1974 Yamaha DT 125 vs 2017 KTM 150 XC-W

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
1974 Yamaha DT 125 1974 Yamaha DT 125

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two stroke, single cylinder
Power
12.9 kW / 17.3 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
125 kg / 275.5 lbs
2017 KTM 150 XC-W 2017 KTM 150 XC-W

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
91.5 kg / 201.7 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year1973-74-
Colours-Orange/white/black
Make ModelYamaha 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-91.5 kg / 201.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity9.5 Litres / 2.5 US gal9.50 litres / 2.51 gallons
Wet Weight125 kg / 275.5 lbs-
Performance
Max Power12.9 kW / 17.3 hp @ 7000 rpm-
Max Torque1.4 kgf-m / 10 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm-
Engine
Engine Type-Single cylinder, two-stroke
Displacement (ci)-8.78 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-143.90 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-58.0 x 54.5 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.3 x 2.1 inches
Displacement123 cc / 7.5 cu-in-
Engine DetailTwo stroke, single cylinderReed intake.
Fuel System-Carburettor
Bore x Stroke56 х 50 mm-
Compression Ratio6.9:1-
Cooling SystemAir cooled-
Fuel InductionMikuni TS28SS Carburettor-
IgnitionMagnetoContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment, type Kokusan
Starter kickKick
Drivetrain
Clutch-Multi-plate clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-14:50. Primary drive: 23:73.
Transmission / Drive5 Speed-
Chassis
Frame Type-25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame
Suspension - FrontTelescopic forksWP XPlor 48 upside-down fork
Suspension - RearDual shocksWP Xplor PDS shock absorber
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 - FrontDrumSingle disc. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearDrumSingle disc. Two-piston calipers.
Tyres - Front2.75-21-
Tyres - Rear3.50-18-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 1974 Yamaha DT 125 and the 2017 KTM 150 XC-W are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

1974 Yamaha DT 125 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 1974 Yamaha DT 125 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2017 KTM 150 XC-W - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2017 KTM 150 XC-W matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

1974 Yamaha DT 125 vs 2017 KTM 150 XC-W - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1974 Yamaha DT 125 and 2017 KTM 150 XC-W?
The 1974 Yamaha DT 125 uses Two stroke, single cylinder, while the 2017 KTM 150 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 2017 KTM 150 XC-W runs a two-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which should I buy, the 1974 Yamaha DT 125 or the 2017 KTM 150 XC-W?
Both are strong choices. The 1974 Yamaha DT 125 has its own strengths, while the 2017 KTM 150 XC-W offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.