KTM 125 Duke 2021 vs. Yamaha MT-125 2018

KTM 125 Duke 2021

KTM 125 Duke 2021

Yamaha MT-125 2018

Yamaha MT-125 2018

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Overview - KTM 125 Duke 2021 vs Yamaha MT-125 2018

The KTM 125 Duke 2021 and the Yamaha MT-125 2018 are both popular naked bikes in the 125cc segment. While they have some similarities in terms of engine power, torque, cooling system, and single disk front brakes, there are also notable differences in their technical specifications and overall performance.

Starting with the engine, both bikes have a single-cylinder engine with a power output of 15 horsepower. However, the KTM 125 Duke has a slightly lower torque of 12 Nm compared to the Yamaha MT-125's 12.4 Nm. In terms of displacement, the KTM has a slightly larger engine with 125cc, while the Yamaha has a displacement of 124.7cc.

Moving on to the suspension and chassis, the KTM 125 Duke 2021 features an Upside-Down telescopic fork front suspension, which provides better stability and handling compared to the telescopic fork suspension of the Yamaha MT-125 2018. Additionally, the KTM has a chromium-molybdenum frame, which is known for its strength and durability, while the Yamaha has a steel frame with a Deltabox design.

KTM 125 Duke 2021

KTM 125 Duke 2021

In terms of braking, both bikes have single disk front brakes, but the KTM 125 Duke is praised for its top brakes, which provide excellent stopping power and control. The Yamaha MT-125, on the other hand, has a brake system that is considered to be good but not exceptional.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, the KTM 125 Duke has a slightly wider front tire width of 110mm compared to the Yamaha MT-125's 100mm. Both bikes have 17-inch front and rear tire diameters, but the KTM has a wider rear tire width of 150mm compared to the Yamaha's 130mm. The wheelbase of the KTM is also slightly longer at 1367mm, while the Yamaha has a wheelbase of 1355mm. In terms of seat height, the KTM has a higher seat height of 830mm compared to the Yamaha's 810mm. The KTM also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 13.4 liters, while the Yamaha has a capacity of 11.5 liters.

Yamaha MT-125 2018

Yamaha MT-125 2018

In terms of strengths, the KTM 125 Duke 2021 is praised for its lively engine, super-agile handling, mature chassis, top brakes, sharp TFT display, and optional connectivity features. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-125 2018 is known for its powerful engine, adult geometry, stable handling, and suitability for taller riders.

However, both bikes also have their weaknesses. The KTM 125 Duke's optics may not appeal to everyone's taste, and it is considered to be relatively expensive for a 125cc bike. The Yamaha MT-125, on the other hand, is criticized for its outdated look and brake system.

Overall, the KTM 125 Duke 2021 and the Yamaha MT-125 2018 are both solid choices in the 125cc naked bike segment. The KTM offers a more modern and advanced package with its superior suspension, chassis, and braking system, while the Yamaha provides a powerful engine and a comfortable riding position for taller riders. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 125 Duke 2021 compared to Yamaha MT-125 2018

KTM 125 Duke 2021
Yamaha MT-125 2018

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore58 mmBore52 mm
StrokeStroke47.2 mmStroke58.6 mm
Engine powerEngine power15 HPEngine power15 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque12 NmTorque12.4 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,500 rpmRpm at Torque8,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.8 Compression Ratio11.2
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders1Cylinders1
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement125 ccmDisplacement124.7 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeDeltabox

Brakes Front

TypeTypeSingle diskTypeSingle disk

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width110 mmFront tyre width100 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height80 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width130 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,367 mmWheelbase1,355 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height830 mmSeat Height810 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity13.4 lFuel Tank Capacity11.5 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyA1License compliancyA1

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 125 Duke 2021

KTM 125 Duke 2021

Even in the Euro 5 version, the KTM Duke 125 is the motorbike to beat in the A1 class. Superior equipment, potent engine, good chassis, great display and fun Supermoto mode make not only the heart of 16-year-olds beat faster. The looks polarise, but let the observer clearly recognise the smallest Duke as such. The Duke 125 is not cheap, but it is worth the price.

lively engine

super-agile handling

Supermoto mode as standard

mature chassis

top brakes

sharp TFT display

connectivity (optional)

Optics not to everyone's taste

price high for a 125cc bike

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

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

There are a few key differences between a KTM 125 Duke 2021 and a Yamaha MT-125 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 125 Duke 2021 is about 16% higher. A KTM 125 Duke 2021 experiences a loss of 130 USD in one year and 600 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 320 USD and 600 USD for a Yamaha MT-125 2018. Compared to Yamaha MT-125 2018 there are more KTM 125 Duke 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 25 compared to 6. It takes less time to sell a KTM 125 Duke with 63 days compared to 74 days for a Yamaha MT-125. Since model year 2011 1000PS.de editors have written 28 reviews for the KTM 125 Duke and 18 reviews for the Yamaha MT-125 since model year 2014. The first review for the KTM 125 Duke was published on 5/1/2011 and now has more than 10,600 views. This compares to more than 48,700 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-125 published on 5/15/2014.

Price KTM 125 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-125

Model year
Current average market prices

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