COLOGNE SHOW: KTM 125 Duke

We thought this one would be kept under wraps until November's EICMA in Italy, but it seems that KTM wanted to release it closer to home and chose the Cologne motorcycle show to debut the KTM 125 Duke.

Though we're still in the dark as to whether the exciting learner-friendly LAMS bike will be coming to Australia, we do have official images and details of the compact 125cc naked bike direct from the Cologne motorcycle show.

As well as being one of the most visually appealing 125cc motorcycles on the market, the KTM 125 Duke makes use of a chromoly trellis frame with a steel sub frame to hold everything together.

Up front are 43mm upside down forks and the rear end gets a WP monoshock, both of which should make mounting kerbs a cinch, and the whole kit weighs in at a very handy 125kg. So light you could almost bunny-hop the thing.

If this bike was available when we were young. Ah, the times we had...

Power comes from a 125cc fuel-injected single-cylinder four-stroke engine that KTM reckons has an output of 15hp (11kW) at 10,500rpm and 12Nm of torque at 8000rpm.

Single discs front and rear are bitten by Brembo calipers ensuring stoppies and skids will be commonplace among European teens who are lucky enough to ride one, and KTM has also released a range of 'PowerParts' accessories for the 125 Duke, which allow owners to individualise their steeds.

The front forks can be upgraded to a WP unit, there's petal disc brakes, bark busters, frame sliders and new body work, decals and even coloured chains will also be offered. The kids are going to go troppo for this stuff! Check the last few photos for an idea of what the PowerParts accessories look like.

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