Motorcycle specifications KTM125 Enduro R 2025 A little mud on the snout

The market never ceases to shower us with motorcycles designed for adventure, whether purely for marketing purposes or with real capabilities. But what if you don't have a big-bike license, or you're looking for a modest-displacement machine? There's not much choice in the 125 class when it comes to dealing with the forest, the wilderness or just skirting the path beside the meadow.

This is precisely where the new KTM 125 Enduro R comes in. The Austrian brand is finally offering something more accessible than its EXCs and less imposing than the 690 Enduro R. There was even a monster in the catalog at one time, the 950 Super Enduro R. Its expansive industrial logic means that synergies can be exploited to the full, and the same base can go further than the Duke roadster. The new, smaller SMC R is a case in point.

An identity more trail than EXC

Although there are some twenty enduro models in the EXC range, Katoche has not retained their design for its 125. The look is less radical, the stance less upright, the technical level less assertive - it's instantly apparent that they're not in the same category. You have to look elsewhere to find a marked resemblance. In this case, with the 125 SMC R, the twin of the 125 Enduro R.

KTM goes so far in the collaboration of platforms that the SMC and Enduro share exactly the same deco, with the sole exception of the bike's name on the sides. The designers could have put in a little effort, so as not to have the impression that only the wheels are different between the two bikes.

The structure is also identical. The tubular trellis frame is closely derived from that of the Duke, distinguished by a different column angle and a rigidity more suited to off-road use. The subframe is bolted, making it easier to replace in the event of damage. The swingarm is specific to this family, where the trail bike is used on a variety of roads.

Terrain differences

SMC and Enduro are from the same crucible, but the adventuress shows off her skills with an aluminum engine cover, a few handguards, and above all, wheels that are much more adapted. Its spoked rims are ready for the dirt, with 21" at the front and 18" at the rear, shod with thinner, cobbled tires - Metzeler Karoo 4. The braking system has also undergone a slight overhaul, as it needs to be "softer" for off-road use. The Bybre caliper is axially mounted and bites a smaller disc, 285 mm instead of 320 mm. Behind, 240 mm and a single piston are retained.

The 125 Enduro R also uses the SMC suspension, with the same 230 mm travel. No adjustments are made to the 43 mm inverted fork, and only the preload for the monoshock. Which is perfectly normal for this level of the range. Its ground clearance of 273 mm makes it possible to envisage a good number of difficulties; it's higher than that of an 890 Adventure R, an 1100 Africa Twin or a 700 Ténéré.

Given its experience, KTM could not do without braking management adapted to cross-country and rocky terrain. And enthusiasts of the discipline know (and will pass on to novices) just how much more fun and agile the bike is when you can chase your booty. It is therefore possible to deactivate the ABS on the rear with its Offroad Mode; or even to completely disable it on both wheels for the most seasoned riders.

To get moving, 15 horsepower are at the rider's disposal. The little LC4c single-cylinder engine can't produce much more, but that's enough to get you out and about without any apprehension. It's the same engine that made the Duke such a success. It differs only in its airbox and its place in the frame, all raised to optimize ground clearance. The design of the exhaust system is such that a muffler is not needed to reduce noise emissions. What's more, it saves two kilos.

The equipment of a big 125

If for some, the name 125 rhymes with simplicity or even technological fallow, the 125 Enduro R will get them thinking. We've talked about its multi-mode ABS... but that's only part of it, as the machine is also equipped with an anti-dribble clutch, can be fitted with an optional shifter, gets LEDs for its headlights and indicators, has backlit commodos and a 4-way joystick to control its interface, embeds a USB socket, can connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone and keeps the rider informed with a 4.2-inch color TFT screen. It looks minimalist with its display monopolizing speed and gear engaged.... Until it's tickled by connectivity and offers music, call and turn-by-turn navigation supervision.

There was a time when the abundance of 125s in the countryside left the heart dreaming of escape. But where have the Yamaha XT, WR and DTR 125, Kawasaki KLX and KMX, Suzuki DR and Honda CRM gone? The major Japanese brands have abandoned the field.
Until now, KTM, a major specialist in touring bikes, has only offered pure enduro 125s, for experienced enthusiasts or specialists in the category. This new little 125 Enduro R finally reaches out to more people and introduces randonneurs to the sport.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos