KTM 125 Duke vs. Yamaha R15 V3.0 - Price, features & spec comparison

KTM India launched its smallest, most affordable and least powerful offering in the country, the KTM 125 Duke which will start arriving at dealer yards from later this week. Priced at INR 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), it doesn't have any direct competition. However, the nearest rival to the KTM 125 Duke is the Yamaha R15 V3.0. Here's a detailed spec level comparison between the two bikes.

The KTM 125 Duke and the Yamaha R15 V3.0 aren't direct rivals but are from the same price segment.

Before we start, let me give you a disclaimer that both the bikes are as different as chalk and cheese. While the KTM 125 Duke is an entry-level naked streetfighter in the performance segment, the Yamaha R15 V3.0 is a beginner' Sportsbike. They compete in the same price bracket, offer comparatively identical features, and produce different but not vastly different outputs.

The sportsbike design is the biggest USP of the Yamaha R15 V3.0. On the other hand, the KTM 125 Duke is the most feature-rich offering in its segment. As compared to the R15 V3.0, the KTM Duke features a single-channel ABS and upside-down front forks, although, the R15 V3.0 is the one with LED headlight.

The Yamaha R15 MotoGP Edition (pictured) costs INR 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). R15's prices are bound to increase when the mandatory ABS rule sets in next April.

Both the bikes feature a digital instrument cluster, disc brakes at the front and back, cast aluminium swingarm and a racing chassis. The KTM 125 Duke features wider MRF Revz radial tyres. However, the Yamaha R15 V3.0 gets an optional H-rated Metzeler rear tyre.

The KTM 125 Duke employs a 124.7cc, single-cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine that pairs to a six-speed transmission. The fuel injected motor churns out 15 PS (11 kW) of maximum power at 9,000 rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm.

Specifications	KTM 125 Duke ABS	Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0
Engine	124.7cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine	155 cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected SOHC engine with VVA technology
Maximum Power	15 PS (11 kW) at 9,250 rpm	19.3 PS at 10,000 rpm
Peak Torque	12 Nm at 8,000 rpm	15 Nm at 8,500 rpm
Transmission	6-speed constant mesh	6-speed with assist and slipper clutch
Front Suspension	43 mm WP Upside-down forks	41 mm telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	WP mono-shock, adjustable	Link-type mono-shock , adjustable
Front Brake	300 mm disc with single-channel ABS	282 mm disc
Rear Brake	230 mm disc	220 mm disc
Kerb Weight	137 kg (Dry weight)	139 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	10.2 litres	11 litres
Ground Clearance	165 mm	170 mm
Front Wheel	MRF Revz FC1 110/70 R17 (Tubeless, Radial)	MRF Nylogrip Zapper-FX1 100/80-17M/C 52P (Tubeless)
Rear Wheel	MRF Revz C1 150/60 R17 (Tubeless, Radial)	MRF/Nylogrip Zapper-S 140/70-17M/C 66H (Tubeless)
Price, ex-showroom, Delhi	INR 1.18 lakh	INR 1,30,000 (MotoGP)

On the other hand, the Yamaha R15 V3.0 is from a segment above, and use a 155 cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-valve motor that features fuel injection and liquid cooling. The variable valve actuated engine develops 19.1 PS of maximum power at 10,000 rpm and 14.8 Nm of peak torque at 9,000 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox along with a standard slipper clutch.

The KTM 125 Duke features the same styling as the 200 Duke. It features a single-channel ABS unit.

Also Read: KTM 200 Duke ABS launched in India at INR 1.60 lakh

The Yamaha R15 V3.0 is available in two variants - Base & MotoGP, priced at INR 1.27 lakh and INR 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), respectively. It doesn't get ABS even as an option. The KTM 125 Duke features standard single-channel ABS and is priced at INR 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).