KTM India. The Indian arm of the Austrian brand had been already manufacturing the 125 Duke alongside the 200 Duke. But, back then it was limited to only exports. You might think, why introduce it here now? Well, KTM feels now is the right time to do so.

I was excited when I got an email from Bajaj Motorcycles to test their new motorcycle, the Pulsar RS200, at their Chakan test track. And there were two reasons - the Pulsar RS200 and the Chakan track. Over the last couple of months, we have written quite a few articles on the Pulsar RS200 ranging from it being spied around Pune to its name changing from SS200 to RS200. Honestly, I don’t think we have written so many spy pictures story for any another bike like we have done for the Pulsar RS200. It was the most anticipated motorcycle from Bajaj because it was going to open the doors of the budget fully-faired entry-level performance motorcycles. With India’s ever growing young population, the Pulsar RS200 seems to have attracted lot of interest. We take the Pulsar RS200 for a spin at Bajaj’s test track to find out how far it will take the legacy of the Pulsar brand.