Motorcycle specifications KTM125 Duke 2023 Attack on the city

Year after year, this Duke remains a real city knife. Looking back, the first evolution of the KTM 125 Duke was no slouch. To prove that it was the most unbridled (so to speak) of the 1/8th-liter models, the little Austrian gave itself quite a makeover in 2017, with real Superduke 1290 bits in it. Enough to turn it into a real class moth. 2021 brought a few changes, including Euro5 compatibility. This can be seen in the larger plenum in the middle of the exhaust line and the 2-kilo weight gain.

A slightly modified engine mount, new colors, and off we go again. No facelift, no striking evolution... which the Katoche didn't need. Its 2017 redesign had set the bar very high. Its sharper profile, more assertive shapes and more nervous rear end make it a first-rate machine. The cladding is taut from end to end, slamming and modelling its vehemence on that of the big 1290 roadster. It feels both bigger and more dynamic. The fork head threatens, the shoulders jostle, the contents emancipate. Like the frame's rear loop, proudly displaying the company's emblematic orange, and now bolted to the main structure.

Compared to the very first 125 Duke, KTM has modified the rider and passenger footpegs, enlarged the saddles, increased the fuel tank capacity by 2.4 liters (13.4 L in total), installed an LED headlamp, simplified the sabot, retouched the front mudguard and improved certain components.

the same goes for the fork. Still supplied by WP, this 43 mm-diameter inverted model promises to be lighter and easier to maintain, but still without adjustment. Shock absorber, swingarm and brakes remain unchanged. The little Duke is equipped with disconnectable ABS, a 300 mm front disc clamped by a 4-piston radial Bybre caliper, and a 220 mm rear disc.
The enthusiastic Austrian single develops 15 hp at 10,000 rpm and 12 Nm of torque.

In addition to its styling, the KTM 125 Duke makes a big impact with its dashboard. Nothing less than a color TFT screen, worthy of much higher-end models (1290 Superduke R, SuperAdventure, Triumph 800 Street Triple R & RS, Yamaha R1, Honda CBR 1000, Ducati 1200 Monster, etc.). Note that the device can connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth thanks to the optional KTM MY RIDE, managing calls, the audio player, displaying notifications on the dashboard with handlebar control. A striking argument for the young clientele for whom this Katoche is primarily intended.

But all is not rosy. In 10 years, the smallest Duke has gained 11 kg. However, staying under 140 kg, it's still in the middle of its class. Confident in its achievements and striking in its lines, the KTM 125 Duke is more comfortable and geekier. There's no reason to turn your nose up at this machine, except for a price tag that places it among the more "cosseted" 125s.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos