Yamaha MT-125 2018 vs. KTM 125 Duke 2017

Yamaha MT-125 2018

Yamaha MT-125 2018

KTM 125 Duke 2017

KTM 125 Duke 2017

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Overview - Yamaha MT-125 2018 vs KTM 125 Duke 2017

The Yamaha MT-125 2018 and the KTM 125 Duke 2017 are both popular naked bikes in the 125cc segment. While they have some similarities in terms of engine power, torque, and number of cylinders, there are also notable differences in their technical specifications.

In terms of engine power, both bikes have 15 horsepower, which is the maximum power output allowed for 125cc motorcycles. This ensures that both bikes are suitable for riders with a learner's permit or those who are restricted to riding smaller displacement motorcycles.

The Yamaha MT-125 2018 has a slightly higher torque of 12.4 Nm compared to the KTM 125 Duke 2017, which has 12 Nm of torque. This means that the Yamaha MT-125 2018 may provide slightly better acceleration and pulling power in low to mid-range speeds.

Yamaha MT-125 2018

Yamaha MT-125 2018

In terms of suspension, the Yamaha MT-125 2018 features a telescopic fork front suspension, while the KTM 125 Duke 2017 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension. The upside-down telescopic fork is generally considered to provide better handling and stability, especially during aggressive riding or cornering.

Both bikes have a single disk front brake, but the Yamaha MT-125 2018 is criticized for having a weaker brake compared to its competitors. On the other hand, the KTM 125 Duke 2017 is also mentioned to have a brake that is weaker than the competition. However, it is important to note that these weaknesses may vary depending on personal preferences and riding style.

KTM 125 Duke 2017

KTM 125 Duke 2017

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-125 2018 has a front tire width of 100 mm, while the KTM 125 Duke 2017 has a front tire width of 110 mm. This slight difference may affect the handling and stability of the bikes to some extent. The wheelbase of the Yamaha MT-125 2018 is 1355 mm, while the KTM 125 Duke 2017 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1367 mm. The seat height of the Yamaha MT-125 2018 is 810 mm, while the KTM 125 Duke 2017 has a slightly lower seat height of 800 mm. These differences in dimensions may affect the comfort and ergonomics for different riders.

Both bikes have a fuel tank capacity of around 11 liters, which is sufficient for daily commuting or short trips. However, it is worth noting that the Yamaha MT-125 2018 has been criticized for its outdated look, while the KTM 125 Duke 2017 is praised for its great looks and a TFT display, which provides a modern and stylish appearance.

In conclusion, the Yamaha MT-125 2018 and the KTM 125 Duke 2017 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Yamaha MT-125 2018 is known for its powerful engine, adult geometry, stable handling, and suitability for taller riders. On the other hand, the KTM 125 Duke 2017 is praised for its pull-through power, quick turn-in behavior, compact dimensions, ease of riding, great looks, and TFT display. However, both bikes have weaknesses in terms of their brakes, with the Yamaha MT-125 2018 having a weaker brake and the KTM 125 Duke 2017 being weaker than its competition. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-125 2018 compared to KTM 125 Duke 2017

Yamaha MT-125 2018
KTM 125 Duke 2017

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore52 mmBore58 mm
StrokeStroke58.6 mmStroke47.2 mm
Engine powerEngine power15 HPEngine power15 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,500 rpm
TorqueTorque12.4 NmTorque12 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque8,000 rpmRpm at Torque8,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.2 Compression Ratio12.6
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders1Cylinders1
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement124.7 ccmDisplacement125 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeDeltaboxFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

TypeTypeSingle diskTypeSingle disk

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width100 mmFront tyre width110 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height80 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width130 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,355 mmWheelbase1,367 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height810 mmSeat Height800 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity11.5 lFuel Tank Capacity11 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyA1License compliancyA1

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha MT-125 2018

Yamaha MT-125 2018

If you compare the Yamaha MT-125 with its 2018 rivals, it quickly becomes clear that it can no longer compete in terms of equipment and looks. However, underneath its dusty dress is an excellent naked bike that keeps the sporty aspect at the top level. The MT-125 is stable in the corner and offers enough punch out of the corner to outrun the competition. Its geometry is also very inviting and gives the feeling of being on a much more powerful naked bike. So the MT-125 has done it - even four years after its release, it is riding at the top of the A1 naked bike class.

powerful engine

adult geometry

stable handling

good for tall people

outdated look

brake

KTM 125 Duke 2017

KTM 125 Duke 2017

It's really fantastic how much equipment you can buy in the 125cc class these days. The KTM 125 Duke is not only convincing with plenty of power and quick turn-in behaviour, its appearance is also very classy. Thanks to the aggressive look and the ultra-modern TFT display, the 125 Duke looks like a shrunken 1290 Super Duke R. A whole lot of motorbike in a small package.

Pull-through

Quick turn-in behaviour

Compact dimensions

Very easy to ride

Great looks

TFT display

Brake weaker than the competition

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Yamaha MT-125 vs KTM 125 Duke

There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-125 2018 and a KTM 125 Duke 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 125 Duke 2017 is about 5% higher. A Yamaha MT-125 2018 experiences a loss of 320 USD in one year and 600 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 300 USD and 550 USD for a KTM 125 Duke 2017. Compared to KTM 125 Duke 2017 there are less Yamaha MT-125 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 6 compared to 11. It takes less time to sell a KTM 125 Duke with 64 days compared to 74 days for the Yamaha MT-125. Since model year 2014 1000PS.de editors have written 18 reviews for the Yamaha MT-125 and 28 reviews for the KTM 125 Duke since model year 2011. The first review for the Yamaha MT-125 was published on 5/15/2014 and now has more than 48,700 views. This compares to more than 10,600 views for the first review on KTM 125 Duke published on 5/1/2011.

Price Yamaha MT-125

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 125 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

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