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 !
125 Duke test page 1 – She has more than a big !
On the podium of the favorite 125 cc motorcycles of the French between 2011 and 2014 (with a first full and record year in 2012: the little Katoche had then cracked 1447 of our dear fellow citizens), the 125 Duke finished fourth in the same ranking for the last two years.
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Among the 125s at the moment, neo-retros are popular: the Mash Seventy series has been at the head of French sales for three years. And the Orcal Astor’s second place in 2016 shows that the trend is deep. Despite this, other models appeal to young bikers (A1 license) and "motomobilists" (B license)…
In the segment of small, "big on" bikes, the MT125 and CB125F are the 125 Duke’s main rivals. These last two years, moreover, the small Yamaha has largely dominated the competition in France … KTM had to react !
For 2017, the Austrians have decided to raise the tone: the Blues of Iwata are successful with their miniature MT-07, yet displayed on the official site at € 4,999? From now on, the Oranges de Mattighofen will offer a mini 1290 Super Duke R at € 4,490…
Aesthetically, the break with the old 125 Duke is total: always sketched by the designers of Kiska (who designs everything at KTM, from motorcycles to clothes, including toasters or coffee stirrers!), The new model is given airs of maxiroadster maxisportif !
Nicknamed "the offspring of the beast" by its designers, the mini Duke is the spitting image of his mother who had just slapped a hell of a slap on her opponents when it was released. Very modern, the new LED headlight of the 125 in particular gives a big blow of old to the old model … as well as to the competition !
The new 125 Duke also has a significantly more dynamic profile thanks to its long tank sides, radiator scoops and saddle that project forward and down. Its engine spoiler is significantly reduced in size while its rear trim is shorter and sharper. It contrasts sharply with the 2011-2016 version !
Seen from afar, the small KTM has everything the big one. And seen up close, it even has more than some large displacement: "absolute champion in its category", underlines KTM, the 125 Duke is equipped with a TFT color screen as a dashboard !
Speed, engine speed, gear indicator light, fuel gauge and engine temperature: the main information is displayed continuously on two-thirds of the screen with very satisfactory brightness and contrast. The additional data present on the left side and shortcuts to the two partial trips can be personalized by the pilot…
The left control unit has four buttons with simple functions: up, down, "validate" (right) and "exit" (left). The principle is understood in just a few seconds. So much so that on its test model, Site quickly corrected the date and set the clock to daylight saving time. Unthinkable modifications on other machines !
Other manufacturers could take inspiration from the KTM instrumentation mode of operation, as well as backlit controls that facilitate and secure handling at night or in dark tunnels and parking lots. At the same time, note that the screen automatically switches between the clear "day" display and its negative "night" display. Well seen !
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