EICMA 2010: KTM 125 Duke

A new baby Duke is born, and competitors should watch out for it, as it looks like it means serious business. Bajaj, the newest Indian investor in KTM, seems to be the force behind the birth of the 2011 KTM 125 Duke, a street bike aimed at city commuting,

Austrian manufacturer KTM presented the 125cc motorcycle concept at the recent Intermot show in Cologne, with the production series version expected to arrive at dealerships in spring 2011.

Serving entry-level riders, the little Duke has been developed by the same team behind its older brother, the 690 Duke. The 125 Duke is powered by a liquid-cooled fuel-injected 125cc engine with a claimed output of 15 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and 8.9 lb-ft torque (12 Nm) at 8000 rpm. A six-speed transmission sends the power to the rear wheel via chain drive.

The frame is chromoly trellis, with steel subframe. WP suspension units consist of an inverted 43mm fork and rear shock, with both units delivering 6.3 inches of travel. Brakes were developed with Brembo with single disc units in the front and rear.

The small Duke weighs 282 pounds (128 kg), including a full 2.9-gallon tank (11 liters), while the seat height is 31.9 inches (81 cm).

The low-cylinder machine draws inspiration from its two concept forms presented at last year’s EICMA show, the Stunt and the Race versions.

The 2011 KTM 125 Duke will be marketed through Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. However, North American customers could also get their own version of the tiny streetbike, which is rumored to already be in the works.