KTM 125 Duke [2021] vs KTM RC 125 [2020]

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.

KTM introduced the 125 Duke in India late last year and it was evident that its fully-faired, ‘Race Competition’ variant would follow soon. Well, here it is then, the KTM RC 125 in flesh. And while it was being manufactured in India for a while, the company initially decided to limit its sales only to the international markets. So why is the RC 125 here now? To figure out an answer to that question, we rode the RC 125 around KTM’s testing track because, after all, an ‘RC’ belongs on the race track, isn’t it?