Fresh-faced and ready for 125cc action, KTM has just announced its brand new hooligan for the 125cc class – the 2024 KTM Duke 125.
Armed with an iconic scalpel edge, the single-cylinder and 125cc CBT compliant Duke 125 has been given a raft of updates, from style to performance, to update it for a 2024 reception. It has been announced alongside a new Duke 390, and a Duke 250 (that we won’t see in the UK).
With KTM promising the 2024 line-up representing the biggest change to the sub-500 cc capacity Duke models since the 2011 Duke 125, let’s have a quick look at what’s new for this 125cc fan-favourite!
What's new on the 2024 KTM Duke 125?
Whilst the typical aggressive stance & styling that is oh-so KTM remains, a new 2-piece frame design with new steel trellis main frame and die-cast aluminium subframe benefits from tweaks to rigidity, mated to an all-new curved lightweight swingarm – the new metal tank fully fuelled, total kerb weight is at 154 kg.
The new swingarm is mounted in a way to relocate the shock absorber off-centre, giving room for a larger airbox design and reducing the seat height to an accessible 800mm - all in the name of improved rider control, stability, and enhanced handling characteristics.
The KTM LC4c is newly redesigned for this model year, with newly optimised cylinder heads and gearboxes, plus meeting the Euro 5.2 standards. All the new Duke models (including this 125cc) will feature the latest versions of selectable Supermoto ABS, and all share the same 5” TFT dash units with smartphone connectivity as standard. You can opt for a quickshifter+ as an aftermarket option, also.
KTM 125 Duke Engine
The new LC4c 125 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder headlines with peak figures at 14.79 BHP at 10,000 rpm, and 11.5 Nm at 7750 rpm. It has a new SOHC layout, Bosch EFI, 6 gears, and a PASC antihopping clutch.
It’ll come with Supermoto ABS from Bosch, with a 320 mm front disc with a four-piston radial fixed calliper, and a 240 mm rear disc with 2 piston floating calliper.
This will mean the new 125 Duke will certainly be able to get over 70 mph, and be a serious amount of fun to ride - particularly weighing in at just 154 kg!
New KTM Duke 125 - it has the style!
Borrowing looks from the 1290 Super Duke, this smaller Duke shares the same design with the 390 update (and the 250 that we won’t see in the UK). It has the updated LED headlight set up and big 43 mm USD forks from WP, with the rear shock with preload adjustability.
Travel on the suspension is 150 mm front and rear, and that low 800 mm seat height will mean just about everyone will be able to jump on comfortably.
The big TFT dash is a huge bonus, also, particularly for those who will want to connect their smartphone to the screen via the KTMconnect app.
Tyres will be the Michelin Road 5, and all in this Duke will have supreme agility on the UK roads – be prepared to see plenty of these around in 2024!
It’s no doubt that KTM will eagerly watch how the sales rack up for this new Duke 125, which has been given some pretty serious spec for 2024 – the price is yet to be confirmed (2023 model is currently listed at £4,799), though it will come in a traditional KTM orange or blue.
The accompanying photos for this reveal are brilliant, also – with some seriously talented riders really pushing the bikes to the limit – though we can’t officially encourage you to do the same, it certainly looks wicked.
This will no doubt be on a future top 10 list for BikeMatters, and we can't wait to give it a go!
