KTM 125 Duke

KTM 125 Duke (2011) First Look

KTM which is world’s renowned Austrian brand for fun biking unveiled production version of Duke 125 in INTERMOT (International Motorcycle, Scooter and Bicycle fair) Bike Show held in Cologne Germany.

KTM Duke 125 is designed for young enthusiasts or entry level rider in Europe. The bike will be launched in Europe in March of 2011. Let’s have first look to this monster.

Engine and Transmission

KTM Duke 125 is powered by 124.7 cc, four-stroke, Single cylinder, liquid cooled, 4 Valve DOHC engine which generates 15.2 bhp of power. The engine capacity is constrained by European norms where an entry level motorcycle cannot exceed engine capacity more than 125cc with maximum power of 11KW and top speed of 80 KM/hour till the age of 18.

The maximum power is 15.2bhp which peaks at 10,500 rpm and maximum torque of 12NM which peaks at 8000 rpm.

The power to weight ratio stands at 118.75 bhp/tonne which is again restricted by norms. KTM Duke 125 has got Bosch Electronic fuel injection system which ensures smooth and timely fuel delivery according to throttle response. It has got six speed transmission gear box which drives wheel via chain drive.

For smoother clutch operation KTM Duke 125 is equipped with multi-disk wet clutch which is operated hydraulically.

Chassis and Suspension:

The Duke 125 has got Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame with steel sub frame. It is important to know trellis frame means. According to motorcycle racing research major advantages are to be gained in terms of rigidity by joint the steering head to the swing arm in as short a distance possible. A steering head is at top of the frame.

The frame is made up of large number of short steel (or aluminum) tube welded together to form a trellis. It is easy to manufacture and extremely strong as well.

The front suspension is of an inverted 43mm fork which travels up to 6.3 inches while the rear got monoshock suspension with 6.3 inches travel. The Duke 125 has got wheelbase of 1350 mm which makes handling much easier. It has got 17 inch rim size.

The front tyre size is of 110/70*17 while the rear tyre size is of 150/60*17 which makes road grip firm and enhances traction control.

Brakes:

KTM 125 Duke

The duke 125 has got disc brake at both front and rear. The disc brakes were developed with world’s renowned brake company Brembo. The front has got 280 mm disc brake while the rear got 230 mm disc brake.

The braking power is excellent.

Style:

The styling of KTM Duke 125 has is inspired by its larger displacement siblings. Despite this the bike weighs only 128 Kg (282 pounds). It has got 11 liter fuel tank.

The seat is 31.9 inches (810 mm) above from the ground. The bike got monster look with styling equally biased from all the side rather than Japanese forward bias style.


Price:

It is expected to be priced around 4,000 euro in Europe (Rs. 2,46,000). The bike is expected to launch in second half of the financial year 2011-12 in India by Bajaj Auto. it is to be noted that in India we don’t need to limit the speed so the true top speed is yet to decide.

Bajaj Auto planning KTM brand in the price range of KTM will be in the range of Rs. 125000 to 2,50,000 or 3,00,000. So expect this bike to get figure in between this price.

KTM 125 Duke
KTM 125 Duke
KTM 125 Duke
KTM 125 Duke
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