KTM 125 Duke vs Yamaha MT-03
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The KTM 125 Duke and Yamaha MT-03 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Yamaha MT-03 undercuts the KTM 125 Duke by about $500, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha MT-03 leads on power with 42 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickKTM
KTM 125 Duke
Yamaha
Yamaha MT-03The verdict
The KTM 125 Duke edges it overall at 8.2/10, but the Yamaha MT-03 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
KTM 125 Duke
A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Yamaha MT-03
42 hp and 0.25 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Yamaha MT-03
Our 7.6/10 at $4,999, the most bike per dollar.
KTM 125 Duke
159 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
KTM 125 Duke
Our top score in this matchup at 8.2/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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KTM 125 Duke vs Yamaha MT-03: your questions answered
Which is faster, the KTM 125 Duke or the Yamaha MT-03?
The Yamaha MT-03 makes the most power at 42 hp and 29.5 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the KTM 125 Duke or the Yamaha MT-03?
The Yamaha MT-03 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $4,999.
Which is lighter, the KTM 125 Duke or the Yamaha MT-03?
The KTM 125 Duke is the lightest at 159 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the KTM 125 Duke or the Yamaha MT-03?
For a new rider we'd point to the KTM 125 Duke: A2-legal, 15 hp and 159 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
