One of the most popular segments in the Indian market is the entry-level naked street-fighter class. The segment is highly versatile as it attracts buyers looking for a super-commuter as well as urban riding. In this technical specification comparison, we pin the Yamaha MT-15 with the KTM 125 Duke
Engine:
The Yamaha MT-15 is powered by a BS6 emission-compliant 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor with electronic fuel injection as well as VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) technology producing 18.3 BHP of power and 14.1 Nm of torque matched to a 6-speed gearbox with slipper assist clutch. Though the engine is based on the Yamaha YZF-R15 the brand has tweaked the MT-15 using street riding specific ECU. The KTM 125 Duke is powered by a 124.7cc, single-cylinder, 4-Valve, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC mill that produces 14.5 PS of power and 12 Nm of torque matched to a 6-speed transmission but no slipper clutch.
Chassis, Suspension & Wheels:
The Yamaha MT-15 features a Deltabox frame that rides on a 41mm conventional right-side-up telescopic front fork suspension and a Linked-type Monocross suspension on the rear. The KTM 125 Duke, on the other hand, is offered with light-weight, high-performance upside-down 43mm WP Apex front fork suspension and a preload-adjustable WP APEX shock absorber mounted directly to the swingarm on the rear. While the MT-15 is offered with a conventional box-type swing arm unlike the high-performance aluminium swingarm on the YZF-R15 V3, the 125 Duke features an aluminium swingarm. Both the MT-15 and the 125 Duke features 17-inch alloy wheels on the front and rear, but the MT-15 is shod in 100/80 front and 140/70 tyres the 125 Duke comes with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyres.
Brakes & Dimensions:
The Yamaha MT-15 is offered with 282mm single disc brake with an axially mounted two-piston brake calliper on the front and 220mm single disc brake with a single-piston calliper on the rear. The KTM 125 Duke features a larger 300mm single disc brake with radially-mounted 4-piston brake calliper on the front and 230mm single-piston calliper on the rear. Both motorcycles are equipped with single-channel ABS for safety. The Yamaha MT-15 comes with a 1,335mm of the wheelbase, 170mm of ground clearance, 810mm of seat height and tips the scales at 138kg at the kerb. The 125 Duke 175mm of ground clearance, 830mm of seat height and tips the scales at 139 kgs dry.
Price:
The BS6 compliant Yamaha MT-15 is priced starting at INR 1,39,900 ex-showroom, Delhi and the BS6 compliant KTM 125 Duke is priced at INR 1,38,041 ex-showroom, Delhi. While the Duke is offered in three colour options, Yamaha has recently introduced the new colour customization initiative called ‘Customize Your Warrior’ in India that enables customers to mix and match from 11 unique combinations.
