Next-Gen KTM Dukes - Engine and Underpinnings

Given that the current-generation has been around for four years, a new range of KTM Dukes could be coming next year. After closely analyzing the new spy images, it is evident that KTM will be thoroughly updating the new range of Dukes with new components for the chassis, bodywork and equipment as well. For starters, the trellis frame looks new with more cross members that should result in a stiffer setup. If you look closely, you will also notice new mounting points for the engine. In fact, the engine casing itself looks very different from the ones on the current Dukes.

It remains to be seen if KTM brings any significant updates to the engine internals and if the new set of engine produce more power than before. One of the biggest changes to the underpinnings is that KTM has moved away from a trellis subframe at the rear, something that we have already seen with the likes of the Duke 890 and SuperDuke 1290 R. The new sub-frame is a bolt-on unit. Another major change lies in the offset monoshock that contrasts to the centrally mounted ones on the current Dukes. Elsewhere, you will also notice a new lattice type swing arm with a bracing arm.

Also Read : Limited-Edition KTM 1290 Super Duke RR SOLD OUT in Minutes

Next-Gen KTM Dukes - Design and Features

In terms of styling, the next-generation of KTM Dukes will boast of completely fresh styling. These test mules can be seen sporting new front fenders and sharper tank extensions that most likely have been inspired by the 890 Duke and 1290 SuperDuke R. The fuel tank itself seems larger than before. There are also a new five-spoke alloy wheels that seem to be taken off the new KTM RC390. The radiator covers, handguards, and a shorter rear fender are new components too.

An interesting thing to note here is that the test mules can be seen sporting a halogen headlamp setup, which is weird, because the current-gen Dukes are offered with LED headlamps in India, except for the baby Duke 125. In international markets, even the Duke 125 is offered with LED  headlamps. While the halogen headlamps could be limited to one of the smaller models, it could be one of the many parts that are being tested right now. Other minor but crucial design updates include a sleeker LED tail lamp and new rearview mirrors.  The TFT console may witness some minor changes as well.

While its still too early to speculate about the final look of new Duke family and what features they will be offered with, what is certain is that the new single-cylinder Duke family will share the same chassis components, to keep costs in check. Expected to be globally unveiled sometime in 2022, it should also make it to India shortly thereafter.

For more KTM news and other two-wheeler updates, stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com.

[Image Source]

The new KTM Duke 125 is now INR 8,000 more expensive when compared to the older version. It does however bring in quite a few updates to justify that premium in price. The updates are in fact similar to the ones the Duke 200 received earlier this year. It now gets the new headlamp unit seen on the Duke 200 with halogen bulbs and LED DRLs. The body panels have also been completely revised with new sharper tank extensions and a split trellis frame.

Also Read : 2021 KTM 125 Duke detailed in a walkaround video

The Duke 125 now also gets a larger fuel tank at 13.5-litres but the instrument console remains the same as before with the LCD unit. The new Duke 125 gets its own new dedicated set on graphics and is available in two color options - Electronic Orange and Ceramic White. The new split trellis frame has however altered the ergonomics of the motorcycle a little bit. The rider's triangle should be a little more relaxed and that should make it even more comfortable in the city. The seat height however has gone up by 5mm, now measuring at 823mm.

Kerb weight of the motorcycle has also gone up by 7 kg, the motorcycle now weighing in at 159kg. The powerplant however remains unchanged, It continues to be powered by a 124.7cc single-cylinder, liquid cooled engine that pushes out 14.5hp and 12Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed transmission. The wheels, brakes, USD front fork and monoshock are the same as before. The damping however could be softer than before as was experienced with the updated Duke 200.

The motorcycle continues to be wrapped with MRF tires on the 17-inch alloy wheels. The BS6 KTM Duke 125 does not have any direct rival and remains the sole sporty 125cc street naked. It is also quite a lot expensive for a 125cc motorcycle and in terms of price, it even treads into the territory of larger 150cc or even 200cc street naked motorcycles like the Honda Hornet 2.0, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and the Yamaha MT-15.

For more KTM news and other two-wheeler updates, stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com.

The KTM 125 Duke was first introduced in November 2018 at a price tag of INR 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Since then, the motorcycle received several price hikes. The new BS-VI compliant KTM 125 Duke will cost you INR 1,38,041 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The BS-VI version does not carry any major visual changes. One of the most noticeable ones is the bigger belly pan seen in the 250 Duke and 390 Duke to incorporate the new catalytic convertor. In comparison, its faired sibling, the RC 125 gets an orange coloured fuel tank and new graphics.

Also Read: BS-VI compliant KTM Duke and RC range launched - Prices, Specs & Features Inside

Powering the KTM 125 Duke is a 124.7 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. Coupled to a 6-speed gearbox, the engine produces 14.5 PS of power and 12 Nm of torque. It is suspended over 43 mm upside-down fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear, both sourced from WP Suspensions.

Anchoring duties are taken care of by a 300 mm disc with a 4-piston, radially mounted calliper at the front and a 230 mm disc with a single-piston floating calliper at the rear. The single-channel ABS hasn't been replaced with a dual-channel unit to keep costs under check.

Also Read: KTM 390 Adventure - First Ride Review

The fuel tank has the same 10.5-litre capacity. With the new Duke 200 moving to a bigger fuel tank, the 125 Duke has the smallest fuel tank in KTM’s range of street naked motorcycles in India. Of course, the RC 125 has an even smaller, 9.5-litre fuel tank. The rev-happy motorcycle tips the scales at 141.4 kg (wet without fuel).

The KTM 125 Duke also retains the same orange backlit LCD instrumentation and halogen headlamp.

Also Read: BS-VI KTM 790 Duke to arrive in May 2020, BS-IV version available at a steep discount

Let’s take a look at KTM 2020 BS-VI motorcycle range.

2020 KTM 390 Duke

The 2020 KTM 390 Duke will be retailed in two new colour options, Silver Metallic & Ceramic White. Also new on the street-naked motorcycle is a bi-directional quick shifter, a feature already offered on the recently launched KTM 390 Adventure. Besides that, the existing features of ride-by-wire, slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, TFT instrumentation, and LED headlamp have been retained.

Powering the 390 Duke is the same 373.3 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill which produces an unchanged 43.5 PS of power and 37 Nm of torque. The motorcycle now weighs 163 kg (wet, without fuel). The 2020 KTM 390 Duke has been priced at INR 2,52,928, up from INR 2,48,212 - a hike of INR 4,716 (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

2020 KTM 250 Duke

One of KTM’s most value for money offering, the 250 Duke, will now be retailed in Silver Metallic & Dark Galvano colour options. Unlike the 390 Duke, this quarter-litre motorcycle misses out on ride-by-wire and LED headlamp but retains the assist and slipper clutch. Brakes too are the same 320 mm disc up front and 230 mm unit at the rear, assisted by a dual-channel ABS.

The engine is the same 248.8 cc unit which produces an unchanged 30 PS of power and 24 Nm of torque. The bike tips the scales at 161.9 kg (wet, without fuel). The Austrian motorcycle maker has priced the BS-VI 250 Duke at INR 2,00,576, up from INR 1,97,248 - an increase of INR 3,328 (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

2020 KTM 200 Duke

KTM has finally given the 200 Duke a much-needed makeover. The motorcycle had earlier retained the same look, minus a few colour and decal changes, since its introduction in India way back in July 2012. Its new form has borrowed design cues from the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The motorcycle now comes fitted with a new, lightweight, steel trellis frame. Besides that, the overall stance gains a new larger fuel tank and headlamp. The former has an increased fuel capacity of 13.5 litres from the current 10.2 litres.

KTM claims that this increase in fuel tank capacity has increased the 200 Duke’s range by 30 percent from a single tankful of petrol. The BS-VI compliant 2020 KTM 200 Duke is now fitted with a dual-channel ABS instead of a single-channel unit doing duty in the outgoing BS-IV model. Colour options for the motorcycle now includes Electronic Orange & Ceramic White.

Its 199.5 cc engine produces the same 25 PS of class-leading power and 19.3 Nm of torque. The KTM 200 Duke BS-VI has received the highest price bump of INR 10,496 due to the major design changes. It now costs INR 1,72,749, up from INR 1,62,253 (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

2020 KTM 125 Duke and 2020 KTM RC 125

The 125 Duke and RC 125, the smallest machines in KTM’s Indian portfolio, get a new belly pan like the 200 Duke and 250 Duke. This allows the motorcycles to house the bigger catalytic converter which helps in making these motorcycles BS-VI compliant. While the naked 125 Duke retains the same colours and decals, the fully-faired RC 125 gets a gloss-white colour scheme with an orange coloured fuel tank and new graphics.

Both the motorcycles are fitted with a 124.7 cc engine which produces an unchanged 14.5 PS of power and 12 Nm of torque. However, the braking system is the same with only a single-channel ABS on offer. The 125 Duke tips the scales at 141.4 kg, while the RC 125 weighs 154.2 kg (both wet weight without fuel). Besides that, the naked motorcycle also gets a larger 10.5-litre fuel tank as compared to the faired motorcycle’s 9.5-litre unit.

The BS-VI compliant KTM 125 Duke is priced at INR 1,38,041 up from INR 1,32,500 which is a difference of INR 5,541. In comparison, the BS-VI RC 125 costs INR 1,55,277 up by INR 6,527 from INR 1,48,750. All prices here are ex-showroom, Delhi).

2020 KTM RC 200

Unlike its naked sibling, the 2020 KTM RC 200 retains the same bodywork as its BS-IV version. However, it comes in a new attractive orange and black paint scheme. The fully-faired motorcycle, though now comes with a dual-channel ABS as standard. It now tips the scales at 154.4 kg (wet, without fuel). Other features like projector headlamps, LCD instrumentation remains the same.

The 199.5 cc engine produces an unchanged 25 PS of power and 19.2 Nm of torque. Its fuel tank is a small 9.5-litre unit, same as that of the entire RC range. The 2020 KTM RC 200 has been priced at INR 1,96,768, up from INR 1,90,630 - a hike of INR 6,138 (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

2020 KTM RC 390

The flagship fully-faired RC 390, too, gets a cosmetic update as it moves to BS-VI compliance. The motorcycle now comes in a black and white colour option which screams sophistication. However, the BS-VI KTM RC 390 black wheels instead of orange wheels. Key features include projector headlamps, slipper clutch and ride by wire which it gained in 2017.

KTM’s RC 390 now tips the scales at 166.8 kg (wet, without fuel). However, the fuel tank is the same 9.5-litre unit. Sadly, though, the BS-VI compliant KTM RC 390 misses out on a bi-directional quick shifter which is present in its naked sibling. Well, a supersports-styled motorcycle not getting a quick-shifter and a street naked getting the same certainly raises some questions.

The 2020 KTM RC 390's prices start at INR 2,48,075, up by INR 4,061. In comparison, the outgoing BS-IV compliant variant of the motorcycle was priced at INR 2,44,014 (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

Also Read: KTM 390 Adventure - First Ride Review

The report adds that the first BS-VI compliant models to go on sale will be the KTM Duke 390, KTM Duke 250 and KTM RC390. The fully-faired RC 390 was showcased recently at EICMA 2019 in new colour options. The 373 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, DOHC engine produces 43 PS of power and 35 Nm of torque. We expect the torque to increase to 37 PS in the fully-faired motorcycle, bringing it in line with the naked and the adventure motorcycles based on the 390 platform.

All three of these machines will undergo a price hike of around INR 15,000 and deliveries will begin from 20 December 2019. This latest price hike does make the 390s fairly expensive. However, given the hardware and performance figures, they remain some of the most value for money offerings in the segment.

Post these three, KTM India will be launching their breadwinners, KTM Duke 125 and KTM RC 125 in January 2020. The performance figures of these to bikes will also remain similar to the BS-IV compliant options. Besides that, the price hike is expected to be in the range of INR 8,000 to INR 10,000.

The report also mentions that deliveries of the new KTM Duke 200 will begin only in February 2020. However, there is no mention of the KTM RC 200.

KTM may even showcase the long-awaited Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 at India Bike Week this year. Both the motorcycles will be positioned at a premium than the KTM Duke 390 and KTM RC 390.

[Source: Autocar India]

Also Read: KTM RC200 with Red Bull KTM MotoGP Team 2019 livery showcased

The KTM 125 Duke was launched in India at an introductory ex-showroom price of INR 1,18,163* and received its first price hike in April 2019. Then, the hike was of INR 6,835, leading to a price tag of INR 1,24,998*. About 10 days later, the entire KTM line-up in India saw a price revision, and at that time, the entry-level model's price increased by INR 250 to INR 1,25,248*. Now, with the INR 5,000 raise, the motorcycle now retails at approximately INR 1,30,248*

The new price brings the Austrian naked roadster closer to its 155 cc Japanese rival, the Yamaha MT-15, which is available at INR 1.36 lakh*. The 125 Duke packs a smaller and less capable engine compared to the MT-15. However, the hardware specifications give the Made-in-India Austrian roadster a premium look. Check out the performance numbers of both motorcycles below:

The 125 Duke has delivered promising sales performance since its launch in November 2018. Check out the sales performance in the table below:

The KTM 125 Duke has received a major upgrade in the international market, but the Indian-spec version gets the styling and features of the previous generation model for a lower price. It misses out on the 390 Duke inspired styling, Bluetooth enabled TFT display and full LED headlight. While the international model gets a bolted sub-frame, our version uses a welded sub-frame. Anchoring department includes a disc brake on both wheels as standard.

The 125 Duke is targeted to young buyers who are looking for an entry-level performance motorcycle with appealing looks. The 125 Duke will be soon joined by its fully-faired sibling, the RC125.

*Ex-showroom Delhi

Also read: Check out first images of Autologue Design Xplorer kit on a KTM 390 Duke

The 125 Duke has clocked decent sales figures and outsold its siblings on two occasions in the past. Check out its sales performance against the rest of the KTM motorcycles in the country in the table below:

Unlike the international model, the Indian-spec KTM 125 Duke carries forward the styling of the previous generation model and the current 200 Duke. The reason behind going for the old design was to keep the price competitive. However, unlike some of its rivals, KTM has not traded the hardware specifications to cut the costs. Thus, the India-spec KTM 125 Duke comes with features like the trellis frame, aluminium swingarm and 43 mm upside-down telescopic forks.

The 125 Duke features a 124.7 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine. Paired with a six-speed gearbox, the motor is tuned to deliver 14.5 PS of power at 9,250 revs and 12 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. Stopping power comes from disc brakes on both wheels, while the safety net of single-channel ABS, as mentioned above, comes as standard.

Also read: KTM-Bajaj 2.0 to develop strategies and technologies to leverage future mobility

The KTM 125 Duke motorcycle competes with the likes of Yamaha MT-15, FZ-25 and TVS Apache RTR200 4V. Even after the price increase, it retails at a lower tag than its direct rival Yamaha MT-15, which costs INR 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Also read: KTM 125 Duke - First Ride Review

The 200 Duke delivered positive year-on-year sales growth of 7 per cent and 23 per cent in November and October respectively. KTM introduced the 125 Duke ABS in the Indian market at an introductory price tag of INR 1.18 lakh. The 200 Duke ABS, on the other hand, is available at INR 1.60 lakh – all prices are ex-showroom Delhi.

The KTM 125 Duke has retained the styling of the previous generation model to keep the costs low in the price-sensitive Indian market. The bike uses a Euro-4/BS-IV compliant 124.7cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine that delivers 14.5 PS of maximum power at 9,250 rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. The motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox.

The 125 cc Austrian motorcycle benefits from trellis frame, aluminium swingarm, and 43 mm upside-down telescopic forks at the front. Stopping power comes from a 300 mm disc at the front and a 230 mm disc at the rear while the safety net of single-channel ABS comes as standard. The motorcycle also gets an anti-lift system where the back wheel does not lift up under hard braking.

Also read: KTM 390 Adventure R - Render, Features, Spec & Price expectation

Regarding rivalry, the KTM 125 Duke does not have a direct threat, yet. However, things would change once the Yamaha MT-15 arrives in India. The naked roadster version of the YZF-R15 V3.0 was recently spotted in India and is gearing up for a launch this year. The Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 ABS retails for INR 1.39 lakh*. Meanwhile, the KTM 125 Duke is priced very close to the TVS Apache RTR200 4V ABS (INR 1.11 lakh*), and the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS (INR 1.12 lakh*).

* ex-showroom Delhi prices

Also read - New 500cc twin-cylinder KTM motorcycle to be manufactured by Bajaj: Stefan Pierer

Moreover, the Duke series (comprising the 200, 250 and 390) has moved up in terms of pricing. Back in 2012, I purchased my 200 Duke for INR 1.35 lakh (on-road Mumbai). Now, the motorcycle retails for INR 1.51 lakh (ex-showroom) for the standard model and INR 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom) for the ABS variant. Thus, KTM 125 Duke makes more sense for the Indian market than ever. The 125cc model is INR 42,000 cheaper than the 200 Duke ABS.

However, is the package good enough for that cheque of INR 1.39 lakh (on-road Mumbai)?

Design

While the international spec 125 Duke has received a massive design and feature list update, the India specific model is identical to the previous generation 125cc motorcycle and the 200 Duke. The idea to use the last model generation’s styling was to keep the prices competitive. The International spec 125 Duke looks identical to the current generation 390 Duke and packs features such as full LED headlight, TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity and muscular styling.

The India spec model, on the other hand, uses halogen headlight that is accompanied by a small flyscreen on top and LED blinkers on the sides. To add a variation from the 200 Duke, the 125cc model gets black headlight mask instead of body coloured units.

The view from the cockpit, too, is identical to the 200 Duke. Thus, you would find a compact, orange backlit digital instrument console. The layout includes all the ride related information that is also seen on the 200cc model. The top of the screen displays the tachometer. The speedometer sits in the centre with the odometer and two trip meters on the right side. The left side of the screen shows the gear position indicator. Left bottom corner holds the temperature indicator while the right bottom corner shows the fuel gauge. The area below the speedometer shows a plethora of information that includes average speed, fuel consumption per 100 km, current fuel economy, ride time, distance to empty, and kilometres remaining before next service.

The telltale indicators sit on the top and include a gearshift light. The right side of the console displays the ABS and a warning sign.

The design of the fuel tank, rear panel, and the underbelly cowl are indistinguishable from the 200 Duke. However, the 125 Duke gets different set of graphics. The 125 Duke badges sit on either side of the fuel tank. Twin grab rails follow the split saddle with a step-up pillion seat. The rear features a LED tail light and LED blinkers. Sides reveal the compact underbelly exhaust instead of conventionally placed units on the international spec 125 Duke.

The motorcycle uses the same trellis frame that also underpins the 200 Duke. On the contrary, the international 125 Duke (2017 onwards) uses a bolt-on sub-frame.

The modern 125 Duke would have received more attention from entry-level buyers, but it would also have pushed the prices very high. The India spec model carries the hooligan look that swept many enthusiasts (including me) back in 2012.

How does it perform?

Performance and braking

The motor is a re-bored and re-stroked version of KTM’s 200cc engine. The revised bore x stroke makes 124.7cc of displacement. The single cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC, liquid cooled fuel injected engine delivers 14.5 PS of maximum power at 9,250 rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. The engine is paired to a six-speed gearbox.

The engine is every bit KTM as it can get. It enjoys staying in the high rev range, and 7,000 to red-line is where you would have the most fun. Fourth gear can take you till 90 kmph while fifth will get to past 100 kmph before hitting the redline. We could achieve a top speed of 109 kmph on the back straight of Bajaj’s Chakan test track in sixth gear with a few revs to go. That said, the pace at which it gains speed past 104 kmph in sixth is slow, and it takes a while to inch closer to that 109 kmph mark. The six-speed gearbox is precise, to say the least, and we had no complaints.

Stopping power comes from a 300mm single disc at the front and a 230mm single disc at the rear. The motorcycle comes with single-channel ABS while the rear features an anti-lift system that avoids a back wheel from lifting up under hard braking. The brakes are strong and can shed speeds at a commendable pace. The chicane at turn 3 and 4 of Bajaj’s test track demand heavy braking and the 125 Duke did not disappoint.

Do note that the ABS and anti-stoppie system are always on and cannot be switched off.

Does it handle as well as the 200 and the 390 Duke?

Ride and Handling

The ergonomics are identical to the 200 Duke and the 125 offers a perfect combination of sporty, yet upright ergonomics. The tall set handlebar gives a comfortable riding stance while the relatively rear-set footpegs add a sporty feel to the ergonomics. Being a roadster, the motorcycle does not offer any wind protection.

Shock absorption tasks are performed by 43mm inverted telescopic forks at the front and a 10 step adjustable 60mm monoshock at the rear. The suspension setup, similar to the 200 Duke, is on the sportier side, thus giving a lot of confidence while going around bends. The motorcycle, as mentioned before, is built around the same tried and tested frame that also underpins the 200 Duke and it is an absolute treat around corners. The MRF Revz rubber further complements the handling department.

On the downside, the refinement levels could have been better as there are noticeable vibrations post the 7,000 rpm mark.

Also read: KTM 125 Duke - In 25 Live Images

Verdict

The 125 Duke a perfect package for anyone who is planning to upgrade from a 110cc scooter or commuter motorcycle that has been in the family for more than a decade. The 125 Duke isn’t as wild as its bigger sibling but it isn’t a slouch by any means. It packs just the perfect amount of power to keep new riders engaged. The styling makes the overall package even more desirable.

But there are a few problems for the motorcycle – its rivals, a premium price tag and Indian license system. Unlike European countries, India does not have different levels of driving licenses. Thus, riders are not restricted by displacement limits. Anyone with a valid two-wheeler license can buy a motorcycle ranging from 100cc commuters to over 200 bhp monsters.

Moreover, the KTM 125 Duke ABS retails for 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom). The high price tag is a result of premium hardware such as upside down forks at the front, liquid-cooled motor and ByBre braking setup. There are 200cc motorcycles in the Indian market that retail for lower price tag than the 125 Duke and the Indo-Austrian product will have an uphill task of competing against the likes of TVS Apache RTR200 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar NS200.

Also read: 2019 KTM 250 Duke ABS variant listed on the Indian website

There is no direct rival to the KTM 125 Duke regarding displacement. However, the motorcycle is priced very close to the TVS Apache RTR200 4V ABS (INR 1.11 lakh*), Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS (INR 1.12 lakh*), Yamaha FZ25 (INR 1.19 lakh*) and the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 (INR 1.27 lakh*) – all of which feature a more powerful engine. Do note that the Yamaha duo is yet to receive the safety net of ABS in the Indian market.

The motorcycle will be available in three colours options – Orange, White and Black across 450 exclusive KTM showrooms in India. The 125 Duke ABS undercuts the 200 Duke as KTM’s entry-level model in the Indian market and will be available in the ABS variant only. The 200 Duke ABS arrive two days before the 125cc model and is available at an ex-showroom Delhi price of INR 1.60 lakh.

The KTM 125 Duke ABS has retained the styling of the previous generation model to keep the costs low in the price-sensitive Indian market. Thus, the motorcycle uses a halogen headlight and a full-digital display from the last model generation. On the contrary, the international spec 125 Duke draws styling cues from the latest generation KTM 390 Duke and comes equipped with full LED headlight and a TFT display with smartphone integration capabilities via Bluetooth.

Also read: KTM 390 Adventure Indian launch on schedule; debut at EICMA 2019 - Report

The bike uses a Euro-4/BS-IV compliant 124.7cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine that delivers 14.5 PS of maximum power at 9,250 rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. The motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Hardware specifications include premium features like trellis frame, aluminium swingarm, 43 mm upside-down telescopic forks at the front, and dual-channel ABS. Stopping power comes from a 300 mm disc at the front and a 230 mm disc at the rear.

* Ex-showroom Delhi prices

KTM Europe has issued a recall for the 2017 KTM Duke 125 and 2017 KTM Duke 390 which have been plagued by headlamp rebooting issues.

Many customers of the 2017 KTM Duke 390, including those in India, have been complaining of the headlamp periodically switching off for a few seconds. While this might not be an issue during the day, the situation is certainly scary during the night, especially while cornering.

In an official statement, KTM Europe said:

During the internal endurance testing, KTM experienced some cases of sporadic reboots of the LED headlight. As this may lead to potentially dangerous riding situations, the software of the headlight needs to be updated as soon as possible.

The new headlamp console in both the motorcycles use LEDs. The KTM Duke 390 and 2017 KTM Duke 125 also gained a new TFT instrumentation console. A few users have also complained about flickering issues with the screen.

Some customers have confirmed that the issues with the 2017 KTM Duke 390 have been rectified with the software update.

A Bangalore-based customiser has modified a TVS Scooty Pep+ that emerges as a mini KTM Duke 125. The cost of this modification is around INR 60,000 and can be done even with the Honda Activa.

The TVS Scooty Pep+ modified as a KTM Duke 125 gets a new custom exhaust which gives it a throaty note. The diminutive vehicle will give back problems to tall riders.

The scooter gets a previous generation KTM Duke 125 inspired headlamp and trellis frame and is suspended over standard telescopic fork up front and a monoshock setup in the rear. The carved fuel tank can store 2-litre of petrol. The factory fitted brakes of the TVS Scooty Pep+ are modified and it even gets an underbelly cowl like the previous generation KTM Duke models.

Also Read: Honda Navi modified to resemble KTM Duke 200

The stock TVS Scooty Pep+ is powered by an 87.8 cc single cylinder mill capable of producing 5 PS of maximum power at 6,500 rpm and 5.8 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

At the Osaka Motorcycle Show 2017, KTM showcased the Duke 125 and RC390.  Both the motorcycles are manufactured in India and exported to the world.

KTM Duke 125

The KTM Duke 125 gets LED headlamp like the Duke 390 with disc brakes all around. Powering the bike is a 124.7 cc mill coupled to a 6-speed gearbox. The fuel injected engine is capable of producing 15 hp of maximum power at 10,000 rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. The bike tips the scales at 137 kg (dry) and has a ground clearance of 185 mm. Brakes include a 300 mm disc in the front and a 230 mm disc in the rear. ABS is standard.

The 2017 KTM Duke 125 gets a larger 13.4-litre fuel tank and a new bolt-on subframe as seen in the bigger 390. The bike is suspended over 43 mm upside down front forks and a monoshock in the rear (both by WP). It even gets the swanky new TFT display.

KTM RC390

The 2017 KTM RC390 gets a side mounted canister exhaust and a new paint scheme with updated graphics. Powering the bike is a 373.2 cc single cylinder mill coupled to a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch. The engine is capable of producing 44 hp of maximum power at 9,500 rpm and 35 Nm of peak torque at 7,250 rpm.

The new 2017 KTM RC390 tips the scales at 147 kg (dry) and has a ground clearance of 178.5 mm. The brakes include a larger 320 mm disc up front and a 230 mm unit in the rear with standard ABS. the fuel tank can store 10-litre of petrol. The bike gets ride by wire, adjustable front brake lever & clutch lever, and larger rear view mirrors.

KTM’s entry level motorcycles will soon be heading to Bangladesh reports BikeBD.

Bangladesh sadly has a rule based on which motorcycles cannot have an engine displacement greater than 150 cc. The regulation will hinder KTM from launching the 200s, 250s and 390s, leaving the company only with the KTM Duke 125 and KTM RC125 to retail.

The Duke 125 is powered by a 124.7 cc single cylinder, liquid-cooled mill which is capable of producing 15 PS of maximum power. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox. The 2017 KTM Duke 125 also gets LED headlamps just like the new KTM Duke 390. It also gets upside down forks up front and a monoshock in the rear. The bike also gets disc brakes all around and the new TFT instrumentation console.

The KTM RC125 is powered by the same powertrain but continues with the same design language as the 2016 model. Both motorcycles, if introduced in Bangladesh, will bear a premium price tag. KTM will also have to appoint a dealer network in Bangladesh.

To begin with a partnership with Uttara Motors, which is the official distributor of Bajaj badged motorcycles cannot be ruled out.

[Source: BikeBD]

KTM releases new video of its 125cc bike (KTM 125 Duke) revealing never before seen angles of the fully complete bike. Click here to see it

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