KTM have a new 125 Duke as well as a track-only RC8R.
125 DUKE
This is the first road legal 125 from Austrian manufacturer KTM, famed for their off-road machines but more and more so for their on-road machines too since launching the Super Duke in 2004.
The tiny Duke has the familiar angular styling cues of the larger bikes, but is powered by a brand new, four valved, DOHC, liquid-cooled four-stroke single.
The motor is fed by electronic fuel injection and incorporates a balancer shaft to keep vibes at bay. Max claimed output is 15 hp at 10,500 rpm with a max claimed torque of 8.85 lbs-ft, which should be just enough to pull the skin off a rice pudding.
Using a steel trellis fame, WP suspension, Brembo brakes (and yes, that is a radially mounted caliper up front), 17 inch wheels and an underslung pipe, the Duke weighs in at a mere 125 kg wet (276 lbs).
Seat height is a lofty (for a 125 anyway) 810 mm and it’ll be available in orange or black.
Sadly it appears that the mini Duke won’t be coming to Canada despite Honda’s CBR125R being one of the country’s best sellers and Euro pricing that suggests it may also be able to compete well. Sigh.
RC8R TRACK
As its name suggests, the KTM RC8R Track is a racetrack-ready supersport, complete with Akrapovic exhaust, Dunlop slicks and deleted street gear (no head and tail lights, turn signals, mirrors and such). With the high-flow exhaust installed, the bike is said to produce 180 hp.
Other racy bits include race mapping for the ECU, electric quick shifter, race bodywork, a race stand and crash sliders to protect the bodywork, among other track-friendly items.
If you’re serious about your track days, KTM saves you the time and effort of the conversion. Not sure if the bike comes prepared for safety wire but it would be a nice touch.
990 SUPERMOTO T
Nothing new on this model other than the introduction of ABS brakes.
I’d buy the 125 DUKE especially if they could sell here for under $5000!!! I want something small but fun that does not have a fairing like the Honda CBR 125 does.
RET
I got a [i]no[/i] and a [i]not decided yet[/i]. I thought the ‘no’ was more accurate.
Are we getting so soft that we need balancer shafts on 125s?
BTW, what makes you think it will not come to Canada. Are you just assuming like the most of us, or have you heard a categorical NO from KTM?
The only bike worth mentioning. Everything else is just nothing new to write home about.