Friday, March 29, 2024

KTM Duke 125 V Suzuki Gixxer V Honda Hornet 160R V TVS Apache RTR 160 4V V Yamaha R15S

Follow Us On:

Follow Us On:

KTM Duke 125 V Suzuki Gixxer V Honda Hornet 160R V TVS Apache RTR 160 4V V Yamaha R15S – That’s right! The mega premium 125 is here to take on the premium and regular 150’s on behalf of KTM!

Some days ago KTM took the Indian motoring industry by a storm with the launch of the Duke 125. With this, the Duke 125 becomes the most affordable KTM product to be available on sale in the Indian market. As the Duke 125 doesn’t have any direct competition in its segment, we have compared this naked bike with some of the most popular bikes from the 150cc segment. Hence we get to you the on a paper comparison of the Duke 125 with the 150cc competitors.

Design:

The overall design and the styling of the Duke 125 is taken from its elder sibling the Duke 200. In addition to this, KTM has also provided the Duke 125 with the similar Trellis frame that is also available on the Duke 200. The wheelbase of the Duke 125 measures 1366mm which in comparison with the rivals is the longest of all. On the other hand even the seat height of this naked height is the tallest which gives it a taller riding position and stance. Even the Apache RTR 160 4V is shared its design and styling cues with its elder sibling the RTR 200 4V. Although it gets different graphics in comparison with its elder sibling. Overall it is the only bike with the highest ground clearance of 180mm as we compare it with these three rivals.

TVS-Apache-RTR-160-4V-Review-8
One of the few bikes tested on the track and on the road!

The Hornet 160 R, on the other hand, looks muscular of all and is available in vibrant graphics. The riding position isn’t very aggressive, but its more over to the taller side that helps in city commuting. Overall the Suzuki Gixxer gets a leaner look and has many neatly designed lines. The fuel tank, on the other hand, is neatly chiselled down and enhances the aesthetics of the Gixxer. At the rear, the tail section is more rounder and it gets a sporty look. The eye-catching element hear is the double barrel exhaust that goes along with the overall design of the bike. Yamaha’s R15S is the only faired bike in this comparison, the overall design of the bike is very sporty and it also gets an aggressive riding position. Even though its the only bike with a fairing in this competition it is the lightest of them all as it weighs 134 kg.

Features and equipment:

Just like the Duke 200, the Duke 125 gets an all-digital instrument console. But if we compare the Indian spec Duke 125 to the European Spec model, it misses out of the bright and vibrant TFT screen that is also seen on the Duke 390. Also, the Duke 125 is the only bike in the competition which gets full time single-channel ABS unit. On the other hand even the Gixxer, Hornet 160R and the Apache RTR 160 4V gets an all-digital instrument cluster, but the Apache and the Gixxer misses out on an ABS unit, whereas the Hornet gets ABS an option and it also comes equipped with Honda’s CBS braking system. Hornet also gets Honda’s HET technology for better fuel economy.

2016-yamaha-r15s-india-review-23

On the other hand, Suzuki has equipped the Gixxer with its cutting-edge SEP Technology, that helps in delivering better performance without hindering upon the fuel economy. The Yamaha R15S is the only bike amongst all that gets semi-digital instrument cluster with the old school Analogue RPM meter and rest digital console. In terms of the switchgear, the Duke 125 is the only bike get to get backlit in it, overall it’s the same switchgear as seen on the Duke 200. The switchgear of the Gixxer and the Apache RTR 160 4V looks premium in its segment. Whereas the switchgear on the Hornet is outdated and is very basic in comparison with the rivals.

KTM Duke 125 V Suzuki Gixxer V Honda Hornet 160R V TVS Apache RTR 160 4V V Yamaha R15S

Engine and Transmission:

Powering the KTM Duke 125 is a 124.7cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC engine which is coupled with a six-speed gearbox. This powertrain is capable of producing 14.5bhp of power at 9250 rpm and 12Nm of twist at 8000 rpm. Honda powers the Hornet with a larger 162.71 cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine of all, that produces 14.9 horsepower and 14.5 Nm of torque. Suzuki has offered the Gixxer with a 154.9cc BS-IV, single cylinder, air-cooled engine that is coupled with a five-speed transmission and it delivers 14.8 bhp of power at 8000rpm and 14Nm of torque at 6000rpm.

KTM Duke 125 V Suzuki Gixxer V Honda Hornet 160R V TVS Apache RTR 160 4V V Yamaha R15S (2)

The Apache RTR 160 4V is powered with a 159.7 cc single cylinder, air cooled engine which generates 16.5 bhp of power 14.8 Nm of twist. Whereas Yamaha powers the R15S with a 149cc liquid cooled, single cylinder engine that produces 16.6 bhp of power and 15Nm of torque which is the highest amongst all. Only the Duke 125 and the R15S comes matted with a six speed gearbox whereas the RTR 160 4V and the Hornet are coupled with a five-speed transmission. The ABS model of Gixxer comes equipped with Suzuki’s signature SJCS system (Suzuki Jet Cooling System) that helps in ensuring better cooling of the engine which then provides better performance and mileage.

Suspension and Brakes:

2019 KTM DUKE 125 ABS INDIA LAUNCH (5)

Upfront in terms of suspension, only the Duke 125 comes equipped with a USD (Upside Down) Fork unit, whereas the Gixxer, Hornet, R15S and the Apache RTR 160 4V gets the conventional telescopic fork unit. At the rear, the suspension duties for all the four competitors are taken care by a Monoshock unit. In terms of braking, KTM has equipped the Duke 125 with a 300mm disc at the front and 230mm disc at the rear and it also comes with a single channel ABS unit that is first in its class or segment. Stopping the Yamaha R15S is a267mm disc at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear but it does come with ABS and it is also not available as an option.

The Hornet 160R gets a 276mm and 220mm disc at the front and rear respectively and it comes equipped with an ABS unit as an option to choose from. Suzuki has equipped the Gixxer with a 266mm disc at the front and 220mm disc at the rear and it also come equipped with a single channel ABS unit. On the other hand the Apache RTR 160 4V gets a 270mm front disc and 200mm rear disc with no ABS even as an option.

Stay Connected

40,197FansLike
22,125FollowersFollow
1,531FollowersFollow
25,248SubscribersSubscribe
- Advertisement -

Latest Articles