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MINI-DUKE: Cagiva’s Raptor 125 will soon have competition from KTM. Teenage bikers of the world rejoice.
KTM 125s are nothing new - in fact the company’s 125cc motocross bikes are legendary.
So, why are twistgrip fans in a stupor about KTM’s latest 125?
Well, the Austrian manufacturer’s latest addition, shown at the recent Intermot show, is a 125cc street bike – quite a departure for the brand.
KTM's Cagiva killer
Why the switch to producing a small capacity road bike? In essence: emerging market funding.
KTM’s received a wad of cash from Indian investor Bajaj recently. Some advice concerning the company’s product portfolio allegedly came as a package deal with the investment.
To this end the 125 Duke has been configured to be the ultimate urban runabout.
Housed in its chromoly trellis frame (with steel supports) is a 125cc liquid-cooled (and fuel-injected) engine producing only 11kW and 15Nm driving the rear wheel through a six-speed transmission.
Those output statistics may sound a trifle underwhelming yet the mini-Duke weighs a scant 127kg.
Suspension is by long-time KTM partner WP and includes an inverted 43mm fork up front, trailed by a rear shock. Both WP items allow 160mm of travel – perfect for those impromptu pavement-navigating detours. The mini-Duke’s brakes are Brembo rotors front and rear and its seat height is an easily accessible 81cm. The fuel tank takes 11 litres.
KTM aims to have the new Duke 125 with dealers worldwide during the first half of 2011.
So, why are twistgrip fans in a stupor about KTM’s latest 125?
Well, the Austrian manufacturer’s latest addition, shown at the recent Intermot show, is a 125cc street bike – quite a departure for the brand.
KTM's Cagiva killer
Why the switch to producing a small capacity road bike? In essence: emerging market funding.
KTM’s received a wad of cash from Indian investor Bajaj recently. Some advice concerning the company’s product portfolio allegedly came as a package deal with the investment.
To this end the 125 Duke has been configured to be the ultimate urban runabout.
Housed in its chromoly trellis frame (with steel supports) is a 125cc liquid-cooled (and fuel-injected) engine producing only 11kW and 15Nm driving the rear wheel through a six-speed transmission.
Those output statistics may sound a trifle underwhelming yet the mini-Duke weighs a scant 127kg.
Suspension is by long-time KTM partner WP and includes an inverted 43mm fork up front, trailed by a rear shock. Both WP items allow 160mm of travel – perfect for those impromptu pavement-navigating detours. The mini-Duke’s brakes are Brembo rotors front and rear and its seat height is an easily accessible 81cm. The fuel tank takes 11 litres.
KTM aims to have the new Duke 125 with dealers worldwide during the first half of 2011.
