KTM enhances the status of its 125cc Duke model.
The Duke of KTM is now available in multiple performance levels, and the smallest version has undergone a complete redesign. This has resulted in the emergence of a new 125er generation that boasts improved ride stability and precision.
30 years ago, KTM, an Austrian brand known for its hard-enduro motorcycles, decided to venture into the street bike scene with their first Duke. With ergonomics and styling somewhere between Supermoto and Streetfighter, equipped with the raw power of a large single-cylinder, the Duke entered the stage of the two-wheeled world with an uncompromising, bare, and compact design.
Today, the Duke family has expanded to include six models, and to celebrate its birthday, the 125er Duke has been revamped. It boasts the same aggressive, flashy appearance of its bigger siblings, with its distinctively low-slung fairing parts and two-part LED headlight. The new Electronic Orange color applied in multi-layered wet lacquer gives it a striking glow. From a distance, it's difficult to distinguish the small Duke from the more powerful members of the family, except for the '125' lettering on the side.
A new steel tubular frame and an aluminum rear frame provide the geometry with increased stability and comfort. The height of the seat has been lowered to a manageable 80 cm, making it more accessible for riders. With a narrower seat bench and better ground connection, the aggressively sporty ergonomics remain intact.
The redesigned chassis includes a 43mm USD fork and a curved aluminum swingarm that directly supports a single shock absorber, allowing for a larger air filter box and a new exhaust muffler. These changes create a sportier look while providing better suspension capabilities.
The new Duke offers exceptional precision and stability in all dynamic situations, despite its agility. It maintains a confident driving position in its lane and is easy to control, especially on less favorable surfaces. The 150mm travel front and rear, along with a longer wheelbase and lighter wheels, result in a more mature driving experience. The 154 kg motorcycle can effortlessly maneuver around corners, and on 17-inch Michelin Road 5 tires, it glides gracefully.
The Duke is equipped with a cornering-ABS system for added safety. Despite its small size, it can boast being one of the few lightweight motorcycles with such a feature. Other features include an anti-hopping clutch to prevent the rear wheel from hopping during downshifts, an electronic ride-by-wire system, and a traction control system that regulates the engine pressure.
The LC4c engine, a single-cylinder, saves weight through a new cylinder head while still delivering the maximum power allowed by law - 15 PS - from its 125 cc. The power is transferred to the rear wheel by a revised six-speed transmission. The engine responds swiftly and can be easily shifted, thanks to the optional quickshifter. Despite being a small bike, it can reach up to 105 km/h.
The Duke's exceptional fuel efficiency is evident in its 2.4-liter average consumption. A highlight of the motorcycle is the five-inch TFT color display, which offers excellent readability and can be easily operated with a new four-way menu switch. In addition to engine settings and vehicle information, the display can be switched to a track mode with a lap timer and support for smartphone connection, providing arrow navigation.
Overall, the new Duke is a testament to KTM's commitment to innovation, providing a mature, stable, and fun riding experience in a small package.
The automatic turn signal self-cancellation is a unique feature rarely found in the Duke motorcycle world. The fact that this bike can be bought for around 5500 euros pleases not just new riders.
