Quick Analysis
KTM 160 DUKE
21.0 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Aprilia SXR 125
11.0 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Air‑cooled |
| Displacement | 164.2 cc | 125 cc (exactly 124.45 cc) |
| Engine Type | Liquid Cooled, 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC, Internal Combustion Engine | Single‑cylinder, 4‑stroke, SOHC, 3‑valve, air‑cooled. |
| Power | 19 Ps @ 9500 rpm | 9.61 PS @ 7500 rpm |
| Torque | 15.5 Nm at 7500 rpm | 10.19 Nm @ 5400 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.1 Ltrs | 7 l |
| Mileage | 36 kmpl | 40 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 147 | 129 |
| Seat Height | 815 mm | 775 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Yes |
| Front Brake | Disc, Radial caliper | 220 mm disc brake |
| Front Suspension | 138.2 | Hydraulic double‑telescopic fork |
| Rear Brake | Disc, Floating caliper | 140 mm drum brake |
| Rear Suspension | 160.98 | Hydraulic shock absorber |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 110/70 - 17 | 120/70‑12 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/60 - R17 | 120/70‑12 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED HEADLAMP | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V 8 AH Maintenance free Exide/Amaron | 12 V, 5 Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/atlantic-blue.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sxr_125_inner_banner_black-scaled.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/silver-matte.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sxr_125_inner_banner_white-scaled.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sxr_125_inner_banner_blue-scaled.webp |
| Cluster | LCD Speedo | Fully digital, LCD |
| Color Options | Electronic Orange Silver Metallic Matte Atlantic Blue | VIBRANT BLUE |#0479cc ESSENCE WHITE|#fafaf7 ENIGMA BLACK|#000000 POWER RED|#f2180c |
| Cons | Short gearing limits top speed: The bike’s gearing is tuned for quick acceleration, but this hurts its highway performance and top-end speed. Firm seat: Multiple users note that the seat is firm, which may lead to discomfort on longer trips. Basic instrument console: The LCD display is functional but lacks the premium feel of a color TFT screen. Price premium: It’s relatively expensive for its displacement, making it less value-focused compared to some rivals. Rear ABS not always active: While it has dual-channel ABS, the supermoto mode allows disabling rear ABS, which may be a safety concern for some. | The suspension can feel a bit firm, transmitting bumps from rough roads more noticeably. Fuel tank capacity and mileage are modest, which may limit long-distance rides without refueling. Service network and spare-part availability may be limited in smaller towns or rural areas. The price is higher than many other 125 cc scooters, which may not feel justified for all buyers. Ride comfort with a pillion or on uneven roads can feel less plush compared to softer-suspension scooters. |
| Detailed Overview | The KTM 160 Duke marks a bold and refreshing entry into the lightweight naked streetfighter segment, bringing the unmistakable KTM DNA to a more accessible level while still offering thrilling performance. Designed as the perfect stepping stone for new riders and a fun city machine for experienced ones, the 160 Duke impresses with its aggressive styling, sharp body lines, split LED headlamp, and premium build that instantly makes it stand out from typical 150–160 cc motorcycles. Powering the bike is a new 164 cc liquid-cooled engine that produces around 19 PS, making it one of the most powerful machines in its category. The engine feels eager and responsive, with a punchy mid-range and refined fueling that make quick overtakes and spirited rides effortless. What truly elevates the riding experience is KTM’s focus on handling—the lightweight trellis frame, wide handlebars, and WP Apex suspension deliver excellent agility, allowing the bike to slice confidently through traffic while remaining exceptionally stable at high speeds. Even in crowded urban conditions, the improved heat management and smooth low-end torque ensure a comfortable and manageable ride. Braking is another strong point, with a large 320 mm front disc paired with dual-channel ABS and a supermoto mode for those who enjoy more dynamic control. The Duke 160 also brings a blend of modern features such as full LED lighting, a crisp digital LCD console, and slip-and-assist clutch, making daily riding easier and more engaging. While the bike excels in performance and handling, KTM has kept a few characteristics that reflect its sporty nature—the firm seat may not be ideal for long-distance touring, and the short gearing prioritizes acceleration over top-end highway cruising. The LCD display, though functional, doesn’t feel as premium as a TFT would, especially considering the bike’s price. Speaking of price, the 160 Duke sits on the premium side of the segment, but KTM balances it with superior engineering, high-quality components, and performance that is unmatched in the 160 cc space. For riders who want a motorcycle that looks sharp, rides aggressively, and feels like a scaled-down version of bigger Dukes, the 160 Duke offers a compelling package. It is perfect for college riders, daily commuters, and enthusiasts who want a fun, sporty machine that can handle both city streets and weekend fun rides without compromising on build quality or modern essentials. The KTM 160 Duke positions itself as a machine built not just for transportation but for pure riding enjoyment, embodying the signature attitude, styling, and performance edge that has made the Duke lineup iconic. Overall, it brings excitement, premium engineering, and a true streetfighter character to a segment that has long needed a fresh, performance-oriented option. | Riding the SXR 125 feels like getting the practicality of a scooter with a bit of Italian flair and some thoughtful engineering under the sheet metal. Its heart is a 124.45 cc, single‑cylinder, 4‑stroke, SOHC engine — simple, air‑cooled and fuel‑injected — which gives a modest but reliable amount of power. On paper it makes around 9.6 PS at about 7,500 rpm and about 10.2 Nm of torque at around 5,400 rpm. In everyday traffic and city commutes, that translates into smooth, manageable acceleration: not a rocket, but enough to merge confidently into traffic, overtake slower vehicles, or cruise through busy streets without feeling underpowered. The automatic CVT transmission with belt drive and dry centrifugal clutch adds to that convenience — you don’t worry about shifting gears, you just twist the throttle and the scooter takes care of the rest, which makes daily stop‑and‑go riding effortless. What stands out is how the scooter balances its compact design with comfort and practicality. The frame is a tubular single‑cradle chassis, with a hydraulic double‑telescopic fork up front and a hydraulic shock absorber at the rear. Coupled with 12‑inch alloy wheels wrapped in 120/70‑12 tubeless tyres front and rear, the suspension‑tyre set‑up gives the SXR 125 a stable and planted feel for a 125 cc scooter. On good roads it rides with composure — not floaty, but controlled and predictable. On rough patches, broken tarmac or potholes, the ride can feel a bit firm, but that firmness also helps the scooter stay stable under load or when cornering. It’s a practical compromise between comfort and handling. When it comes to braking and safety, Aprilia opted for a 220 mm front disc brake and a 140 mm rear drum brake, linked by a Combi Braking System (CBS). That front disc gives reassuring bite, and the CBS helps distribute braking force to ensure stability when you need to stop quickly — useful in chaotic city traffic or when a pedestrian or vehicle suddenly crosses your path. While it doesn’t offer dual‑disc or ABS, the braking setup is decent for the scooter’s performance envelope and gives enough confidence for everyday use. Dimensionally, the SXR 125 strikes a balance between being compact enough for narrow lanes and roomy enough for comfortable rides. The length is about 1,963 mm, width about 803 mm and height about 1,205 mm, with a wheelbase of 1,361 mm. Seat height sits around 775–780 mm, which tends to be manageable for most riders, making it easy to flat‑foot at signals or in traffic. The kerb weight is roughly 128–129 kg — light enough for easy manoeuvring in tight traffic or parking spots, but with enough heft to feel stable at moderate speeds or when carrying a pillion. Fuel tank capacity is 7 litres (with a small reserve), which might sound small, but given the scooter’s modest engine and claimed fuel efficiency of about 40 km/l (actual mileage depends on riding style and traffic), a full tank still gives you a decent city‑range before needing a refill — handy for daily commuting or short errands. Aprilia has entrusted the SXR 125 with a set of practical yet modern features that make ownership smoother. The instrument console is fully digital, showing speed, fuel level, trip‑meter/odometer, and low‑fuel warning. There’s a USB charging port for devices — thoughtful if you rely on your phone for navigation or music — and other useful touches like a passenger footrest, grab‑rail and under‑seat storage that can fit daily‑use items. Lighting is all LED (headlight, tail / indicators), improving visibility during night rides and giving the scooter a more premium appearance. Starting is via both electric self‑start and kick‑start, which adds flexibility and reliability, especially in city conditions or if the battery is low. In real riding conditions, the SXR 125 feels like a practical, everyday machine that doesn’t ask for much from the rider. It’s easy to live with — easy to ride, easy to park, and easy to maintain. For a rider doing daily commuting, office runs, college rides or city errands, it covers the essentials: smooth engine, manageable power, stable handling, reliable brakes, decent fuel economy, and comfort. What you lose in high-speed grunt or heavy-duty touring capability, you gain in convenience, simplicity, and urban friendliness. If you’re someone riding through congested roads, tight parking spots, mixed-quality streets — perhaps overlapping with the kind of roads and traffic you’d find in many Indian cities — the SXR 125 feels well-suited. It doesn’t pretend to be a sports bike, but it offers a balanced package: easy to ride, practical to use, and dependable enough for daily use, with a bit of European styling and feature-level polish to make it stand out in the scooter crowd. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | Aprilia SXR 125 has striking maxi-scooter styling and excellent high-speed stability, but is frequently criticized for its stiff suspension, sluggish initial acceleration, and high price compared to feature-rich rivals., 3.5, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity and power output of the KTM 160 Duke? A: It has a 164.2 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces about 19 PS at 9,500 rpm. Q: What is the torque figure of the 160 Duke? A: The peak torque is 15.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The bike has a fuel tank capacity of 10.1 litres. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance? A: The seat height is 815 mm, and the ground clearance is 174 mm. Q: What kind of brakes and ABS does it come with? A: It comes with a 320 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc, and has dual-channel ABS (with off-road ABS mode). Q: Does the 160 Duke have a modern instrument cluster and connectivity? A: Yes — it features a 5-inch LCD screen with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and KTM Connect app integration. Q: What is the kerb weight of the KTM 160 Duke? A: The kerb weight (unloaded weight) is around 147 kg. Q: What is the expected mileage of the 160 Duke? A: According to KTM, the mileage is around 37 km/l. Q: What is the price of the KTM 160 Duke? A: The ex-showroom price is approximately ₹ 1.85 lakh. Q: What features does it have to set it apart in the entry-level performance bike segment? A: It has premium features such as WP USD front forks, a trellis frame, off-road ABS mode, LED lighting, and a slipper & assist clutch. | Q: What is the engine type? A: The engine is a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 3-valve, air-cooled unit. Q: What is the engine displacement? A: The displacement is 124.45 cc. Q: What is the power output? A: The power output is approximately 9.61 PS at 7,500 rpm. Q: What is the torque? A: The torque is about 10.19 Nm at 5,400 rpm. Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 40 km/l, depending on riding style and conditions. Q: What type of cooling system does it have? A: It has an air-cooled system. Q: What type of transmission does it use? A: The scooter comes with an automatic CVT. Q: What type of fuel system does it have? A: It uses electronic fuel injection with petrol. Q: What are the front and rear brakes? A: The front brake is a 220 mm disc, and the rear brake is a 140 mm drum. Q: Does it have ABS? A: It has a Combined Braking System (CBS), not ABS. Q: What is the front suspension? A: The front suspension is a hydraulic double-telescopic fork. Q: What is the rear suspension? A: The rear suspension is a hydraulic shock absorber. Q: What are the tyre sizes? A: Both front and rear tyres are 120/70-12, tubeless. Q: What type of wheels does it have? A: The scooter has 12-inch alloy wheels. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The kerb weight is approximately 129 kg. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 775 mm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 7 litres. Q: What type of headlight does it have? A: The scooter comes with an LED headlight, and the tail/indicator lights are also LED. Q: What type of starter does it have? A: It has both electric and kick start. Q: What type of instrument cluster does it have? A: It has a fully digital instrument panel displaying speed, fuel level, trip meter/odometer, and low-fuel warning. Q: Is the Aprilia SXR 125 suitable for city commuting? A: Yes, its compact size, automatic transmission, and manageable power make it ideal for urban traffic. Q: Does it have under-seat storage? A: Yes, there is under-seat storage for small items or a helmet. Q: Are there any charging options for devices? A: Some variants come with a USB charging port for phones or devices. |
| Fuel System | — | Petrol + Electronic fuel injection |
| Price Variants | | 170545 | | 122642 |
| Pros | Rev-happy, fun engine: The 164 cc liquid-cooled engine produces about 19 PS and feels very lively, especially when pushed. Excellent handling: Lightweight trellis frame (147 kg) paired with good-quality WP suspension gives very agile and precise cornering. Premium braking setup: It comes with a large 320 mm front disc and dual-channel ABS + supermoto mode for confident and versatile braking. Modern, useful features: Full LED lighting, slip-and-assist clutch, digital LCD display, and optional Bluetooth connectivity via KTM Connect. Good low-end tractability: A large portion of torque is available at low RPMs, which makes it very manageable in city traffic. Improved heat management: Bigger radiator keeps engine heat under check, even in traffic-heavy conditions. | The SXR 125 has a bold, muscular design that stands out on the road and gives it a premium look. Its engine and CVT setup deliver smooth, reliable performance for city commuting, handling stop-and-go traffic with ease. The handling feels stable and composed, with a chassis and tyre setup that keeps the scooter planted even at moderate speeds. Front disc and CBS rear braking provide confidence-inspiring stopping power in urban traffic conditions. Comfortable riding posture with a seat height that suits most riders, making it easier to ride for longer periods. The build quality and finish feel more premium than typical scooters, giving a sense of durability. |
| Starter | — | Kick + Electric |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | Automatic |
