2017 Honda CB 125F vs 2018 KTM 125 Duke

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Year2015 - 172017 - 18
ColoursYellow-
Make ModelHonda CB 125FKTM 125 Duke
Dimensions
Seat Height774 mm / 30.4 in830 mm / 32.7 in
Wheelbase1295 mm / 50.9 in1357 mm / 53.4 in
Ground Clearance160 mm / 6.2 in185 mm / 7.3 in
Height1080 mm / 42.5 in-
Length2035 mm / 80.1 in-
Width765 mm / 30.1 in-
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.07 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)1.00 litres-
Dry Weight-137 kg / 302 lbs
Fuel Capacity13 Litres / 3.4 gal13.4 Litres / 3.5 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal
Wet Weight129 kg / 284.3 lbs-
Performance
Max Power10.5 hp / 7.8 kW @ 7750 rpm11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque10.2 Nm / 7.5 lbft @ 6250 rpm12 Nm / 1.22 kgf-m / 8.85 ft-lb @ 8000 rpm
Engine
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-stroke-
Fuel ControlOverhead Cams (OHC)-
Displacement124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, OHC, two valveFour stroke, Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valve
Fuel SystemCarburettor-
Bore x Stroke52.4 × 57.8 mm58 x 47.2 mm
Compression Ratio9.2:114.5:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionFuel injectionBosch Electronic fuel injection
Fuel Reserve2.50 litres / 0.66 gallons-
IgnitionDigital CDIContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiplate with coil springsWet, multi-disc, operated hydraulically
Final DriveChainChain 5/8 x 1/4" X ring
Final Drive Ratio-14:45
Gearbox4-speed-
Primary Drive Ratios-22/72
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel backboneSteel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - Front31mm Telescopic fork, non-adjustable fork43 mm WP USD fork
Suspension - RearDual rear shocks with 5-step spring preload adjustmentWP monoshock
Rake26 °-
SeatTwo-person seat-
Steering Head Angle-66°
Trail97 mm / 3.8 in-
Wheel Travel - Front118 mm / 4.6 in.142 mm / 5.6 in
Wheel Travel - Rear70 mm / 2.8 in.150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)5.1 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)240 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)130 mm-
Brakes - FrontSingle 240mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial fixed caliper
Brakes - Rear130mm DrumSingle 230 mm disc, single piston floating caliper
ABS-Bosch 9MB two-channel ABS
RimsSpoke cast aluminium-
Tyres - Front80/100 -18M/C 47P110/70 -17
Tyres - Rear90/90 -18M/C 51P150/60 -17
WheelsSix 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

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 - 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 vs 2018 KTM 125 Duke - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Honda CB 125F and 2018 KTM 125 Duke?
The 2017 Honda CB 125F uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2018 KTM 125 Duke is powered by Four stroke, Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valve.
Which is lighter, the 2017 Honda CB 125F or the 2018 KTM 125 Duke?
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 2017 Honda CB 125F or the 2018 KTM 125 Duke?
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 2017 Honda CB 125F or 2018 KTM 125 Duke 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 2017 Honda CB 125F or the 2018 KTM 125 Duke?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Honda CB 125F has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2018 KTM 125 Duke stands out for liquid cooling and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.