KTM's Duke range of naked bikes is massively popular but while the 1290 Super Duke gets all the headlines, the 125 Duke is an important introduction to the KTM brand for many riders. Now, the model, introduced in 2011, is getting a big redesign.

KTM Duke 125 To Get Huge Upgrades

In the modern motorcycling world, models tend to get updated every five years or so. Not so the KTM Duke 125, which has remained largely untouched since its introduction in 2011. It's an important model for KTM, especially in Europe where small bikes sell well. Also, it acts as an introduction to the brand for new riders.

Now, new spy shots published by UK motorcycle newspaper Motorcycle News have revealed a new Duke 125 which has been significantly re-engineered. The bike looks to be production-ready and is undergoing final on-road testing before a late 2022 launch for the 2023 model year.

It still looks like a KTM naked bike but the engine, frame, rear suspension, wheels, brakes and bodywork are all new.

The engine is still a liquid-cooled single cylinder but features new cases and a new underslung exhaust system. The frame remains its steel-tubed construction, but the subframe is now cast alloy and the swing arm is cast aluminium and sports a right side-mounted single shock and spring.

The front forks are by WP - a KTM subsidiary - and the single front brake disc is mounted on the right, not the left as before. The wheels now have five spokes and not 10 spoke as previously fitted.

The bodywork retains the Duke family's aggressive styling but it has evolved to emulate larger models in the Duke line-up and the headlight is a new LED unit.

Absolutely everything is new, including the mirrors, tail light although the rear licence plate holder looks just as ungainly as before, even if it differs in detail. Also, the bodywork is devoid of graphics or paint but we can expect that to follow the KTM family's predominantly orange and white colourway.

What the pictures don't show, of course, are the detail specifications, such as power output and electronics package, but we can expect that to be a step forward from the existing models.

It does look largely finished, however, and we can expect KTM to officially launch the bike at this year's EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, usually around November.

Images courtesy of www.motorcyclenews.com