The Austrian two-wheeler manufacturer in a joint venture (JV) with a Chakan-based two-wheeler manufacturer, Bajaj, produces KTM bikes in their Chakan factory.
These two bikes are entry-level offerings in KTM’s portfolio but they belong to different families. The RC family has a design of a racing bike, while the Duke family has a design of a naked bike. The 125cc is an entry-level offering in both series.
Besides that, both bikes are powered by the same 125cc engine with identical tuning. However, they might offer different riding experiences, thanks to the size and shape of these two bikes.
So, let’s see how these two offerings from the KTM family go against each other in terms of features and specifications.
Features
For starters, it is worth mentioning that these two bikes are equally loaded in terms of features. Given the Duke 125 price, which is comparatively on the lower side, offers loads of offerings. At the same time, the KTM RC 125 is also equally feature-loaded.
Both the 125cc bikes are equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster, which digitally displays relevant readings, such as speed, RPM, fuel level, distance made, and so on. Moreover, it packs a side-stand alarm, a gear shift light, a killswitch, a low fuel indicator, a low battery indicator, and a digital clock.
Apart from that, the KTM Duke 125 also boasts LED daytime running lights (DRLs), alongside automatic headlights as well as a passing light. Further, for lighting, it has a halogen headlight, LED brake and taillight, and LED indicator lights.
It also boasts an electric start-type as standard. Moreover, this bike offers a pillion seat with a pillion grabrail and footrests.
These offerings, however, can be found in the KTM RC 125. The owners of this 125cc naked bike will most probably see the KTM Duke 125 price justified.
So, these are the offerings of the KTM Duke 125. You can, however, compare bikes on the autoX website.
Specifications
Before going to the figures, let’s talk about the frame type used in making these two bikes. As for the KTM Duke 125, the Austrian two-wheeler manufacturer incorporated a split-trellis frame (tubular), which is rugged yet agile. On the other hand, the KTM RC 125 is also structured on a steel trellis frame but powder-coated for added mechanical benefit.
However, both frames are rugged yet agile that offer a stellar riding experience.
Now, as far as the figures are concerned, the 125cc iteration of the KTM Duke and the KTM RC has the same engine with the same output. Getting into further details, both are powered by a 124.7cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, which is tuned to churn out 14.34 bhp at 9250 rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque at 8000 rpm.
Both bikes draw power from a standard six-speed manual transmission.
Apart from that, the KTM RC 125 boasts a top speed of 120 km/h, while the Duke 125 has a top speed of 112 km/h. If you want a real performance-like riding experience, the RC 125 is the pick. Check out the location-based RC 125 price here.
Moreover, both have a nearly identical fuel tank capacity, rated at 13.7 litres for the RC 125 and 13.4 litres for the Duke 125.
Both are OBD-2-compliant vehicles.
In terms of fuel efficiencies, the Duke 125 has a mileage of 40 km/l, while the RC 125 returns a mileage of 37 km/l. It is worth noting that these are real-world mileage figures. It is based on the feedback from the owners of these two bikes.
Keeping their performances aside, let’s now jump to the other mechanical specifications. The 2023 KTM Duke 125 stands on WP USD forks at the front and a ten-step adjustable WP monoshock suspension at the rear. On the flip side, the KTM RC 125 has a WP Apex suspension at the front and a WP Apex suspension at the rear. For added safety, the RC 125 boasts a switchable ABS, while the Duke 125 is equipped with a single-channel ABS.
These bikes can easily sail through the undulations and the bumps from potholes with ease. However, it is worth mentioning that KTM bikes are mostly engineered with a performance approach. That said, you can expect a slightly stiff ride at certain points. You can check out the review of the KTM Duke 125 review here.
Further, the braking duties are taken care of by dual disc brakes. The size of the front disc brake is different on these two bikes, while the size of the rear disc brake is identical. The rear disc brake measures 230mm, while the front disc brake measures 320mm and 300mm on the RC 125 and Duke 125, respectively.
The brakes of these two bikes can be seen through their 17-inch alloy wheels. That said, both bikes have the same tyre profile at the front and rear. The front has a tyre profile of 110/70 R17, while the rear has a tyre profile of 150/60 R17.
Prices and Variants
Both bikes are offered only in one variant, the standard (STD). The KTM RC 125 price is Rs 1.90 lakh, while the KTM Duke 125 price is Rs 1.79 lakh. All are ex-showroom prices in Delhi, as of July 2023. Please note that these prices are subject to change without any prior notice to the customer. You can, however, visit the autoX website to access the latest location-based price list for your dream vehicle. For more, visit our website or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. So, stay tuned!
