At EICMA 2009, KTM unveiled a small but very attractive concept bike, a 125cc supermoto conceived for those with a taste for spirited riding. That concept conquered the hearts and minds of both the youngsters and their parents, and KTM did not disregard the strong message: For 2011, the 125 Duke is a lovely little zapper KTM will build in India to keep the price down. But the quality is absolutely KTM, no corners cut. A specifically developed fuel-injected liquid-cooled dohc four-valve single (58mm x 47.2mm) produces 15 hp at 10,500 rpm, and 8.85 ft.-lb. of torque at 8000 rpm, says KTM, which is right there in keeping with the 15-hp limit of many European countries’ beginner-bike statutes.
Solidly built, the 125 Duke features a chrome-moly steel tube trellis frame, cast aluminum swingarm, massive, 43mm inverted fork, disc brakes front and rear, and 17-inch wheels shod with 110/70-17 and 150/60-17 radials. The steering geometry (25-degree rake, 3.9-inch trail) is set for both absolute stability and great agility; a ready-to-ride weight of just 282 pounds—complete with electric starter system—won’t hurt with the agility part.
For more advanced riders, KTM showed the “for track use only” edition of its 1190 RC8 R superbike that deletes all the street equipment. Dubbed “Track,” this KTM 1190 RC8 R is loaded instead with all the KTM Power Parts specialties. The engine is claimed to produce an impressive 180 hp, and the bike is homologated to compete in European Superstock competition.
