KTM 125 Duke BS6 vs BS4: Differences Explained

The two motorcycles not only look identical but also have the same power output. So what’s different?

[Update: KTM has launched the 2021 125 Duke in India. Click here to read about it]

KTM recently launched its entire BS6 portfolio, including a heavily updated 200 Duke and revised 390 Duke. Unlike its larger cousins, the 125 Duke BS6 gets fewer updates but receives a substantial price hike. It now costs Rs 1,38,041 (ex-showroom Delhi). That is an increase of Rs 5,541 over the BS4 125 Duke.  So what do you get for that premium? 

Engine:

The 125 Duke BS6 gets a cleaner BS6-compliant motor. Its exhaust routing too has changed -- it has been routed from under the motor than around it. Despite the update, KTM has done well to keep power and torque output identical to the BS4 125 Duke. The new motor delivers 14.5PS at 9250rpm and 12Nm at 8000rpm. Even their weight is identical so both motorcycles are expected to offer similar performance. 

Cosmetic updates:

The KTM 125 Duke BS6 gets minor cosmetic updates in the form of a completely black engine cowl and a blacked-out underbelly exhaust. At a fleeting glance, you would be hard-pressed to differentiate the BS6 125 Duke from its BS4 predecessor. 

Underpinnings:

Both bikes remain unchanged in terms of underpinnings as well. They have the same dimensions and use the same trellis frame with WP upside-down forks and WP monoshock setup. Even braking remains the same -- ByBre 300mm front and 230mm rear disc. The only major change is ground clearance. The KTM 125 Duke BS6 now has a 20mm lower ground clearance due to the new exhaust routing. 

Availability:

The new KTM 126 Duke BS6 will be available from April 1. That’s the deadline for BS6 vehicles, post which you will not be able to buy the BS4 KTM 125 Duke. If you are planning to buy the KTM 125, we suggest going for the BS4 variant as the updates are not much to justify the BS6 125 Duke’s price premium. You might need to hurry though as the BS4 version will be available in limited stocks.