KTM 125 Duke [2021] vs Yamaha FZ S FI

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.

While the Apache was touted to follow the bloodline of its racing pedigree and the innovation that TVS was famous for, the FZ was acclaimed as the ‘Lord of the Streets’, offering refinement, quality and handling from the Japanese two-wheeler giant.

It all started with the FZ-16 that was introduced in India back in 2008. It was the bike all the young guns wanted. Fast forward to 2019 and here you have the FZ-S V3 which, as the insightful lot of you might have guessed right, is the third generation of the FZ-16. How much has changed over the years? Is it still…the ‘Lord of the Streets’?