Versus: KTM Duke 125 vs Yamaha YZF-R125

Reasons to buy KTM Duke 125

Reasons to buy Yamaha YZF-R125

• KTM doesn't do conservative styling. If you're looking for an attitude, the Duke is the one.

• You won’t find a better-looking 125. But that’s obvious. You’ve got eyes.

• It's tiny and extremely chuck-able. Its stiff steel trellis frame is overqualified - it's the same as the 43hp Duke 390's.

• It doesn’t just look like a proper sports bike. It stops and handles like one too.

• It's right on the power limit for A1 licence holders, at 15hp.

• It's also right on the power limit for A1 licence holders, at 15hp.

• Its brakes are excellent and from 2014 it comes with superb Bosch ABS as standard.

• If you’ve a mind to, you can tune them for more power (after gaining the appropriate licence, naturally). There’s a Malossi 182cc big-bore kit.

• It's £350 cheaper than the R125, enough to buy a decent helmet.

• Googling 'R125 build quality' doesn't turn up too much to worry about. Now try the same for 'Duke 125'.

• It's got a decent steering lock, useful for passing your test.

• It's got a fairing.

• Its slightly lower seat height is also potentially more novice-friendly.

Price: £3,999 plus OTR
Capacity: 124.7cc
Power: 15hp
Dry weight: 127kg
Seat height: 800mm

Price: £4,349 OTR
Capacity: 124.7cc
Power: 15hp
Wet weight: 138kg
Seat height: 818mm