Test 125 Duke: big update for the small KTM
At the beginning of the 10s (2010 …), KTM had revitalized the 125 cc motorcycle sector by releasing the very "fresh" 125 Duke. In 2017, the Austrian brand revises its bestseller with the intention of redefining the standards of the category. Attention children – and competitors -, it will shake !
Test 125 Duke page 2 – A Very Multimedia Katoche
At the cutting edge of technology, the mini Duke also incorporates a Bluetooth connection allowing you to control your smartphone using the "KTM My Ride" application. With a boost, it then becomes possible to stop or start music, to go back or jump from a song, to answer his (her) darling (e) or to send his parents to his mailbox.
Aware that driving should not take a back seat, the – very – Austrian officials specify that it is impossible to select a particular album or track, or to view a clip (oh …). Likewise, the management of calls is limited to those that are received: no question of entering your directory to make a phone call or send a WhatsApp (no really, texting is for buggers).
With this new instrument and its app, KTM is thus seeking to capture the attention of today’s young people, the overwhelming majority of whom are fans – above all? – multimedia. For the remaining minority, those nerds who like MNC are still interested a little in mechanics, know that the "hardware" is also evolving !
In 2017, the 125 Duke has the latest version of the fork mounted on the 390 Duke, a model also reviewed in 2017 (and tested by MNC, stay tuned!). Manufactured by WP, it incorporates the latest technologies from KTM’s almost exclusive partner…
This new inverted fork is of the "open cartridge" type and has separate functions: it includes fewer components than a conventional fork and dissociates compression (left tube) from rebound (right tube). Please note: no adjustment is possible.
Like the 390, the 125 sees the diameter of its single front brake disc increase by 20 mm, thus reaching 300 mm (320 on the big sister). The radial-mounted, 4-piston caliper is still branded "ByBre", named after Brembo’s Indian subsidiary. The rear brake is renewed as is (see the technical sheet on the last page).
Redesigned, the steel rear buckle is bolted to the frame so it can be replaced more easily when needed. "You never know, in case of an uncontrolled wheelie," jokes with MNC Rok Bagoros, the official KTM stunter. "And for hotheads fans of stunt: the ABS can be deactivated", also warns the manufacturer.
Now apparent, as on the Super Duke R, the rear buckle is painted orange. Always painted in black, the frame is very slightly revised for the occasion, while the original aluminum swingarm – inspired by that of the 690 Duke – does not change.
Finally, the engine has been reworked in order to comply with the Euro 4 standard, which lowers the maximum limits for polluting emissions and also forces manufacturers to reduce the noise of their machines. KTM has thus focused on the exhaust whose silencer is no longer hidden under the engine but is located next to the wheel. !
We note about the exhaust that the integration of large rivets could have been a little more neat, and that the plate that connects it to the right passenger footrest could have been more stylish. Likewise, the four footrests deserve plastic plates that do less knock … as on the old version for example.
Depending on the copies lined up for this press presentation, the adjustments of the indicator supports (LED!) Or the contactor cover are more or less perfectible. Overall, however, the small roadster designed in Austria and produced in India – by partner and shareholder Bajaj – has enough to flatter the ego of its owner..
Finally, the 125 Duke receives for 2017 a new steel tank which carries 2.4 liters of fuel more than the previous one (13.4 l in all) and thus significantly increases the autonomy of the motorcycle (displayed on the table on board). An autonomy that Site was unfortunately not able to judge: our journey was limited to about thirty kilometers in Turin (Italy) in the rain … Avanti !
Related articles
-
KTM 390 Duke test: the A2 license with class and without restraint The KTM 390 Duke launched in 2013 evolves at the same time as its little sister 125,…
-
Test 125 Duke: big update for the small KTM At the beginning of the 10s (2010 …), KTM had revitalized the 125 cc motorcycle sector by releasing the…
-
790 Duke test: KTM takes on the bestselling roadsters KTM currently dominates the segment of maxisportifs maxiroadsters in France, thanks to its 1290…
-
KTM 390 Duke test: the A2 license with class and without restraint The KTM 390 Duke launched in 2013 evolves at the same time as its little sister 125,…
-
Roadster – Test 125 Duke: big update for the small KTM – Technical sheet KTM 125 Duke 2017
Test 125 Duke: big update for the small KTM At the beginning of the 10s (2010 …), KTM had revitalized the 125 cc motorcycle sector by releasing the…
-
Test 125 Duke: big update for the small KTM At the beginning of the 10s (2010 …), KTM had revitalized the 125 cc motorcycle sector by releasing the…
-
KTM 390 Duke test: the A2 license with class and without restraint The KTM 390 Duke launched in 2013 evolves at the same time as its little sister 125,…
-
Roadster – Test 790 Duke: KTM conquers bestselling roadsters – Test 790 Duke page 3: Technical point
790 Duke test: KTM takes on the bestselling roadsters KTM currently dominates the segment of maxisportifs maxiroadsters in France, thanks to its 1290…
-
2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R review: the Beast is angry ! Released at the end of 2013 in the jungle of sporty roadsters, the 1290 Super Duke R makes them…
-
2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R review: the Beast is angry ! Released at the end of 2013 in the jungle of sporty roadsters, the 1290 Super Duke R makes them…