Here’s How The New MT-15 Fares Against The Baby Duke

Yamaha has finally updated its popular naked motorcycle, the MT-15 in India. The MT-15 Version 2.0 locks horns with the KTM 125 Duke, and before you make any buying decisions, here is how these bikes clash in terms of specifications.

Engine 

Out of the two, the Yamaha MT-15 V2.0 is clearly the more powerful bike with a bigger displacement engine producing more power. The MT-15 uses the same engine as the Yamaha R15 V4 and gets variable valve actuation (VVA) tech that offers a good power and torque throughout the rev range. Even in terms of power to weight ratio, the MT-15 wins the cake with a kerb weight of just 139kg, which should make it more agile and manoeuvrable as compared to the 125 Duke with a kerb weight of  159kg.

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Underpinnings 

Specifications	Yamaha MT-15 V2.0	KTM 125 Duke
Frame	Deltabox	Trellis
Front suspension	USD fork	WP USD fork
Rear suspension	Linked monoshock	WP monoshock
Front brake	282mm Disc with single-channel ABS	300mm Disc with radial calliper and ABS
Rear brake	220mm disc	230mm disc
Front tyre	100/80 - 17	110/70-17
Rear tyre	140/70R-17	150/60-17

Just like the KTM 125 Duke, the 2022 MT-15 gets a USD fork up front, unlike its predecessor, which should improve the riding dynamics of the bike. The baby Duke gets radially mounted callipers, which theoretically will offer a better braking performance. With thicker rear tyres, the Duke should also be able to offer better cornering confidence. Both bikes are equipped with a single-channel ABS.

Dimensions 

Specifications	Yamaha MT-15 V2.0	KTM 125 Duke
Wheelbase	1325mm	NA
Ground clearance	170mm	155mm
Fuel tank capacity	10-litres	11-litres
Seat height	810mm	822mm
Kerb weight	139kg	159kg

The Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 gets a shorter seat height as compared to the baby Duke. That, coupled with the light kerb weight should make the bike more convenient and accessible to shorter riders. The MT-15 also gets a really generous ground clearance which is an added advantage on Indian roads. 

In terms of features, both bikes get a digital instrument cluster displaying different kinds of information. The MT-15 Version 2.0, however, features a Bluetooth-enabled cluster and shows call, e-mail and SMS alerts and maintenance reminders, something that the 125 Duke misses out on.

Price & Verdict

(all prices ex-showroom Delhi)

With a more affordable price tag, better power figures and slightly more features, the Yamaha MT-15 V2.0 makes for a more attractive package as compared to its Austrian rival. However, additions such as a turn-by-turn navigation, dual-channel ABS and a quickshifter would have made the MT-15 V2.0 a much more wholesome package.