Yamaha India recently launched the new MT-15 V2 in the Indian market. The new model gets a host of mechanical and aesthetic updates. The MT-15 has styling inspired by ‘The Dark Side of Japan’. The MT-15 is a successful model in Yamaha’s lineup but is seeing increased competition from other manufacturers.
On the other hand, it is the smallest naked bike by KTM. The KTM Duke 125 is down on displacement against the Yamaha MT-15. However, KTMs are known to be performance-packed and value-for-money. We put the two together in this specification comparison and see how they stack up against each other.
Yamaha MT-15 V2 Vs. KTM Duke 125 – Price and Colours
The bike with the recent update, Yamaha MT-15 V2, comes with a sticker price of INR 1,59,900 ex-showroom. The update brings new colours to the model as well. The MT-15 V2 is available in four colours – Cyan Storm, Racing Blue, Metallic Black and Ice Fluo-Vermillion. Furthermore, all colours come with matching coloured-alloy wheels except for the Metallic Black.
The KTM Duke 125, on the other hand, comes with a sticker price of INR 169,799 ex-showroom Mumbai. The Austrian bike is around INR 10,000 more expensive than the MT-15 V2. The KTM Duke 125 is available in two colours – White and Orange. Both the colours get an orange-coloured frame and also a black-coloured sub-frame. The Orange colourway has a white-coloured tank with orange shrouds. The White colour gets a black-coloured tank with white shrouds. Additionally, both the shades feature lightweight black alloy wheels.
Yamaha MT-15 V2 Vs. KTM Duke 125 – Engine Specifications
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 borrows its engine from its faired sibling, the R15 V4. Powering the naked bike is a 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. The engine gets 4-valves and a Single Overhead Camshaft valvetrain. The highlight of the engine is the inclusion of Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). There are two intake valves cams for low to the mid-RPM range and another for high RPMs. The two intake valve cams switch at the 7,400rpm mark to ensure a broader power and torque spread. The VVA helps the engine produce a maximum power of 18.4 PS and 14.1 Nm of maximum torque. The MT-15 V2 uses a 6-speed gearbox with an Assist and Slipper Clutch.
The KTM Duke 125 uses a 125cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. Additionally, the Duke 125 uses a Dual Overhead Camshaft with a 4-valve valvetrain. According to the company, the cam followers are ultra-hard and carbon-coated. The lightweight and compact engine produce 15 HP of maximum power and 12 Nm of maximum torque. The engine also uses a Bosch-powered ECU. Unlike the Yamaha, the KTM Duke 125 also uses a 6-speed gearbox but has a standard clutch.
Yamaha MT-15 V2 Vs. KTM Duke 125 – Suspension and Dimensions
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 now comes with gold-coloured upside-down forks. The 37mm diameter forks help reduce the bike’s unsprung weight and increase rigidity. The MT-15 V2 also comes with a new MotoGP-inspired aluminium swingarm. The MT-15 also gets a Deltabox frame for excellent rigidity balance. The MT-15 V2 measures 2015mm in length, 800mm in width and has a height of 1,070mm. It tips the scales at 139 kg (wet) and has a seat height of 810mm. The fuel tank capacity of the MT-15 V2 is 10-litres.
On the other hand, the KTM Duke 125 has beefy 43mm diameter upside-down forks. The high-performance front forks are made by WP. The company says they are perfect for relaxed cruising, hammering around the circuit, and everything in between. The Duke 125 uses a lightweight aluminium swingarm. The rear monoshock is also mounted directly on the swingarm. The Duke 125 uses a trellis frame with a bolt-on subframe. The Duke 125 has a dry weight of 141.4 kg and an 11-litre fuel tank capacity. The Duke measures 1993mm in length, 789mm in width and has a height of 1,083mm. The seat height of the Duke 125 is 818mm.
Yamaha MT-15 V2 Vs. KTM Duke 125 – Top Features
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 features Bi-functional LED headlights, a multi-information negative-LCD display and a uni-level seat with a grab bar. Additionally, the multi-function meter also has Bluetooth connectivity through the Y-Connect app for additional information. The taillight on the MT-15 V2 is also an all-LED unit. The motorcycle also gets a single-channel ABS for extra safety.
The KTM Duke 125 misses out on a LED headlight, unlike its bigger siblings. However, the Duke 125 gets LED taillights and LED turn-signal indicators. Additionally, the Duke 125 gets similar Bybre brakes as the bigger Dukes. The motorcycle also features a multi-function instrument cluster. The bike also gets a single-channel ABS by Bosch for added safety.
Also Read: 2023 KTM 125 Duke spotted testing, all-new motorcycle
