KTM's->ke1954 line-up of Duke->ke3018 bikes has become a staple for a lot of consumers. In particular, for young and up-and-coming riders, the 125 Duke comes chalk full of unique features.

Even if it's classified as a bike for young people, the 125 Duke has everything that distinguishes a genuine KTM: from the high-quality chassis components to the multi-function cockpit that keeps you up to date with fuel consumption and remaining range. The bike sports a two-piece seat that provides surprising long-distance comfort, perfect support, and first-class ergonomics for rider and pillion. At 810 mm, the seat height is low enough for a secure standing position, but also high enough for sports-oriented use and a genuine big-bike feeling.

The 125 Duke also offers maximum riding fun, thanks to thoroughbred motorcycle technology. The refined four-stroke single cylinder with fuel injection and six-gear transmission provides adequate propulsion while the featherweight chassis with high-quality components and first-class brakes guarantee dynamic cornering fun.

As for the former, the 125 Duke is powered by a state-of-the-art, 125cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine with twin overhead camshafts, four valves and electronic fuel injection, producing a peak output of 15 horsepower.

As for the latter, that's been taken care of by a lightweight tubular space frame that's been built in the mold of KTM's outstanding design. The bike also has a high-quality upside-down fork from WP Suspension that has the same 43 mm outer tube diameter as the RC8 R.

Every which way you look at it, upstart riders will be enamored with the 125 Duke. Then again, we already knew that.

Find out more about the KTM 125 Duke after the jump.

Engine

The state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine with twin overhead camshafts, four valves and electronic fuel injection has been developed specifically for the 125 Duke. Effortlessly, it achieves peak power of 11 kW (15 hp) and thanks to the balancer shaft, delivers the highest levels of smoothness.

Just like the RC8 R, two overhead camshafts in the 125 Duke's cylinder head actuate four valves by means of cam levers. This design is not only extremely reliable, but the cam levers are coated with ultra-hard carbon which minimises friction - releasing even more power.

The compact, three-chamber silencer is positioned close to the machine's overall centre of gravity. This aids centralisation of masses and improves the playful handling of the 125 Duke. Not only noise, but emission levels are also exemplary thanks to the regulated catalytic converter.

Chassis and Suspension

11 kW (15 hp) of power plus an unladen weight of 124 kg guarantee plenty of riding fun with the 125 Duke. The first-class chassis, with lightweight tubular space frame in the proven KTM design, turns it into a real surfer through the curves. Weight grouped close to the centre of gravity maximise

The 125 Duke's high-quality upside-down fork from WP Suspension has the same 43 mm outer tube diameter as the RC8 R – in other words, real racing equipment that guarantees highest levels of stability and precision.

The 125 Duke's lightweight, high-quality, pin-jointed swingarm is designed and produced according to the same principle as the 690 Duke. The light alloy swingarm with directly linked WP shock absorber excels with extreme torsional stiffness and outstanding tracking stability.

Brakes and Wheels

With the powerful, outstandingly controllable brake system developed by KTM in collaboration with Brembo and the perfect grip of the wide tires, the rider always has the lightweight motorcycle under control. At the front, a radial four-piston brake caliper bites onto a 280 mm brake disc.

Equally lightweight and delicate as they are stable, the 17 in cast light alloy wheels developed by KTM specifically for the 125 Duke provide a 110 mm tire width at the front and an impressive 150 mm at the rear. The tires impress with tremendous grip in both wet and dry conditions, as well as providing supreme durability.

Features

With a modification to the engine electronics, the maximum speed of the 125 Duke can be limited to 80 km/h.

Ergonomics

The 125 Duke is also a genuine motorcycle in terms of dimensions, providing plenty of space and freedom of movement. The gathered sitting position supports relaxed touring equally as well as committed cornering. Large contact surfaces ensure optimum control and perfect feedback.

Specifications

Quotes

Total Motorcycle----"What a start! Within weeks after its launch in 2011, the 125 Duke zipped right to the top of the 125 segment.

The reasons are clear – legal to ride for the Young and Young-at-heart, the 125 from Mattighofen is an absolute joy to ride, has fully-fledged motorcycle technology and comes at a reasonable price. The driving force is a state-of-the-art 4-stroke single, specially

developed for the 125 Duke, with a sophisticated DOHC 4-valve cylinder head and liquid cooling."

latestbikesinfo----"The all-new 4-stroke single cylinder engine, however, disappoints. Just because compliance with EU laws oblige, “small“ that develops 15 hp is not enough to carry all at a maximum. Yet, for a 125 cm3, the accelerations are quite free, but the operating range is limited (between 7,000 and 11,000 rev / min). We must therefore play selector, fortunately docile, to move briskly. Finally, lack of extension of mono does not hang the 110 km / h, more than enough to use urban and suburban areas."