2017 KTM Duke 125-New spy shots
KTM had revealed the new Duke 390 and Duke 125 together last year. Both of them come packed with the same set of features and look identical. This is surprising as the new Duke 250 doesn’t get the split headlamp and not even the TFT screen. The 2017 KTM Duke 125 is certainly a good option to consider in this case. All the KTM small bikes are manufactured in India and are exported to different markets. So, even the smallest of the Duke is made here. It is surprising to see that how KTM hasn’t launched this bike in India yet. But now we have come across some spy pictures from our reader Abhishek Khanna of the 125cc being tested. Check them out below.
KTM had introduced the Duke 250, but still there is no news of the Duke 125. Possibly it could be due to the fact that the Duke 125 with so many bells and whistles turns out as expensive as the Duke 200. The 125cc bike had got its timely update last year and has now been further improved with more features and power too.
2017 KTM Duke 125 Design
In terms of design, the KTM Duke 125 looks the same like the 390. It gets the split headlamps and the lights are projector and there are daytime running LEDs as well. The wing mirrors are spread out wide. The side profile has the exposed frame that makes the bike ultra light weight. Then there is the step-up seat also. The only differentiating factor from the Duke 390 is the alloy wheels. The ones on the 125 are black in colour and the one on the 390 are orange. This is what differentiates the two bikes.
The paint scheme is also the same like the 390. The livery reads Duke 125 and the font isn’t different either. The rear is also the same. The weight of this bike increases to 137kgs. This is what makes it heavier than the others as it has a lower power to weight ratio.
2017 KTM Duke 125 Engine
A 124.7cc engine powers the Duke 125. This is a single-cylinder, air-cooled mill churning about 14.7bhp of power and comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. This bike comes with a dual-channel ABS with disc brakes at the front and even the rear. There are upside down forks too. The Duke 125 doesn’t get slipper clutch. Surprisingly, the Duke 250 doesn’t even get ABS. This is a bit of a let down. The performance on this bike can be compared to that of a 150-160cc regular motorcycle. It has better performance due to lighter body weight.
KTM Duke 125 Mileage
The KTM Duke should return close to 40km/l in the city and maybe about 45km/l on the highway. This bike should have decent mileage, as it is more focused towards performance than the mileage. KTM buyer will not be looking at mileage as one of the most important criterias.
KTM Duke 125 Top Speed – How Fast is it?
The KTM Duke 125 is surprisingly quick with an intriguing top speed too. This bike can go up 134km/hr with ease and it should be locked at about a similar point. This is more than most of the 150cc bikes too. The tubular frame structure of the bike makes it light, enhancing its performance.
2017 KTM Duke 125 Features
The same colour TFT screen is there on the KTM Duke 125. KTM is offering the same set of bells and whistles on the 125cc bike just like its bigger brother. This makes the bike completely feature loaded and a good option for those who aren’t looking for power and need better features. Well, the smaller sibling gets all the bells and whistles, just that the engine is smaller and not as peppy as the 373cc one. For those looking at a bike for their junior, this could be a premium option, though not sure if it will be a fit at the moment for the Indian bike market. The 125cc is even dominated by a four-speed transmission, so the Duke 125 is still a far off image.
2017 KTM Duke 125 Price in India
As the bike is feature loaded with so many brownies, and it gets the same light weight frame, the pricing of the bike will be at par with the 200cc. This is what will make the KTM Duke 125 a comparatively expensive affair. We can expect the bike to be priced at INR 1.45 lakhs (ex-showroom). This will make it more expensive than the Dominar’s base model also.
2017 KTM Duke 125 Launch Date
We aren’t certain if this new bike will make its way into India anytime soon. But if it does, then we reckon it will be after the Duke 200. It won’t be anytime before that. Mostly this KTM will be kept for export only. The bike won’t be made available in India.
Honda Activa CNG detailed review
One of the most affordable means of transportation today is a scooter. There are some buyers who ride their scooters a lot and need a more affordable option. For them, there are CNG scooter kits for two wheelers, more specifically scooters. We have test riden the Honda Activa CNG very recently. This came with a Lovato CNG kit for scooter. It isn’t just restricted to the Activa but it is made available for any and all kinds of scooters. The list of scooters is very long.
Lovato isn’t the only manufacturer that has a CNG scooter and there are a few more players that offer CNG kits for scooter, and many of them. There aren’t available as a factory fitted option and are made available as an after market option. It is available in the market and the dealer will do the fitting for you on your Activa or any other scooter that you possess.
The Honda Activa CNG that we rode was borrowed from Lovato. The company offered us one of their test scooters. We will try to review other CNG kits also that are available in the market. For that we will require some more time.
Honda Activa CNG Design
There is no change in the design of the scooter and it looks the same. As this was a scooter from the brand, they had stuck multiple branding of it. The green colour you see in the images is that of the scooter but it is all stickering job from Lovato. For a regular buyer, it will not be done. Your original scooter colour will be retained. The Activa CNG will at the most get a CNG badge, if you wish to add that. There shall be no other difference in the Honda Activa CNG scooter.
The Honda Activa that we rode was borrowed from Lovato. The scooter has everything intact at the same place. The under seat storage is now smaller as the CNG kit meters are placed under the seat. The CNG kits are placed underneath the handlebar. There are two small tanks that are fitted there. Each one houses 1 kilo of CNG in it. That totals to 2 kilograms of CNG. Each kilo will go up to 60 kilometres. This makes the total range to 120 kilometres.
Honda Activa CNG Video Review
We have also shot a video of the Honda Activa CNG Review. If you wish to see the video review, click on the video image to play it. Or you can even visit our YouTube.com/MotorOctane for the video if needed.
Honda Activa CNG Scooter Price in India
CNG Kit for Two Wheelers
VariantPrice
MRPINR 15,000
As CNG is more affordable, the running cost of the Activa CNG scooter will be lower. The CNG Activa‘s price hasn’t been disclosed yet. These will be made by an Iranian CNG kitmanufacturer in Pune. This will be approved by the ARAI. At the moment, it is a bit too early to state the exact price of the kit. In the next 15 days, we shall be sharing the official Activa CNG kit pricing. This kit is sold by Lovato and it is priced at INR 15,000. Both the brands are selling their scooter CNG kits for Rs 15,000 approximately.
The CNG kits are approved by the government, as they have been certified by ARAI (Automotive Reseach Authority of India). The kit consists of two cylinders that can each have 1 kg of CNG in it. The total range of the CNG scooter kit for Activa is 120 kms.
The Honda Activa CNG is exactly like the regular Activa. The scooter showcased in the images is green and white, however in reality there won’t be any differences in the design. The Activa 3G will be made available in the same colours and design. The features too will remain the same. All you have to do is get an aftermarket fitment done. The space for your knees reduces as the tanks are fitted there.
Also Read: Hero Maestro Edge Review
Honda Activa CNG Performance
There is a difference in the performance. The CNG scooter isn’t as quick as the normal Activa and so it is a bit of difficult to overtake. One can comfortably cruise but to overtake it does need planning. At the same time, the front end of the scooter becomes heavy, so to turn at low speeds and even handling is affected with the CNG kit. This makes the scooter go a tad slower and affect its handling also. Making fast turns is difficult as the scooter isn’t fast and then even if you gather speed, you will loose balance as the front is heavy with the cylinders.
Honda Activa CNG scooter Mileage
Honda Activa CNG Mileage
EngineMileage
Activa CNG80 km/kg
The Honda Activa 3G that runs on petrol returns around 50 km/l. The running cost of petrol Activa is INR 1.3 per km in Delhi. While on Honda Activa CNG it will be 61p. the staff at Domino’s have got these scooters for their feedback and this is free of cost. The Activa will run for 120kms with the 1.2 kg tank. The running cost of the Activa CNG is much lesser as CNG is cheaper. There will be two cylinders on the scooter, each will have 0.6 kilogram capacity. This is so cheap.
Lovato CNG Kit for scooters is safe?
The testing has been fine. The ARAI has passed it and so it is getting into real world testing. All the kits that will be sold shall be approved by the ARAI itself. Honda Activa CNG is now on sale, not directly. The Honda Activa 3G can be bought through a dealer and CNG kit can be fitted on it. The Honda Activa CNG will be a great value for money scooter. It is safe enough, there is not much of an issue with the scooter and it seems to be well insulated. So there isn’t a major issue with this.
Other scooters with CNG:
Hero Duet
Mahindra Gusto and Gusto 125
Hero Maestro Edge
Suzuki Let’s
Hero Pleasure
Yamaha Ray
Honda Dio
Mahindra Duro
Suzuki Access
Suzuki Swish
TVS Jupiter
TVS Scooty Zest
Vespa 125cc
Yamaha Alpha
Yamaha Fascino
Honda Activa 3G
- Design
- Performance
Summary
Honda Activa CNG is a good option only if you have a lot of riding to do. Else, the regular scooter is good enough for daily commute.
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