2018 KTM 125 Duke vs 2017 Honda CB 125F

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 KTM 125 Duke 2018 KTM 125 Duke

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valve
Power
11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
137 kg / 302 lbs
2017 Honda CB 125F 2017 Honda CB 125F

Sport

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
10.5 hp / 7.8 kW @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
282.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2017 - 182015 - 17
Colours-Yellow
Make ModelKTM 125 DukeHonda CB 125F
Dimensions
Seat Height830 mm / 32.7 in774 mm / 30.4 in
Wheelbase1357 mm / 53.4 in1295 mm / 50.9 in
Ground Clearance185 mm / 7.3 in160 mm / 6.2 in
Height-1080 mm / 42.5 in
Length-2035 mm / 80.1 in
Width-765 mm / 30.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-1.00 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.07 quarts
Dry Weight137 kg / 302 lbs-
Fuel Capacity13.4 Litres / 3.5 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal13 Litres / 3.4 gal
Wet Weight-129 kg / 284.3 lbs
Performance
Max Power11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm10.5 hp / 7.8 kW @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque12 Nm / 1.22 kgf-m / 8.85 ft-lb @ 8000 rpm10.2 Nm / 7.5 lbft @ 6250 rpm
Engine
Engine Type-Single cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Overhead Cams (OHC)
Displacement124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 ValveFour stroke, single cylinder, OHC, two valve
Fuel System-Carburettor
Bore x Stroke58 x 47.2 mm52.4 × 57.8 mm
Compression Ratio14.5:19.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
Fuel InductionBosch Electronic fuel injectionFuel injection
Fuel Reserve-2.50 litres / 0.66 gallons
IgnitionContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustmentDigital CDI
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-disc, operated hydraulicallyWet, multiplate with coil springs
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X ringChain
Final Drive Ratio14:45-
Gearbox-4-speed
Primary Drive Ratios22/72-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel trellis frame, powder coatedSteel backbone
Suspension - Front43 mm WP USD fork31mm Telescopic fork, non-adjustable fork
Suspension - RearWP monoshockDual rear shocks with 5-step spring preload adjustment
Rake-26 °
Seat-Two-person seat
Steering Head Angle66°-
Trail-97 mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front142 mm / 5.6 in118 mm / 4.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in70 mm / 2.8 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-240 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-5.1 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-130 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial fixed caliperSingle 240mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc, single piston floating caliper130mm Drum
ABSBosch 9MB two-channel ABS-
Rims-Spoke cast aluminium
Tyres - Front110/70 -1780/100 -18M/C 47P
Tyres - Rear150/60 -1790/90 -18M/C 51P
Wheels-Six spoke cast aluminium

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 KTM 125 Duke

The 2018 KTM 125 Duke edges out the 2017 Honda CB 125F thanks to its liquid cooling, standard ABS, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 KTM 125 Duke - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More ground clearance: 185 mm vs 160 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 70 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 142 mm vs 118 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2017 Honda CB 125F - Advantages

  • Lighter: 129 kg vs 137 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 774 mm vs 830 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2018 KTM 125 Duke vs 2017 Honda CB 125F - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 KTM 125 Duke and 2017 Honda CB 125F?
The 2018 KTM 125 Duke uses Four stroke, Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valve, while the 2017 Honda CB 125F is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2018 KTM 125 Duke or the 2017 Honda CB 125F?
The 2017 Honda CB 125F is lighter at 129 kg compared to 137 kg for the 2018 KTM 125 Duke - a difference of 8 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 KTM 125 Duke or the 2017 Honda CB 125F?
The 2017 Honda CB 125F has the lower seat at 774 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 KTM 125 Duke sits higher at 830 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2018 KTM 125 Duke or 2017 Honda CB 125F have ABS?
The 2018 KTM 125 Duke is listed with ABS as standard. The 2017 Honda CB 125F does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2018 KTM 125 Duke or the 2017 Honda CB 125F?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 KTM 125 Duke has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2017 Honda CB 125F stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.