1974 Yamaha DT 125 vs 2018 KTM 125 XC-W
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1973-74 | - |
| Colours | - | Orange/white/black |
| Make Model | Yamaha DT 125 | - |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | - | 370 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | - | 14.6 inches |
| Seat Height | - | 960 mm / 37.8 in. |
| Wheelbase | - | 1,471 mm / 57.9 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | - | 91 kg / 200.6 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 9.5 Litres / 2.5 US gal | 9.50 litres / 2.51 gallons |
| Wet Weight | 125 kg / 275.5 lbs | - |
| Performance |
| Max Power | 12.9 kW / 17.3 hp @ 7000 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 1.4 kgf-m / 10 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm | - |
| Engine |
| Engine Type | - | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 7.62 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 124.80 cc |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | - | 54.0 x 54.5 mm |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | - | 2.1 x 2.1 inches |
| Displacement | 123 cc / 7.5 cu-in | - |
| Engine Detail | Two stroke, single cylinder | Reed intake. |
| Fuel System | - | Carburettor. Mikuni TMX |
| Bore x Stroke | 56 х 50 mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 6.9:1 | - |
| Cooling System | Air cooled | - |
| Fuel Induction | Mikuni TS28SS Carburettor | - |
| Ignition | Magneto | - |
| Starter | kick | Kick |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | - | Multi-plate clutch, Brembo hydraulics |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Gearbox | - | 6-speed |
| Primary Drive | - | 13:50. Primary drive: 23:73. |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | - | 25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame |
| Suspension - Front | Telescopic forks | WP Xplor PDS shock absorber |
| Suspension - Rear | Dual shocks | WP shock absorber with linkage |
| Rake | - | 26.5° |
| Wheel Travel - Front | - | 300 mm / 11.8 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | - | 310 mm / 12.2 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | - | 10.2 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | - | 260 mm |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | - | 8.7 inches |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | - | 220 mm |
| Brakes - Front | Drum | Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings |
| Brakes - Rear | Drum | Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings |
| Tyres - Front | 2.75-21 | - |
| Tyres - Rear | 3.50-18 | - |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2018 KTM 125 XC-W
The 2018 KTM 125 XC-W edges out the 1974 Yamaha DT 125 thanks to its lighter kerb weight. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
1974 Yamaha DT 125 - Advantages
- ✓Competitive all-round: The 1974 Yamaha DT 125 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.
2018 KTM 125 XC-W - Advantages
- ⚖️Lighter: 91 kg vs 125 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
1974 Yamaha DT 125 vs 2018 KTM 125 XC-W - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1974 Yamaha DT 125 and 2018 KTM 125 XC-W?
The 1974 Yamaha DT 125 uses Two stroke, single cylinder, while the 2018 KTM 125 XC-W is powered by Single cylinder, two-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 1974 Yamaha DT 125 is a four-stroke engine while the 2018 KTM 125 XC-W runs a two-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which is lighter, the 1974 Yamaha DT 125 or the 2018 KTM 125 XC-W?
The 2018 KTM 125 XC-W is lighter at 91 kg compared to 125 kg for the 1974 Yamaha DT 125 - a difference of 34 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 1974 Yamaha DT 125 or the 2018 KTM 125 XC-W?
Both are strong choices. The 1974 Yamaha DT 125 has its own strengths, while the 2018 KTM 125 XC-W stands out for lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.