KTM has officially discontinued the Duke 125 and RC 125 in India, as both models have been removed from the company’s official website. The decision comes amid dwindling sales, with the Duke 125 registering just 17 units in January 2025—a significant drop compared to previous figures. Increased competition from rivals offering better value for money has likely played a major role in the bikes’ declining popularity.
High Pricing and Stiff Competition
The KTM Duke 125 and RC 125 were considered solid choices for beginner riders looking to develop their skills. However, their premium pricing made them less appealing compared to competitors. The Duke 125 was priced at Rs 1,81,030 (ex-showroom, Delhi), which was nearly Rs 12,000 more than the Yamaha MT-15, a motorcycle with superior performance. Similarly, the RC 125, priced at Rs 1,91,795 (ex-showroom, Delhi), cost about Rs 3,000 more than the Yamaha R15 V4. While this price gap may seem small, the R15 V4 offered a noticeable power advantage with 3.9PS more horsepower and 2.1Nm additional torque, making it a better value proposition.
Riders Outgrowing the 125cc Segment
Another key issue with the KTM 125 series was that many riders outgrew the bikes quickly due to their modest performance. Enthusiasts seeking more power often upgraded to higher-capacity motorcycles sooner than expected, further contributing to the decline in demand.
What’s Next? KTM Duke 160 and RC 160 on the Horizon
KTM is expected to replace the discontinued models with the upcoming Duke 160 and RC 160. The RC 160 has already been spotted testing in India, hinting at an imminent launch. These new bikes will likely feature an upgraded 160cc engine based on the existing 125cc platform, potentially delivering around 20PS of power and 14-15Nm of torque. This performance boost should make them more competitive in the segment.
The KTM Duke 160 and RC 160 are expected to debut in India by late 2025, with an estimated price range of Rs 1.80 to Rs 1.90 lakh (ex-showroom). If KTM positions them well, they could regain lost ground in the entry-level performance motorcycle market.
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