Boasting the latest generation in LC4c engines, the 2025 KTM 125 DUKE muscles up with more power, smoother acceleration, and light overall weight. Drawing from years of experience in the small engine game.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 KTM 125 Duke: THE SPAWN OF THE BEAST.
Introducing the 2025 KTM 125 Duke…
The KTM 125 DUKE might only boast 125 cc, but rest assured – this machine is 125% DUKE! Built with the same NAKED ethos as its bigger brethren, the 2025 KTM 125 DUKE boasts a muscled-up attitude, an excellent suspension package, LED lights, riding tech, and street-ripping, turn-gripping aggression. This motorcycle is designed and developed in Austria, and assembled in India.
2025 KTM 125 Duke Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
KTM DUKE – 30 YEARS OF PURE, NAKED MOTORCYCLING
The last 30 years of the KTM DUKE model range can be summed up in one word: Evolution. From its humble beginnings in 1994 to its current status as a symbol of performance and innovation, the KTM DUKE nameplate has stood the test of time.
In 1994, KTM burst into the street scene with the first motorcycle to carry the DUKE nameplate. It featured a big-bore 609 cc single-cylinder engine, with ergonomics and styling that straddled the line between Supermoto and street fighter. It brought true hooligan personality to the street, unapologetically Naked and stripped back to the bare essence of what a motorcycle should be.
At the time, the 1994 KTM DUKE was a radical departure from traditional motorcycle designs. Featuring an exposed trellis frame, minimalist bodywork, and a single-cylinder engine, it was an anomaly in the market. However, it instantly captured the attention of riders seeking a raw and unbridled riding experience.
Such was its success that KTM introduced a more powerful DUKE II version in 1999, with sharper styling replacing the rounded body contours of its predecessor. Unknowingly, this would launch the Naked segment within the KTM street motorcycle line-up, with more engine capacities and cylinders being added to the DUKE range.
In 2005, the SUPER DUKE nameplate was introduced, boasting a powerful 990 cc LC8 V-Twin powerplant. The KTM 990 SUPER DUKE quickly reached cult status, leading the way for the KTM 990 SUPER DUKE R variant to tear into the market in 2008.
2008 also brought the KTM 690 DUKE to market, once again shaking up the design norms of the times. The 2008 KTM 690 DUKE was a hunkered down, powerful single-cylinder machine, with an underslung exhaust and aggressive, elbows-out riding position. This would later become the blueprint for the DUKE attitude.
2011 saw the rise of smaller capacity DUKE models, with the KTM 125 DUKE entering the market. This compact and energetic machine delivered ample power and easy maneuverability, without sacrificing any of the DUKE personality. This made it the ideal launchpad for future DUKE pilots, and future middle-weight models.
In 2012, KTM introduced the game-changing KTM 200 DUKE, with THE CORNER ROCKET KTM 390 DUKE joining the line-up in 2013. The KTM 390 DUKE became a favorite among urban riders, thanks to its nimble handling and punchy power delivery.
KTM then shook the Naked motorcycle segment in 2014, with the introduction of THE BEAST – the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R. With a 1,301cc V-twin engine at its core, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R gained the reputation of having the most powerful LC8 engine, which paved the way for a new segment and the more travel-focused KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT arriving in 2016.
The following year, 2017, THE BEAST received its first real update. Dubbed THE BEAST 2.0, the 2017 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R boasted power, suspension, and styling updates. But its new electronics package took center stage, with more refined rider aids and a new TRACK Mode setting the tone.
A turning point in the DUKE evolution came about in 2018, when KTM unleashed the KTM 790 DUKE, dubbed THE SCALPEL. This was the introduction of a new era of performance and style for the DUKE name, featuring a powerful parallel-twin engine, cutting-edge electronics, and a bold design. Moreso, it showcased the determination to dominate the middleweight Naked bike segment.
The KTM 990 DUKE – not to be confused with the KTM 990 SUPER DUKE of old – is powered by an all-new LC8c parallel-twin, bringing the fight directly to the 1,000 cc Naked segment. It boasts bigger dimensions, more tech, and more street presence.
Lastly, the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R and its stablemate, the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO, have evolved to be the ultimate pair of hyper-naked motorcycles with immense power, unmatched electronics, and an all-new direction in design.
2025 KTM 125 Duke Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
FIND THE RIGHT FIT
Adjustability
Finding that perfect balance when attacking your favorite stretch of tarmac, or sliding around some tight cone-marked corners is easy thanks to the KTM 125 DUKE’s WP APEX Separate piston shock absorber and also be set for preload, white hand levers can be adjusted for reach.
INFOTAINMENT
TFT Display & Connectivity
Everything you need at a glance. The 2025 KTM 125 DUKE features a 5″ bonded glass TFT dashboard. This is paired with a switch cubeset that has 4-way menu switches that allow easy interaction with all vehicle functions – even smartphone connectivity. Speaking of which, all DUKE models are equipped with connectivity functions, allowing pilots to play music, take incoming calls, and get to where they are going with Turn-by-Turn navigation.
NAKED AGGRESSION
Bodywork
Embracing its NAKED lineage, the 2025 KTM 125 DUKE has no shame in bearing it all. Casting an ever-impressive shadow, bristling with shark-like edges and visible air intakes, and painted headlight surround, the 2025 KTM 125 DUKE boasts an aggressive stance. A metal fuel tank, color-injected plastics, and LED lights complete the package.
100% DUKE
Graphics
Premium looks come as standard on the 2025 KTM 125 DUKE. A high-quality, multi-layered, wet-painted finish in either Electronic Orange or Atlantic Blue with clear-gloss graphics perfectly set off the unique DUKE textured seat cover. Make no mistake, this is 100% DUKE with 110% street-cred.
POWER HUNGRY
Engine
Boasting the latest generation in LC4c engines, the 2025 KTM 125 DUKE muscles up with more power, smoother acceleration, and light overall weight. Drawing from years of experience in the small engine game, the 2025 KTM 125 DUKE also features an the same improved gearbox, and a optimized cylinder head as found on the 2024 model.
PICK YOUR POWER
Ride Modes
The 2025 KTM 125 DUKE gives its pilots a selection of RIDE MODES to best suit whatever conditions they find themselves in. With STREET mode activated as standard, this unleashes all the KTM 125 DUKE’s fury, while RAIN mode works to keep things a little more controlled in the wet. Both are easily toggled in via the TFT display.
LIGHT UP THE DARKNESS
LED Lighting
Tearing a deep gash into the night, all 2025 KTM DUKE models come equipped with powerful LED lights in the front and at the rear. Not only do these work when the world becomes dark, but they also provide improved visibility when navigating busy traffic or misty road conditions.
RACE TO COMFORT
Ergonomics
Thanks to a long wheelbase, low seat height, and excellent frame geometry, the 2025 KTM DUKE range boasts class-leading cornering behavior, stability, and handling proficiency. This, along with an already sterling reputation as being THE SPAWN OF THE BEAST and an aggressive seating position, means the 2025 KTM 125 DUKE sets the standard when it comes to energetic NAKED machinery.
TAKE A SEAT
Seat
Improved comfort for the rider and pillion, thanks to thick seat foam, a narrow profile, and an overall excellent performance in ergonomics. Need for more or less seat height? The 2025 KTM 125 DUKE has a standard seat height of 800 mm, but can easy be increased to 820 mm with the optional KTM PowerParts seat offering.
FIND YOUR FOOTING
Footpegs
All-new, lightweight forged aluminum footpeg hangers and grippy footpegs ensure riders have uninterrupted grip when banging through the gears, with high-end CNC-machined footpegs available from the KTM PowerParts catalog.
THE BACKBONE
Frame
The design features a 2-piece construction composed of a steel trellis main frame with a pressure die-cast aluminum subframe. The rear shock absorber is mounted off-center to allow for the large airbox which allows for the lower seat height and, at the same time, adding to the DUKE’s aggressive stance. Not only designed for looks, the primary objective of the frame design is to enhance vehicle dynamics by augmenting torsional rigidity, nimble agility, and enhanced feedback from the chassis.
CURVED PIVOT
Swingarm
A curved cast aluminum swingarm provides a sturdy and durable platform for the rear suspension system, featuring a direct shock absorber mount that is offset to the side, for that super-racy look. This also creates additional space for the new exhaust muffler, providing added attitude.
SPRING INTO ACTION
Fork
Upfront, a 43 mm WP APEX open cartridge fork with 150 mm travel keeps things in check, ensuring rock-solid performance on all street conditions.
MAX TRACTION
Rear Shock
On the rear, you’ll find an off-center WP APEX Separate piston shock absorber with 150 mm of travel and 60 mm of stroke. The rear shock is also preload adjustable.
ROLLING THUNDER
Wheels and Tires
Reducing weight where it counts the most, the 2025 KTM 125 DUKE has made significant inroads at reducing unsprung mass thanks to a set of lightweight wheels and grippy Michelin Road 5 tires. This not only improves the overall handling characteristics but also means quicker turn-in and less strain on working components like axels and bearings.
STOPPING POWER
Brakes
On the front wheel, the KTM 125 DUKE boasts a 320 mm brake disk with a four-piston radial calipers. The design includes bigger disks to reduce the operating temperature with improvements in the resistance to fading and longer pad lifespan. On the rear wheel, a 240 mm brake disk is installed with a single-piston caliper which carries the same benefits as the front wheel. Cornering ABS and SUPERMOTO ABS are also standard features.
2025 KTM 125 Duke – Totalmotorcycle.com International Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ NA USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ NA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £4,899 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine
Torque 11.5Nm
Transmission 6-speed
Battery capacity 8Ah
Cooling Liquid cooled
Power in KW 11kW
Starter Electric starter
Stroke 47.3mm
Bore 58mm
CO2 emissions 57g/km
Compression ratio 12.6
Displacement 124.99cm³
EMS Bosch EMS with RBW
Design 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
Fuel consumption 2.4l/100 km
Fuel-mixture generation Bosch EFI (throttle valve 33 mm)
Lubrication Wet sump
Chassis
Wheelbase 1357mm
Front brake disc diameter 320mm
Rear brake disc diameter 240mm
Front brake Four-piston radial fixed calliper, brake disc
Rear brake Single-piston floating calliper
Chain 520 X-Ring
Frame design Steel trellis frame, powder coated
Front suspension WP APEX 43
Seat height 800 mm
Rear subframe design Aluminium, powder-coated
Suspension travel (front) 150mm
Suspension travel (rear) 150mm
Tyre dimensions (front/rear) 110/70; 150/60
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
