KTM 125 Duke [2021] vs Hero Xtreme 160R

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.

Just like every other BikeWale Trackday, the 2021 edition has a theme. For this year, we decided to include motorcycles that impressed us with their performance on the streets. And after having the Hero Xtreme 160R as our long-termer for three months and being blown away by what it had to offer, it was obvious for us to have it for this year’s trackday. 

Welcome to the 2021 edition of BikeWale TrackDay. The global pandemic made life hard for everyone but it didn’t break our spirits, just like it didn’t break yours. But nevertheless, things are getting better for good and that meant, we could get back riding and testing bikes. And thankfully, we managed to get access to a race track to celebrate some interesting motorcycles.

How does the 2021 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V fare against one of our favourite 160cc motorcycles, the Hero Xtreme 160 R? We rode both motorcycles in the city and out on the highway to rate them on our tried and tested pointing system to find out the answers.