All-new 125 Duke breaks cover!

Naked KTM gets new engine, frame, suspension and more

KTM look set to reveal a virtually all-new Duke 125 this autumn, with fresh spyshots taken in Spain revealing changes to the engine, frame, ancillaries and more. Handily seen out with the existing machine (orange wheels), which has been with us since 2017, the snaps show an almost production-ready naked, dressed in black wheels and undergoing final testing.

The next generation Duke retains the Austrian firm’s signature street naked style, but it’s clearly the biggest upgrade since the original was launched in 2011 - with an all-new engine, frame, rear suspension, wheels, revised brakes, new bodywork (including KTM’s latest LED headlight) and more.

Although still a liquidcooled single and certain to have the same 14.8bhp power output, different cases and an underslung exhaust reveal that the motor is all-new.

The signature tubular steel frame is different too and now boasts a stylish, cast alloy rear subframe, while the cast aluminium swingarm is now braced and has a novel right side-mounted shock.

At the front, although the WP forks are unlikely to be significantly changed, they differ by now having the front brake disc and caliper on the right, not left, as before. The wheels are also new – a lightweight five-spoke cast alloy design in place of the previous 10-spokers.

The new Duke 125 also sports evolved bodywork that manages to retain the A1-class naked’s traditionally aggressive lines. The tank cover now blends into exaggerated side scoops, the two new seat pads make a design feature of the sinuous new sub-frame and there’s a new LED headlight.

Even the mirrors and rear taillight are new, although we can’t tell from these pictures if there’s any update to the TFT colour dash and switchgear.

Although there’s no official word about the spec and launch date, the prototype here is virtually production ready and is missing only its final graphics and finishes.

1 Punching above Liquid-cooled single is evidenced by new cases and exhaust position. Although A1-regulation peak power won’t change, expect added grunt, slickness and likely cleaner emissions. 2 Frame game Signature tubular steel trellis gets a new design. The rear subframe is now also cast ally and there’s a new, braced swingarm with an off-set shock. 3 Fronting up New five-spoke cast alloy wheels replace the previous 10-spokers. The forks get slight changes but the front brake disc and caliper swaps from left to right. 4 Shape shifting Updated angular bodywork follows the aggressive styling of the more recent 890 Duke and includes a fresh LED headlight. The seat unit is new, too. 5 Devil in the detail Changes have also been made to details such as the mirrors, tail light and number plate hanger – indicating that the bike is very nearly productionready.

The tail unit and lights are new too

Fresh wheels and braced swingarm

New Duke out with the old Duke (left)