Quick Analysis
KTM 160 DUKE
23.5 pts
Unweighted: 15 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Aprilia SXR 125
7.5 pts
Unweighted: 6 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid Cooled | 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 L | 7 l |
| Mileage | 36.5 kmpl | 40 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 147 | 129 |
| Seat Height | 815 | 775 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Yes |
| Front Brake | Disc, Radial caliper, 320mm | 220 mm disc brake |
| Front Suspension | USD Front Fork, 138.2 mm | Hydraulic double‑telescopic fork |
| Rear Brake | Disc, Floating caliper, 230mm | 140 mm drum brake |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock Suspension, 160.98 mm | 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 | #FF5A00 Silver Metallic Matte | #1F3F8B Atlantic Blue | #8A8F98 | 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 Duke 160 is a naked street motorcycle that sits in the 160cc segment and follows the same design language seen on larger Duke models. It uses a 164cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that is paired with a six-speed gearbox. The engine produces around 19 bhp and 14.7 Nm of torque, which places it among the more powerful options in its category. The power delivery is tuned to be responsive in city riding conditions, especially in the mid-range, which helps during frequent acceleration and overtaking. The gearbox is designed to offer smooth shifts, and the inclusion of a slipper clutch helps reduce wheel hop during downshifts. In terms of hardware, the Duke 160 is built on a lightweight steel trellis frame, which is a key part of its overall structure. This frame is combined with upside-down (USD) front forks and a rear monoshock suspension. The suspension setup is tuned to balance stability and everyday usability. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, fitted with tubeless tyres. For braking, it comes with a disc brake at both ends along with single-channel ABS, which is designed to improve safety during sudden braking situations. The design of the Duke 160 closely follows the sharp and angular styling seen across KTM’s lineup. It features a split LED headlamp with integrated daytime running lights, a sculpted fuel tank, and exposed frame elements that give it a mechanical look. The tail section is compact and slightly raised, and the overall stance of the bike is upright yet sporty. The seat height is around 818 mm, and the kerb weight is approximately 148 kg, which makes it relatively manageable in terms of handling and movement in traffic. On the feature side, the bike comes with a fully digital LCD instrument cluster that displays information such as speed, gear position, fuel level, and trip details. It also includes features like side-stand engine cut-off and an engine kill switch. The fuel tank capacity is around 13.4 litres, which is suitable for daily commuting as well as moderate-distance rides. The riding posture is slightly forward-leaning, with rear-set footpegs and a wide handlebar, which affects how the rider is positioned during longer journeys. Overall, the KTM Duke 160 is designed with a focus on combining a relatively compact engine with a lightweight frame and modern components. | 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 | The KTM Duke 160 is a sporty and sharp-looking bike that carries the same aggressive design as its bigger siblings, so it doesn’t feel like a small motorcycle on the road. Its 164cc engine feels smooth yet quick, especially in city riding where it responds well and makes traffic riding easy. The handling is one of its strongest points, it feels light, stable, and confident while taking turns, which makes it enjoyable for both new and experienced riders. The suspension manages a good balance between comfort and sportiness, though the rear brake could have offered better feedback. For daily use, it is practical enough with comfortable ergonomics, but the price feels slightly on the higher side for its segment. Overall, the Duke 160 focuses more on delivering a fun riding experience rather than being the most value-for-money option., 4.7, 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 of KTM 160 Duke? A: The bike has a fuel tank capacity of 10.1 litres. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance of KTM 160 Duke? A: The seat height is 815 mm, and the ground clearance is 174 mm. Q: What kind of brakes and ABS does KTM 160 Duke 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 ₹ 1.74 lakh. Q: What features does KTM 160 Duke 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 | Electronic Fuel Injection | Petrol + Electronic fuel injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 174368 TFT | 182360 | | 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 | Self Start Only | Kick + Electric |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | Automatic |
