KTM Duke 125
One of the motorcycles to make a big splash at the recent Intermot Show in Cologne, Germany was the little KTM 125cc Duke.
The bike is slated to reach European dealerships Spring of 2011. The 125cc Duke (which certainly had influence from KTM’s new Indian partner/investor, Bajaj) retains the design cues of its bigger brothers, the 690cc and 990cc Dukes, and is aimed squarely at entry-level riders.
The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 125cc engine is reported to produce 15 horsepower-presenting an easily tamed and unintimidating motorcycle for newbies-without the reciprocal goofy looks that often accompany smaller bikes.
Aside from the notion that the new mini-Duke must be a blast to ride, the small displacement motorcycle was obviously targeting the burgeoning business in affordable transportation for daily commuters in traffic-congested cities (read: the many densely populated cities of India).
A six-speed gearbox, chain drive, and signature chromoly trellis frame of its bigger brothers, the 125 Duke strikes a much more impressive stance than its 125cc displacement would suggest.
WP suspension components provide 6.3-inches of wheel travel front and rear and Brembo developed the single disc units.
The new Duke weighs in at 282 pounds fully fuelled. The 31.9-inch seat height, although somewhat high for some, will be quite manageable with the light weight.
Attractive graphics and loud, signature KTM orange hints infuse the 125 Duke with a sense of flare.
The bike is slated for release in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia, with the company rumored to be considering a North American version.
