Yamaha recently updated its smallest MT offering, the MT125, for the European markets. The motorcycle received a few enticing updates for 2023 which make it one of the most loaded bikes in its class. Although its India arrival is still not confirmed, we pitch it against its closest rival, the KTM 125 Duke, for our curious readers.
Design
The design of both these bikes shouts modernity and aggression. The 125 Duke shares most of its bodywork with its bigger siblings and looks big and fancy for its displacement. And it looks slightly sharper than the MT with angular tank extensions and tail. The MT125, meanwhile, looks radical with its robotic-style headlamp. Although it’s extremely compact with minimalistic bodywork, its overall stance look attention-seeking.
Features
This is where the MT125 takes the lead by a huge margin. For 2023, Yamaha has equipped the motorcycle with a colour TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity. What’s more, it also gets a traction control system now which is a rarity in this segment. Even the lighting system is full-LED at the front and back. While the 125 Duke gets a data-extensive LCD dash, it is deprived of other goodies like Bluetooth, an LED headlamp, and traction control.
Engine
In terms of power and torque output numbers, both bikes are closely similar. With its 125cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, the MT125 churns out 15bhp and 11.5Nm of torque. Similarly, the Duke also gets liquid-cooling and makes 14.3bhp and 12Nm. The transmission setup too comprises a common six-speed gearbox. Where the MT outshines the Duke is in terms of kerb weight as the former is around 17kg lighter, thereby boasting a better power-to-weight ratio.
Hardware
Just like the engine specifications, most of the cycle parts are almost identical in these contenders. The package incorporates 17-inch alloy wheels, upside-down forks up front, a monoshock at the rear, and a single disc at both ends with dual-channel ABS. The chassis is different though. While the MT125 is based on the Deltabox frame, the Duke is underpinned by a steel trellis frame both of which are known to facilitate the bikes with agile handling.
Pricing
The KTM 125 Duke is the most expensive 125cc motorcycle in India with a price tag of Rs 1.78 lakh (ex-showroom). Considering the prices of the R15 V4 and the MT 15, even the Yamaha MT125 will be on the premium side of the pricing spectrum if it ever comes to India.
