2020 KTM 125 Duke vs 2023 Yamaha R15 V4

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 KTM 125 Duke 2020 KTM 125 Duke

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Power
11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
141.4 kg / 311.7 lbs
2023 Yamaha R15 V4 2023 Yamaha R15 V4

Sport

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
310.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-V4 means ´version 4´. Traction control. 2 ride modes. Sold in Asia.
Year2019 - 20-
Colours-Metallic Red, Racing Blue, Dark Knight Grey
Make ModelKTM 125 Duke-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.7 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-170 mm
Seat Height818 mm / 32.2 in815 mm / 32.1 in.
Wheelbase1357 mm / 53.4 in1325 mm / 52.2 in.
Ground Clearance155 mm / 6.1 in-
Height-1135 mm / 44.7 in.
Length-1990 mm / 78.3 in.
Width-725 mm / 28.5 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-1.20 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-1.27 US quarts
Dry Weight141.4 kg / 311.7 lbs-
Fuel Capacity11 Litres / 3.0 US gal11.00 litres / 2.91 US gallons
Wet Weight-141.0 kg / 310.9 lbs
Performance
Max Power11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm-
Max Torque12 Nm / 8.85 ft-lb @ 8000 rpm14.2 Nm (1.4 kgf-m or 10.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions
Engine
Displacement (cc)-155.0 cc
CO2-48.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (ci)-9.46 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.3 x 2.3 inches
Fuel Control-Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Bore x Stroke (mm)-58.0 x 58.7 mm
Engine Type-Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves-
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke58 x 47.2 mm-
Compression Ratio14.5:111.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
EmissionsEURO5-
Engine Lubrication-Wet sump
Fuel Consumption-2.10 litres/100 km (47.6 km/l or 112.01 mpg)
Fuel InductionBosch electronic fuel injection-
IgnitionContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustmentTCI
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, mechanically actuatedWet, multiple-disc coil spring assist and slipper clutch
Final DriveChain 520 X-ringChain   (final drive)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Constant mesh
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel trellis frame, powder coatedSteel deltabox, aluminum swingarm
Suspension - Front43 mm WP-USD, AER 43Upside-down telescopic fork, 37 mm
Suspension - RearWP MonoshockLinked-type Monocross
Rake-25.0°
Steering Head Angle65°-
Trail-89 mm / 3.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear162 mm / 6.4 in114 mm / 4.5 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-LCD instruments
Lighting system-LED headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial fixed caliperSingle disc. ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc, single piston floating caliperSingle disc. ABS
ABSBosch 10 ML Single Channel ABS-
Tyres - Front110/70 -17100/80-17
Tyres - Rear150/60 -17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 KTM 125 Duke

The 2020 KTM 125 Duke edges out the 2023 Yamaha R15 V4 thanks to its liquid cooling, standard ABS, 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

2020 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 rear wheel travel: 162 mm vs 114 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2023 Yamaha R15 V4 - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 170 mm vs 155 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2020 KTM 125 Duke vs 2023 Yamaha R15 V4 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 KTM 125 Duke and 2023 Yamaha R15 V4?
The 2020 KTM 125 Duke uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves, while the 2023 Yamaha R15 V4 is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Does the 2020 KTM 125 Duke or 2023 Yamaha R15 V4 have ABS?
The 2020 KTM 125 Duke is listed with ABS as standard. The 2023 Yamaha R15 V4 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2020 KTM 125 Duke or the 2023 Yamaha R15 V4?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 KTM 125 Duke has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2023 Yamaha R15 V4 stands out for greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.