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Head to head

Yamaha MT-07 vs KTM 125 Duke

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Yamaha MT-07 and KTM 125 Duke are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The KTM 125 Duke undercuts the Yamaha MT-07 by about $3,000, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha MT-07 leads on power with 73 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.

Yamaha MT-07
Our pick
8.4

Yamaha

Yamaha MT-07
KTM 125 Duke
8.2

KTM

KTM 125 Duke

The verdict

The Yamaha MT-07 edges it overall at 8.4/10, but the KTM 125 Duke wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

KTM 125 Duke

A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Yamaha MT-07

73 hp and 0.40 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

KTM 125 Duke

Our 8.2/10 at $5,499, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

KTM 125 Duke

159 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Yamaha MT-07

Our top score in this matchup at 8.4/10.

Price & rating
Price$8,499$5,499
KickTheStand score8.4 / 108.2 / 10
Performance
Engine689cc twin125cc single
Power73 hp15 hp
Torque67 Nm12 Nm
Power-to-weight0.40 hp/kg0.09 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm USD fork43mm WP Apex USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockWP Apex monoshock
Front brakesDual 298mm discsSingle 300mm disc, radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 245mm discSingle 230mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight184 kg159 kg
Seat height805 mm820 mm
Fuel capacity14 L13.4 L
Suitability
ClassNakedNaked
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersYesYes
Best forcommuting, sport, learninglearning, commuting, sport

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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Yamaha MT-07 vs KTM 125 Duke: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Yamaha MT-07 or the KTM 125 Duke?

The Yamaha MT-07 makes the most power at 73 hp and 67 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Yamaha MT-07 or the KTM 125 Duke?

The KTM 125 Duke is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,499.

Which is lighter, the Yamaha MT-07 or the KTM 125 Duke?

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 Yamaha MT-07 or the KTM 125 Duke?

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.

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