KTM 125 Duke [2021] vs Yamaha YZF R15 V3

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.

If you have read our launch ride and track-day stories, you must be aware of the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0’s superiority on the track. But what about the real world, where it will spend most of its life? How does the R15 perform as an everyday ride?

For the 2018 BikeWale Track Day, I wanted to get my elbow down on a Yamaha YZF-R1M at the Valencia track in Spain. But then I was reminded of our budgets and my capabilities by the wide chicken strips on my Apache. So we settled for the next best thing – a Yamaha YZF-R15 on the MMRT in Chennai. The YZF-R15 V3.0 shares its platform with the Yamaha M-Slaz, a streetfighter sold only in select global markets.

This is the YZF R15 V 3.0.