KTM 125 Duke [2021] vs KTM 250 Duke [2021]

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.

The KTM Duke range has always been a hacksaw in a world of kitchen knives. The 200 Duke and 390 Duke redefined our perception of performance and lightness. They stood apart from the herd of commuter bikes, and ushered in a new reality for enthusiasts. However, while a hacksaw would get the job done in a jiffy, it also means one would have to put up with its raw character. It has been four years since the 200 Duke came out, and KTM has been busy, in the meantime, trying to add finesse to the hacksaw. And here is the result - the new KTM 250 Duke.

It is the KTM 250 Duke – the new addition to the KTM lineup that sits between the 200 and the 390. It is built like a Duke 390 but gets a smaller motor and fewer things off the equipment list.