This time it is the battle of the nakeds… It is the new MT-15 v2 vs. the 125 Duke to see which ends up at the top…
Today, we are putting two of the direct competitors in the performance naked motorcycle segment – The MT-15 v2 and the KTM 125 Duke.
Let’s have a look:
- Engine –
It is very clear that the Yamaha MT-15 v2 is more powerful than the KTM 125 Duke as the former has a bigger engine which produces higher performance numbers.
Interestingly, the difference is not that much. The Yamaha only makes 3.4 HP of power and 1.9 Nm of torque more than the KTM.
KTM has the slight edge on the fuel capacity. The 125 Duke carries 1 L more fuel than the new MT-15 v2.
In other categories, both the rivals are very similar to each other.
| Category | MT-15 v2 | 125 Duke |
| Type | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC | Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke |
| Displacement | 155 cc | 124.71 cc |
| Maximum Power | 18.4 HP @ 10,000 RPM | 15 HP |
| Maximum Torque | 14.1 Nm @ 7,500 RPM | 12 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate with Assist & Slipper system | Wet, multi-disc |
| Fuel Capacity | 10 L | 11 L |
- The Chassis and Suspension Set-up –
Both the naked competitors possess performance and sportiness in their DNA. While the MT-15 is the naked version of Yamaha’s supersport machine, the 125 Duke is the smallest sibling of KTM’s monstrous 1290 Super Duke.
Both the bikes sport their respective company’s best chassis elements which includes the frame and the suspension setup.
One aspect where the MT-15 has the clear advantage is the ground clearance. The Yamaha rides 15 mm higher than the KTM.
| Category | MT-15 v2 | 125 Duke |
| Frame Type | Deltabox | Steel Trellis Frame |
| Front Suspension | USD telescopic forks | 43 mm WP Apex USD |
| Front Sus. Travel | – | 140 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Linked-type mono-cross | WP Apex – Monoshock |
| Rear Sus. Travel | – | 162 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | 155 mm |
- The Dimensions –
In the dimension category, the MT-15 is the clear winner. It has a shorter wheelbase, weighs less and has a shorter seat height compared to the KTM.
Having a shorter wheelbase combined with lighter weight will definitely give an edge to the MT-15 in terms of handling and agility department.
A lower seat height will also facilitate a wide range of riders with varied stature.
| Category | MT-15 v2 | 125 Duke |
| Wheelbase | 1325 mm | 1366 mm |
| Seat Height | 810 mm | 822 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 139 kg | 141.4 kg (dry) |
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- The Brakes and Tyres –
Both the rivals are running on 17” alloys at both the ends. However, the rear tyre of the KTM is wider which will aid the bike in having a superior rear grip and control.
Looking at the braking hardware, the KTM has bigger disc rotors both at the front and the rear. Hence, the KTM will have better braking power and performance than the Yamaha.
| Category | MT-15 v2 | 125 Duke |
| Front Brake | 282 mm single-disc | 300 mm single-disc |
| Rear Brake | 220 mm single-disc | 230 mm single-disc |
| Front Tyre | 17” – 100/80 | 17” – 110/90 |
| Rear Tyre | 17” – 140/70 | 17” – 150/80 |
- The Miscellaneous –
Here the MT-15 v2 has an upper hand over 125 Duke. The feature list of the Yamaha is better equipped than the KTM.
It gets all-LED lighting, full-digital instrumentation equipped with smartphone Bluetooth connectivity through Y-Connect app. The Ride Connect app provides various smartphone features to the rider along with smartphone notifications.
Additionally, both the nakeds are lacking the turn-by-turn navigation system.
| Category | MT-15 v2 | 125 Duke |
| Headlight | LED | Halogen |
| Tail-light | LED | LED |
| DRLs | LED | LED |
| Instrumentation | Digital | Digital |
| ABS | Single-Channel | Single-Channel |
| Mobile Connectivity | Y-Connect App with Bluetooth | None |
| GPS Navigation | None | None |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
- The Price –
| Category | MT-15 v2 | 125 Duke |
| Price | Rs. 1.59 (ex-sh.) | Rs. 1.71 Lakh (ex-sh.) |
Overall, we can see from the above comparison that the new Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 is a better equipped machine compared to the KTM 125 Duke.
At nearly Rs. 12,000/- less than the 125 Duke, the MT-15 v2 is a better value for money option in the comparison.
But, this is just some numbers on the paper. To really understand and specify which of these two is actually better, we have to get our hands on these machines and ride them back-to-back.
