THE KTM 125 Duke began in 2007, and has evolved with the rest of KTM’s line-up to be where it is now: one of the primary options for young or new riders, or for fans of low-power machines.
Now, Motorrad reports, KTM are planning an overhaul of the 125 Duke for 2023, which will apparently see changes to almost every part of the bike.
Starting with the engine, Motorrad says that the single-cylinder engine will be a totally new design aimed at more efficient and powerful ignition, while the exhaust tailpipe will be significantly shortened, meaning the usual muffler is gone.
The frame, of course, will remain true to KTM’s steel-tube traditions, while the engine will sit in a cast aluminium mounting. At the rear, the previous tubular design is replaced with more cast aluminium, as are the pillion bars. The aluminium-cast swingarm is also re-designed.
For 2023, the 125 Duke will have new, five-spoke cast wheels, with the front brake disc moving from the left to the right side of the front wheel, with that front wheel of course being suspended by inverted forks from WP, which seem to be adjustable.
Finally, the new bike will have double LED headlights, LED indicators and a TFT display.
For more specific details of the 125 Duke, we will have to wait for official communications from KTM. With the newly designed engine, it might be possible to expect an increase in power and/or torque, although the current bike is already at the industry standard for 125cc engines with 15 horsepower. Additionally, it will be interesting to find out whether the 2023 125 Duke will make use of 3D printing for the frame, or whether it will be machined as usual.
