Small-capacity motorcycles are gradually taking root in our country. Just recently, on my first trip, it was not cool to drive something with an engine of less than 500 cc. But modern motorcycle schools instill in students the understanding that driving skills are not acquired during the training period, and it is better to fall and crash into something at low speed. Part of the popularity of this technology was provoked by all sorts of Alphas and Saburs that poured straight from Chinese assembly shops. Although it is worth noting that there are worthy representatives among them. But today we will talk about the star of its class, the Duke of Austria or simply - Ktm 125 Duke.
What is a motorcycle?
The first and most correct question is – what is it?
We answer - the KTM 125 is a naked class motorcycle, designed for beginner motorcyclists, motorcycle schools and just for fun. There will be a lot of fun here, since, despite all its modesty, the engine produces 15 horsepower, spins up to an incredible 9500 rpm, and all this is flawlessly controlled thanks to a unique, expensive suspension. In Ktm Duke 125, the specifications are really outstanding like the top speed is 130 and the city consumption can be as low as 2 liters. The icing on the cake is the appearance of the bike - it almost completely copies its older brothers.
Distinguishing the 2017 Ktm Duke 125 from the nearest Duke 390 is not so easy in person, and even more difficult in motion. The result is a bike that doesn't look compromised or stripped down, but instead shines for every dollar spent.
Design
The manufacturer managed to preserve the characteristic features inherent in the sporty Dukes, and at the same time made changes to make the model more suitable for urban conditions. For example, the KTM Duke 125 tires are atypically wide for a 125 cc bike - 110/70ZR17 at the front and 150/60ZR17 at the rear (narrower “donuts” are usually installed on a mini sportbike).
As for the dimensions, the manufacturers did not make the model too small. For example, the 125 cc bike differs from its older brother (Duke 690) by only 10%. But it was decided to remove the heavy “tail” and the massive saddle so that the motorcycle would not look awkward on city roads.
The rigid frame is made of a “birdcage” type - it has an impressive rear suspension pendulum with massive stiffening ribs. Headlights – halogen 60/55W. The rear brake light and turn signals are LED.
The handlebars of the KTM Duke 125 are wide and offer an almost upright riding position for the driver. The saddle is large, but quite dense, as it should be for a sportbike. Before the pilot’s eyes is a spacious instrument panel with a small LCD display. The switches are backlit, which is very convenient in the dark. The model is available in three colors - black, black-orange and black-red.
Specifications
To better understand the beauty of the bike, let's take a look at the Ktm Duke 125 specifications. It is in the technical part that all its value lies for young boys and girls who want to become confident motorcyclists.
Motor
The 2021 Ktm Duke 125 is equipped with a single-cylinder, four-stroke 125 cc liquid-cooled engine. Its power is 15 hp, liquid cooling and an injection system are installed. The clutch is multi-disc in an oil bath.
Chassis
The frame is a steel cage that no competitor has. But the best thing is the upside-down front fork from WP, with a diameter of 43 mm and a rake angle of 66 degrees. This is not the case with most high-class motorcycles, not to mention their classmates. The rear heavy swingarm is supported by a single shock absorber, also from WP. As a result, his behavior on the road is beyond praise. It is not just stable, the KTM 125 digs into the road and instantly reacts to any actions with the steering wheel or body. This is both a plus and a minus. The advantage is that you will learn to control a sharp bike that reacts to any input. The downside is that you won't want to trade that feeling for anything, which means the number of available replacement bikes is significantly reduced.
Brakes
At the rear there is one brake disc 23 cm in diameter and a single-piston floating caliper.
At the front there is one 30 cm disc and a caliper with four pistons.
There are more than enough brakes, and most importantly, it is possible to install ABS, and with it, get rid of half of the falls associated with the inability to brake in an emergency situation.
Driving experience
We've looked at the technical specifications of the Ktm Duke 125, let's move on to more pressing issues - how the bike feels on the road. It only took a couple of hours to understand all the nuances and features of the ride. On the second day, the motorcycle becomes familiar and completely understandable.
Ergonomics – the driver’s seating position is a kind of compromise towards the shrimp-like state. However, it is still quite comfortable, especially since the rider is not threatened by long-distance maneuvers, and in the city you simply won’t have time to get tired in such a position. The response of the knobs and switches is excellent. Everything turns on, survives and reacts quite predictably. Even when unscrewing the throttle, out of habit, you expect at least some kind of reaction in the form of acceleration, but here it comes almost instantly. The mirrors are small, but you can see exactly as much as you need.
The dashboard is a tiny display, despite its size, it contains a huge pile of important information, of which you can only view the current speed while driving. This is a classic flaw in the line, which does not interfere with driving at all, since the car is indestructible, unpretentious, and there is no need to especially look after it. Nevertheless, there are located on it:
- transmission indicator;
- fuel level;
- motor temperature;
- daily mileage;
- watch;
- average and current fuel consumption;
- duration of the trip;
- mileage before maintenance;
- a number of indicators (overheating, low voltage, excessive oil pressure, etc.).
You can control all this using keys, there are only two of them. Fortunately, you can choose your own set from the variety presented. There is also a blinker that you can customize as you wish.
Exhaust – at low speeds the exhaust sound is low, even a little bassy. To those who don’t know, it may seem like they are facing a serious, high-speed moocher. But as soon as you spin up, an obsessive buzz appears, which you can only get rid of by switching to a higher gear, fortunately there are 6 of them.
Disadvantages of the model
- The presence of an electronic speed limiter, which can be removed at any service center.
- Stock tires are not suitable for aggressive driving. When you press the rear brake hard, the tires begin to slide on the asphalt.
- A special spark plug is used that is not interchangeable with other brands.
An ultra-modern small-capacity motorcycle has found its place in the sun. Austrian quality and a certain pedantry can be seen in the smallest details. It is noteworthy that, despite its small volume, the engine design is no different from its more powerful counterparts.
The same fuel injection system, DOHC system, electronic ignition. The technical characteristics of the ktm 125 sx are no worse than similar motorcycles from other manufacturers. The main difference is the speed limiter, but this is due to the peculiarities of European legislation. In addition, this disadvantage can be easily eliminated. The main advantage is the economical fuel consumption mode. The motorcycle's power reserve is approximately 400 km, which is very good. A characteristic difference between KTM and other companies is that despite the desire to make the bike more affordable, the quality of all parts and components is no different from more expensive models.
Tuning
The appearance of the Ktm 125 Duke for most owners seems quite aggressive and complete, requiring no improvement. However, not everyone thinks so, including the motorcycle manufacturer itself. If you decide to improve your bike, then there is no need to order handmade parts or sculpt handicrafts. Factory modification kits are already waiting for their owners in a special catalog. It has everything from the smallest plastic trim to new seats, rims and other elements. If desired, you can replace up to 80% of the entire motorcycle using only the catalog. There are a huge number of modification options. There are several color options for individual parts.
Owner reviews
Former and current owners of the 2021 Ktm Duke 125 were divided into two camps in their opinion about the motorcycle.
The first are wealthy people or careful motorcyclists who have not had to deal with major repairs. They see only the advantages of technology and note its reliability and high quality. Have continued their motorcycle career with the Austrians or intend to do so.
The second had to face the inevitable - repairs. For the owner of a Ktm 125 Duke, it only means a long and large check for services. Even a simple fall, after which you have to change the handles and footrests, costs a lot of money, and repairing the engine or suspension costs an indecent amount.
Knowing this, immediately assess your financial capabilities to support such an expensive baby.
Who is it suitable for?
The KTM 125 Duke motorcycle is one of the best options for a novice motorcyclist. If you are faced with the question of buying your first bike and are not strapped for money, this is your option. Unlike the completely Chinese Yamaha YBR125, the Austrian stands better on the road, is noticeably faster and more versatile, as it allows you to feel in the middle category between classics and sports. Another popular competitor, the Honda CBR125R, also loses, since its seating position is far from the KTM 125 in terms of comfort. Also in this class, you can consider the budget Yamaha YBR 125, which began its history in 2004 and is produced to this day. You can list for a long time the disadvantages of competitors or the advantages of Duke, but the result is always one in its class and has no equal.
This is partly why experienced motorcyclists also buy it simply to frolic in the city, to calmly open the throttle at any time, hone their skills and not be afraid of the consequences. The final criticism of motorcycles is their condition, even on the secondary market. Owners of such bikes closely monitor their equipment, which means it will be difficult to find junk on the market.
Cons of the 2021 KTM 125SX
Preload adjustment ring. There must be a better way to adjust the preload on the rear shock. When everything is new and clean, it can be adjusted with a long screwdriver, but when everything is already dirty, adjustment becomes a problem, and the plastic ring is quite easy to break.
Power valve regulator. The valve is adjusted with a square key. Do you always have it at hand? And if you try to adjust it with a screwdriver, you will no longer be able to put the key on.
Screw for removing air from the fork. The bleeder screw on the right side of the fork is a Torx #15. KTM should go back to the Phillips head screw they used a few years ago.
Knitting needles. They are constantly weakening. Keep an eye on them.
Air filter. You can get more horses and improve throttle response by increasing the air filter capacity.
KTM 125SX 2019
What is the bike not suitable for?
Despite all the delights of the KTM 125, there are a number of cases where it will be inappropriate:
Off-road – some people think that the Duke can perform well on dirt roads or in the field, but this is not the case. Such outings end not just in falls, but in serious damage and repair costs. For off-road you need endurics or pit bikes, such as Kayo 125; naked bikes are better left on the track.
In the ring there is a conditional restriction, since all that can stop you before visiting a sports track is your original tires. It is wide enough for its class, but its quality is not very good. Invest in a good set of tires and you can safely master cornering your motorcycle.
In the outback, one of the important points in the reliability of an Austrian is official service. This is a guarantee of its performance and the ability to repair any breakdown. When driving too far from the dealer, you can hear how days of downtime pass after some parts of the motorcycle break down.
Video Ktm 125 Duke 2021
Specifications
| Maximum engine power: | 15 HP |
| Torque: | 12 Nm |
| Working volume: | 124 cm3 |
| Motor type (cylinder arrangement, number of strokes): | 4-stroke DOHC with Bosch EFI system |
| Number of cylinders: | 1 |
| Number of valves: | |
| Intake type (Injector / Carburetor): | |
| Bore and stroke: | |
| Starting system (Electric starter, kick starter): | |
| Maximum speed in km/h: | 105 km/h |
| Cooling system: | liquid |
| Transmission (gearbox): | 6 |
| Clutch (Dry / Wet): | |
| Drive unit: | chain |
| Frame: | high-strength steel (pipes) with powder coating |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension (front/rear travel): | |
| Brakes (Front/Rear): | |
| Wheels / Tires / Rubber: | |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Dimensions (Length / Width): | |
| Seat height: | |
| Ground clearance: | |
| Curb weight: | |
| Wheelbase: | 1350 mm |
| Weight: | 125 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 11 l. |
| Battery capacity: | |
| Year of release: | |
| Country of Origin: |
2021 KTM 125SX
Here's a short list of changes for 2021:
The KTM 125SX frame features the same geometry as the 2018 model, but with revised stiffness. Torsional rigidity has been increased by 10 percent and bending rigidity by 2 percent. KTM did this by increasing the diameter of the bias tubes and redesigning the headset.
The subframe has become 40 mm longer and lighter.
Engine. The cylinder has a redesigned exhaust port that is CNC machined for better gas distribution and interaction with the new power valve.
Clutch. The new KTM 125SX has a new DS (Diaphragm System) clutch. The DS clutch has a Belleville cup washer replacing the five coil springs. The 2021 KTM 250SXF and 350SXF also get a DS clutch, while the 250SX and 450SXF use a DDS (Damped Diaphragm System) clutch. The DDS clutch has six rubber dampers that soften shock loads from more powerful engines.
Seat. They put more foam in the center of the seat to make it flatter and taller.
KTM 125SX 2019
Intake system. The air cleaner looks suspiciously like a Husky, and the intake manifold is straighter.
Fuel tank. The plastic tank has been redesigned, although it still holds 7 liters.
Release. New pipe and muffler. The pipe is manufactured using 3-D stamping technology to obtain the optimal shape. The molded plastic muffler bracket has been replaced with welded old-school aluminum brackets for 2021.
Pendulum. Longer rear swingarm slots allow the rear wheel to move rearwards an additional 5mm.
Kick starter. KTM has strengthened the kick starter saddle to ensure reliability.
Clutch cover. The clutch cover has become narrower, reducing the width of the engine by 10 mm.
Suspension. The fork pistons and springs have undergone changes. The fork and monoshock settings will probably be updated.
Traverses. The upper traverse has become 5 mm wider and more rigid.
Radiators. The radiators are more efficient because they are thinner, mounted 12mm lower, and the hoses are 4mm thicker, while coolant volume has increased by 11 percent.
KTM 125SX 2019
KTM 125SX on stand
How did the KTM 125SX perform on the dyno?
The 2021 KTM 125SX is one horsepower more powerful than its predecessor, 38.23 hp to be exact. at 11,300 rpm. Maximum torque also increased to 24.19 Nm at 11,200 rpm , which is 0.68 Nm more than the 2021 model. Since the engine produces maximum torque at high speeds, you will have to twist the throttle to feel the maximum impact from the Austrian octagon.
KTM 125SX on the track
How is it on the track?
The KTM 125SX's superior performance on the dyno is also felt on the track. The motorcycle picks up better from the bottom and pulls stronger from the middle to the top. However, the 125SX engine still produces quite a bit of torque at low revs and therefore, when upshifting, you have to twist the throttle to get the bike going. The engine is not high-torque - it produces maximum performance at high speeds.
Carburetor MIKUNI TMX
How does a MIKUNI TMX carburetor work?
The transition from a 38mm Keihin PWK carburetor to a 38mm Mikuni TMX carburetor in 2021 did not go smoothly for either KTM or its customers. It should be noted that the beloved Keihin carburetor also had its problems, but KTM made the Keihin PWK carburetor work as it should.
For 2021, the Mikuni carburetor was impossible to tune on both the KTM 125SX and 250SX. KTM has determined that the carburetor must operate at a 60:1 mixture. We still have no idea why. In general, there was nothing but torment with him. For 2021, KTM did away with the weird 60:1 fuel/oil mixture ratio and returned to a much more traditional 40:1 ratio, although on the 250SX the mixture was still lean for some unknown reason.
For 2021, KTM installed a larger main jet and replaced the needle. Finally, after two years of suffering, KTM got the fuel flowing correctly.
