The 2011 KTM 125 Duke street-bike will serve entry-level riders, with Europe adopting a graduated licensing system that caps engine displacement at 125cc for beginners. The little Duke gets its go from a 124.7cc Single. The four-stroke single-cylinder is liquid-cooled, with a four-valve head actuated by dual overhead cams. A low-slung exhaust exits directly behind the engine and under the swingarm, Buell-like in its appearance.
Bosch fuel injection feeds the 125, with claimed power production topping out at 15 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and 8.9 lb-ft torque at 8000 rpm. A six-speed transmission transmits the beginner-friendly pony production to the rear wheel via chain drive.
The Duke 125 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.
Styling of the small Duke befits its larger-displacement siblings, but KTM’s learner Duke weighs in at a diminutive 282 pounds, including a full 2.9-gallon tank. Seat height is 31.9 inches.
Austrian manufacturer KTM headed north to Cologne, Germany and the INTERMOT Bike Show to debut its 125 Duke street bike. The 125 concepts made their first appearances during last year’s round of Euro bike shows, with a Stunt and Race version. The production version will carry the firm’s Duke moniker and hit the European streets in the Spring of 2011.
Euro youngsters may long for the performance of the more potent Dukes, but while they pay their dues in the EU’s tiered licensing at least they can look the part with the new 125. As with any of the entry-level rides in Europe’s robust 125cc class, don’t expect the newest Duke to ever see action here in the USA.
KTM 125 Duke Specification
Engine: Four-stroke Single, 4-valve DOHC
Displacement: 124.7 cc
Bore x Stroke: 58 x 47.2mm
Peak horsepower: 15 hp @10,500 rpm
Peak torque: 8.9 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm
Starter /Battery: Electric starter
Transmission: 6 gears
Fueling: Electronic fuel injection
Final drive: 14:45
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Clutch: Multi-disc wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, steel subframe
Front suspension: Inverted WP 43mm fork, 6.3 inches travel
Rear suspension: WP monoshock, 6.3 inches travel
Front brake: 280mm disc
Rear brake: 230mm disc
Tires front/rear: 110/70 x 17 x 150/60 x 17
Trail: 3.9 inches
Wheelbase: 53.1 inches
Seat height: 31.9 inches
Fuel tank: 2.9 gallons
Curb Weight: 282 pounds
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