2018 KTM 125 Duke vs 2014 Honda CBR 125R

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
2014 Honda CBR 125R 2014 Honda CBR 125R

Sport

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
551.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2017 - 18-
Colours-Red, White, Red/black/orange, Red/white/blue
Make ModelKTM 125 Duke-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-135 mm
Seat Height830 mm / 32.7 in795 mm / 31.3 in.
Wheelbase1357 mm / 53.4 in1,070 mm / 42.1 in.
Ground Clearance185 mm / 7.3 in-
Height-1,175 mm / 46.3 in.
Length-1,920 mm / 75.6 in.
Width-675 mm / 26.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight137 kg / 302 lbs138 kg / 304.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity13.4 Litres / 3.5 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal10.00 litres / 2.64 gallons
Wet Weight-250.0 kg / 551.2 lbs
Performance
Max Power11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm-
Max Torque12 Nm / 1.22 kgf-m / 8.85 ft-lb @ 8000 rpm10.60 Nm (1.1 kgf-m or 7.8 ft.lbs)
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.0942 HP/kg
Engine
Fuel Control-SOHC
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.0 x 2.2 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-75.0 x 56.5 mm
Displacement (cc)-124.70 cc
Displacement (ci)-7.61 cubic inches
Engine Type-Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valve-
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke58 x 47.2 mm-
Compression Ratio14.5:111.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Forced pressure and wet sump
Fuel InductionBosch Electronic fuel injection-
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustmentComputer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance?
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-disc, operated hydraulicallyWet, multiplate, mechanical cable-actuated.
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X ringChain
Final Drive Ratio14:45-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-O-ring sealed chain
Primary Drive Ratios22/72-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel trellis frame, powder coatedDiamond
Suspension - Front43 mm WP USD forkTelescopic
Suspension - RearWP monoshockMonshock
Steering Head Angle66°-
Wheel Travel - Front142 mm / 5.6 in120 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in120 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.7 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-296 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial fixed caliperSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc, single piston floating caliperSingle disc
ABSBosch 9MB two-channel ABS-
Rims-U-section 6-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres - Front110/70 -17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/60 -17160/60-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 KTM 125 Duke

The 2018 KTM 125 Duke edges out the 2014 Honda CBR 125R 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 135 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 142 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2014 Honda CBR 125R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 795 mm vs 830 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2018 KTM 125 Duke vs 2014 Honda CBR 125R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 KTM 125 Duke and 2014 Honda CBR 125R?
The 2018 KTM 125 Duke uses Four stroke, Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valve, while the 2014 Honda CBR 125R is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 KTM 125 Duke or the 2014 Honda CBR 125R?
The 2014 Honda CBR 125R has the lower seat at 795 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 2014 Honda CBR 125R have ABS?
The 2018 KTM 125 Duke is listed with ABS as standard. The 2014 Honda CBR 125R 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 2014 Honda CBR 125R?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 KTM 125 Duke has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2014 Honda CBR 125R stands out for 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.