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 3 – A little tour and then sell ?
The program for this KTM test is as short as it is intense: just getting on the motorcycles, journalists – including Site, "naturlich" – are directed to the roof of their hotel! We live in the Lingoto in Turin, the former Fiat factory refurbished in the 1980s into an impressive multifunctional complex..
The discovery of the new 125 Duke is done in the helical ramp of the building where the photographers are stationed for a first photoshoot. The lightness of the motorcycle, the smoothness of its tires and its good turning radius are all assets to circulate in this atypical environment and to chain back and forth.
Perched a little higher than on the previous model (830 Vs 800 mm), the saddle tilts the pilot a little further forward. But the new seat offers above all the advantage of unfolding the legs of the great pilots, without however banning the access to the ground of the short legs..
The reception of the suspensions is remarkable: they settle delicately when the pilot settles on board. The saddle, on the other hand, is still just as hard: we adapt very well to it over short distances, but kids who plan to go on vacation with their Katoche may suffer a little..
In the dark, low portion of the ramp, the Net Motorcycle Journal observes that the 125 Duke’s LED headlight shines brightly. After all, is there no reason for a small-displacement motorcycle to have poor lighting? Already you have to deal with a weak power…
Restricted to the regulatory 15 horsepower of the A1 license, the KTM 4-stroke single-cylinder requires a whip to effectively climb the stages of the Fiat "Ingot". And even a few minutes later in town, MNC notes that on the flat and under 5000 rpm, the engine is struggling to restart the bike effectively. Even on wet Italian cobbles, the rear is unlikely to chase…
To take advantage of good acceleration and pick-up, it is imperative to maintain the – digital – tachometer needle between 8000 rpm and the red zone located 2000 rpm higher. The reduced range of use therefore requires to use and abuse the selector, a little harsh on our test model just out of the box (260 km on the odometer).
By quickly stacking up the gears and throwing open the throttle, you can easily get ahead of the cars and relatively quickly reach the speed limits imposed in and around town. Not very brave in the first half of the tachometer, the mono is nevertheless quite flexible. It is ultimately the little sudden when the gas is cut off that is the most regrettable.
During his short trip on the 2017 mini Duke – and in the rain! -, Site has on the other hand appreciated the behavior of the new fork: a little more flexible than the old model, it smoothes out the small irregularities of the alleys of Turin and absorbs the biggest shocks..
On braking, the nose of the motorcycle plunges sharply at first then descends more slowly if you insist again. The attack of the front brake is not however more biting than before, but the power seems to be slightly increased thanks to the 20 mm of additional disc.
Given the sporty image that emerges from this little roadster, we would have liked a little more response to the right lever. Especially since the Metzeler Sportec M5 fitted as standard on the 125 Duke offer very good grip, in both dry and wet conditions….
When braking suddenly to let an Italian motorist pass who confused green and red light – these Turinese are color blind! -, MNC was also able to validate the Bosch system which shines with its double ability to keep the bike upright, while slowing it down effectively. Professional work, really.
Little used by MNC because of the rain – and the 15 ponies that the engine develops – the rear shock absorber does not settle under acceleration and should allow you to maintain speed in turns. On the most marked speed bumps, MNC felt a slight lack of comfort. However, one should not rely on the saddle to spare the buttocks !
On-board approval is also limited to the level of the feet: from 4500 rpm, or 30 km / h in 3rd and 50 km / h in 6th, vibrations pass through the rubber of the footrests. The crackling reaches the saddle from 7000 rpm, the speed where the engine begins to pull….
In the list of weak points of the mini Duke, Site must add the lack of practical aspects. To begin with, let us quote the passenger handles which have disappeared and his footrests which have risen … Still under the rear seat, you can just slip a yellow vest compulsory in France (or a first aid kit in Austria!).
Unfortunately, it is out of the question to fit a U-lock in the small trunk of the 125 Duke. And because of the multitude of wires and electrical terminals therein, MNC does not recommend storing a disc lock there, which could damage the precious connections. You will have to transport your lock otherwise, essential even for a short stop since the KTM key is not coded…
If these last remarks are enough to dampen the enthusiasm of potential customers, they should not distract them from the KTM dealerships where the 125 Duke has just landed and is displayed at € 4,490. Or 2000 € more than the much more basic Honda CB125F … but around 500 euros less than the MT125, however less sophisticated! The duel is (re) launched, it may shake.
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