Over 3000 units of KTM Duke 125 were sold in the month of February 2019 which was more than 50% of total KTM sales
At 1.18 lakh ex-showroom, Why and How KTM Duke 125 price is justified? Everyone knows that KTM is busy collecting cash due to increased sales of their smallest Duke, the 125 Duke. Last month, in February, KTM sold a staggering 3000 units of 125 Duke. Every portal has posted the sales figures and numbers. But, Wait, Where on Earth this bike is getting customers from and Why? Let’s talk about it.
Also Read: Top 5 Bikes under 1.5 lakh in 2019
First, it’s a KTM – Half the Battle is Won
People love KTM, yup, no arguments here. Remember when Duke 200 was launched, sales were pretty good for the price it was offered at (Rs 1.18 lakh back in 2012). Cut back in 2019, we have a couple of more options in the price range like Apache 200 4V, Pulsar 200NS. Both bikes with ABS carries a price tag of Rs 1.11 lakh and 1.12 lakh respectively. But you don’t get the premium quotient and that luxurious appeal from these bikes as much as you get from KTM. So KTM Badge is the first reason, the baby duke is selling like hotcakes.
Second Reason – The Equipment
Ahem Ahem, do you have any doubt about the equipment and features of Duke 125? It has a fully digital instrument cluster with speedometer, odometer, twin trip meters, tachometer, gear shift light, Instantaneuos fuel efficiency readout, average efficiency readout, average speed, distance to empty, gear position indicator, Fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, a clock, average ride time and service interval. Try to read it in a single breath.
Other things are 43 mm WP USD forks, a WP monoshock at the rear. 300 mm disc brake with radially mounted calipers (this one is better than floating caliper) and 230 mm disc with floating caliper. Wheels are 17-inch in diameter and tyres you already know. An 818 mm seat height is slightly on a higher side, short people might find it a bit difficult.
Wait, there’s more, eye catchy color shades, looks of bigger Duke 200. Not to forget those shiny orange alloy wheels. Overall, it’s pretty much appealing to every eye.
Also Read: Yamaha MT-15 vs KTM Duke 125
Third Reason – The Engine, Small yet Big
Powering baby Duke is a single cylinder 125cc liquid cooled engine. With the help of high compression ratio and 4-valve head, it pumps out 14.3 bhp at 9250 rpm and 12 Nm torque at 8000 rpm. A 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch does all the power transmission. Bike weight 148 kg but high revving engine pulls all this weight to 100 kmph from standstill in under 17 seconds. This same feat is done by most 160cc bikes in the market. Top speed is 115 kmph.
Think about those 12th pass teenagers who are learning bike riding on a 100cc commuter and asks their dad to buy them a sports bike. What would be the reply? No bike above 150cc. KTM be like introducing the KTM 125 Duke, Heart of a 125cc, the performance of a 160cc at the price of a 200cc bike. Tada, Dad convinced, the kid gets the bike; Happy Showing off and riding too.
Also Read: KTM Duke 250 ABS launched at Rs 1.94 lakh
Fourth Reason – The Hollow Sound
KTM bikes have a distinct sound. The sound of a 2-stroke motorcycle. This is also an important point for choosing Duke over over Pulsar and Apache. But the sound of KTM is different. Same underbelly exhaust is carried from the Duke 200. In the Duke 125 the sound is a bit less growly but it has the character of Duke in it, no doubt.
So, guys, these were the main reasons why Duke 125 is selling like hotcakes in India. Despite being underpowered when compared to other 200cc counterparts, Duke 125 has found its own sweet spot in the Indian market. It is surprising that Duke 125 is selling more than anyone had anticipated. We might see an increase in sales further down the timeline and it won’t be surprising. Do share your views on the bike in the comments section below.
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This post was published on March 31, 2019 9:00 am