ktm duke 125 tft display made in china

Chinese manufacturer Voge made its presence known by unveiling the Triumph Tiger 900 and BMW 850GS-rivalling 900DS at the EICMA. But apart from that, it also had a trick up its sleeve in the form of the 125R which has made its debut in Europe.

The Voge 125R uses a 124cc, single-cylinder engine that churns out a decent 14bhp and 12Nm. This puts it in direct contention with the KTM 125 Duke which offers similar performance. In terms of features, the Voge 125R is kitted with dual-channel ABS, USB port, a colour TFT screen as well as full-LED lighting- all of which the KTM misses out on. That said, it is also a featherweight at 127kg compared to the 125 Duke’s 159kg while also offering a lower seat height of 795mm.

Now, the Voge 125R is clearly a well-equipped motorcycle however, it is unlikely to make its way to India anytime soon. But it will compete against the KTM 125 Duke and Honda CB125R in international markets.

Remember Hanway Motorcycles? Yes, the Chinese brand that spawned the Royal Enfield Himalayan doppelganger we fondly called the Chimalayan. The brand has launched its new 125cc motorcycle, the NK 125 Furious (Online Pista 125) in Europe, and if it ever debuts in India, will certainly make the KTM 125 Duke sweat.

The Hanway NK 125 Furious dons a completely new look for 2021. Replacing the BMW G 310 R-inspired headlight is now a full LED unit that does justice to its ‘Furious’ nametag. Hanway has even redesigned the 13.5-litre fuel tank to look chiselled, with extensions similar to the 125 Duke.

The Chinese manufacturer hasn’t just borrowed styling cues from the Asutrian brand. Hanway has equipped the NK 125 Furious with a full colour TFT display which is eerily similar to the unit seen on the KTM 390 Duke. In fact, it even has the same layout and the Light and Dark modes, complete with Bluetooth connectivity.

Complimenting the aggressive styling is the new Euro5-compliant single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that delivers 15PS at 10,000rpm, which is the maximum permissible for a bike of this segment. Considering that the 125 Duke makes 14.95PS at 9250rpm, the Hanway does a fine job. The Hanway NK 125 Furious features a USD fork and a preload-adjustable monoshock. A 280mm disc up front and a 240mm disc, aided by dual-channel ABS take care of braking. Yes, unlike most Chinese bikes, Hanway hasn’t gone overboard with dual discs and beefy forks.

The Hanway NK 125 Furious is priced at EUR 3,399 (Rs 2.52 lakh) in Germany, while the KTM 125 Duke carries a price tag of EUR 5,350 (Rs 3.97 lakh). With a price difference of almost EUR 2,000 (Rs 1.48 lakh), the NK 125 offers more performance and almost the same equipment as the KTM. While the bike makes perfect sense in Europe, it wouldn"t be as cheap in India, and certainly couldn’t match the KTM’s Rs 1.61 lakh (ex-showroom) price tag.

Chinese manufacturer Voge made its presence known by unveiling the Triumph Tiger 900 and BMW 850GS-rivalling 900DS at the EICMA. But apart from that, it also had a trick up its sleeve in the form of the 125R which has made its debut in Europe.

The Voge 125R uses a 124cc, single-cylinder engine that churns out a decent 14bhp and 12Nm. This puts it in direct contention with the KTM 125 Duke which offers similar performance. In terms of features, the Voge 125R is kitted with dual-channel ABS, USB port, a colour TFT screen as well as full-LED lighting- all of which the KTM misses out on. That said, it is also a featherweight at 127kg compared to the 125 Duke’s 159kg while also offering a lower seat height of 795mm.

Now, the Voge 125R is clearly a well-equipped motorcycle however, it is unlikely to make its way to India anytime soon. But it will compete against the KTM 125 Duke and Honda CB125R in international markets.

Other features include a six-speed transmission, sporty inverted forks, full-LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, aluminum swingarm, and an all-too familiar TFT screen that looks almost exactly like the one on the KTM Duke 390.

It has a 13.5-liter fuel tank which should give the Pista 125 a pretty respectable range in between top ups. SRP for the Pista 125 is €3,399, or roughly PhP200,000 (PH taxes and duties not included).

KTM AG (Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen) formerly KTM Sportmotorcycle AGAustrian motorcycle, bicycle and sports car manufacturer owned by Pierer Mobility AG and the Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto. It was formed in 1992 but traces its foundation to as early as 1934. Today, KTM AG is the parent company of the KTM Group, consisting of a number of motorcycle brands.

KTM is known for its off-road motorcycles (enduro, motocross and supermoto). Since the late 1990s, it has expanded into street motorcycle production and developing sports cars – namely the X-Bow. In 2015, KTM sold almost as many street as off-road bikes.

In 1953, businessman Ernst Kronreif became a major shareholder of the company, which was renamed and registered as Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. In 1954, the R125 Tourist was introduced,scooter Mirabell

The company secured its first racing title in the 1954 Austrian 125cc national championship.International Six Days Trials, where Egon Dornauer won a gold medal on a KTM machine.

In 1957, KTM built its first sports motorcycle, the Trophy 125cc.moped, named Mecky, was launched in 1957, followed by Ponny I in 1960 and Ponny II in 1962 and Comet in 1963.

As the company continued to expand, the workforce totalled 400 in 1971, and forty years after it was founded, KTM was offering 42 different models. Additionally, KTM was able to produce motorcycles for the racing industry. During the 1970s and 80s, KTM also started to develop and produce engines and radiators. Radiators sold to European car manufacturers constituted a sizable part of the company"s business in the 1980s.

In 1991, the company was split into four new entities: KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH (motorcycles division), KTM Fahrrad GmbH (bicycles division), KTM Kühler GmbH (radiators division) and KTM Werkzeugbau GmbH (tooling division).

Now owned by KTM Motorradholding GmbH, which was formed by Cross Holding (a Cross Industries daughter), and other investors, KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH started operation in 1992 and later took over the sibling tooling division KTM Werkzeugbau. In the following years, while steadily increasing production and turnover, investing in new production and R&D facilities,Cross Industries owner Stefan Pierer.

In 1994, KTM started production of the Duke series of road motorcycles, in 1996, KTM motocross machines were first decked out in KTM"s signature orange color,Supermoto and Adventure motorcycles. In 2007, the company debuted the KTM X-Bow sports car.

In 2013, KTM acquired the formerly Swedish motorcycle maker Husqvarna Motorcycles from its prior owner BMW Motorrad AG.Husaberg into Husqvarna Motorcycles from which it had spun off in the 1990s when Husqvarna was sold to the Italian company Cagiva.

As the final result of the restructuring process, KTM Motorradholding GmbH had become KTM AG in 2012. In 2015, KTM generated a turnover of over 1 billion Euro and employed 2515 people by the end of that year.KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH, KTM Werkzeugbau GmbH and KTM Kühler GmbH (today WP Radiators). KTM Fahrrad GmbH (KTM Bike Industries) remains an independent company and is owned by Chinese investors. KTM-Group today contains the brands KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and GasGas Motorcycles.

Furthermore, KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH and Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH operate 24 and 8 distribution subsidiaries worldwide, respectively, most of them in European and Asian countries and in the US.

KTM started exporting their GS model to the US in 1968 through an American importer, John Penton under the Penton brand. This joint venture lasted until KTM established KTM America Inc. in Ohio in 1978.

In 2005, KTM-Sportmotocycle began a partnership with ATV manufacturer Polaris Industries with the goal of shared research, and more importantly shared distribution networks. This partnership was a two-year trial arrangement, at the end of which both parties had the option of merging the two companies into one.

In 2006, KTM announced that the partnership with Polaris had been downgraded, and would instead only supply their 450cc and 510cc RFS engines to Polaris.

In January 2008, Bajaj announced that it would jointly develop two new 125cc and 200cc bikes for Europe and the Far East. The bikes would be badged KTM.

KTM entered motorsports competing in motocross racing. KTM won its first championship in 1974 when Guennady Moisseev claimed the 250cc Motocross World Championship.world titles since 1990. With Ryan Dungey"s 2015, 2016 and 2017 victories in the supercross world championship, KTM gained a successful presence in supercross racing as well. In 1994, a KTM factory team debuted at the Dakar Rally. In 1998, KTM riders won second to twelfth place. With consecutive wins from 2001 to 2019, the manufacturer has dominated the rally for 18 years now. KTM teams successfully compete in other rally raid events like the Atlas Rally or the Rallye du Maroc. KTM has won 37 cross country rallies world titles since 2003 and has won the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship 15 times, most recently in 2015.

In 2003, KTM started sponsoring and supporting road racing in various capacities, with the most successful results stemming from their supermoto efforts. From 2003 to 2009, a KTM factory team competed in the 125 cc class of the motorcycle Grands Prix, and between 2005 and 2008 in the 250 cc class. Notable successes in the 125 cc class were the second and third place in the overall ranking scored in 2005 by KTM riders Mika Kallio and Gábor Talmácsi, the second place in 2006 by Mika Kallio, the third place in 2007 by Tomoyoshi Koyama and the 2005 KTM victory in the 125 cc constructor"s championship. In the 250 cc class, Mika Kallio won third place in 2008. Since the first Rookies Cup season in 2007, KTM has supplied the bike for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. In 2009, KTM announced their withdrawal from Grand Prix motorcycle racing in all classes, and did not return until 2012 in the new Moto3 class.

In 2012, KTM won the Moto3 manufacturers" championship. During the next season, KTM riders prevailed in every race of the Moto3 class and won the world title as well as second and third place, making KTM the obvious victor of the manufacturers" standing. KTM won the manufacturer title in the 2014 and 2016 as well as the world title in 2016 in the Moto3 class. Starting in 2017, KTM fields bikes in both MotoGP and Moto2 classes as well. The main class team features Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaró as full-season riders, and Mika Kallio as wildcard rider. The Moto2 KTM Ajo team features Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder.

Steadfastly independent and confident of their company"s abilities, KTM chose to use a steel trellis frame where all other manufacturers used aluminum. In addition, KTM insisted on developing their own racing suspension through their WP subsidiary (all other manufacturers used Öhlins). KTM demonstrated their prowess in doing things their own way by winning their first Moto GP premier class race on August 9, 2020, with rookie Brad Binder crossing the finish line in first place.

KTM"s official company/team colours are orange, black and silver. To create a strong brand identity, all competition-ready KTMs come from the factory with bright orange plastic with "KTM" emblazoned on the side of the radiator shrouds. All KTM bikes also come from the factory with a Motorex sticker on the outside of the motor. All first fills of oil come from Motorex as well. Some official KTM teams use different colors for their bikes, most noticeably in the Dakar Rally. Kamren Burns number 786 on a 125 sx 2023 is the best KTM rider ever and his father and his little brother are 2nd and 3rd best.

KTM manufactures a wide range of off-road motorcycles. Not all of their models are available in every country. The following section lists bikes that are sold in the US.

Motocross – The current Motocross line designated by SX includes 50, 65, 85, 105, 125, 150 and 250 cc single-cylinder two-stroke models (the 50 SX, 65 SX and 85 SX models are kids" and youth bikes), and 250, 350 and 450 cc single-cylinder four-stroke models (SX-F).dual overhead camshaft engine dubbed the “RC4”.

Enduro – The street-legal EXC enduro versions of KTM"s XC cross-country bikes are supplied with plusher non-linkage suspensions, a wider-ratio gear box and lights.

Free Ride – A KTM original class of off-road motorcycle that could be described as a cross between Enduro and trials bikes. The Freeride 250R is powered by a lighter, modified version of the 250 EXC Enduro engine and has a specially developed six-speed gearbox with close transmission ratios in the lower gears and a wide ratio for the sixth gear.

In the 1990s, AMA rule changes put the cheaper, simpler two-stroke machines at a disadvantage to four-stroke bikes in motocross competitions by limiting two-stroke displacement at 125 cc for the 250 cc class and 250 cc for the 450 cc class.

New European emission laws have increased the pressure on two-stroke bikes, as their engines are less fuel efficient and produce more pollution than four-stroke engines. However, with newer advances in technology, two-strokes have begun to burn cleaner and pass stricter environmental standards. Starting in 2017, all newly registered motorcycles must conform with the Euro 4 regulations for emissions management. In May 2017, KTM unveiled a new two-stroke engine with direct fuel injection. By pressure-injecting an electronically controlled amount of fuel into the transfer port of the cylinder, the new TPI (transfer port injection) engines will be more fuel efficient and cleaner than classic carburetor two-stroke engines, albeit more complex and expensive. By 2018, 250 and 300 EXC TPI enduro models will be powered by the new engine.

Supermoto – KTM was the first manufacturer to offer a competition-ready supermoto bike to the public. However, the company stopped supermoto production in 2016 to focus on stock 690 SMC R machines. For the 2019 Model year, the 690 SMC R model was completely renewed. The bike now has the latest version of the single cylinder LC4 power unit, introduced for the MY2016 Duke. The previous supermoto models included the 625 SMC and the race version 560 SMR. The 141 kg light 690 SMC R model has a 48 kW liquid-cooled one-cylinder four-stroke motor (LC4) and a hydraulically actuated APTC slipper clutch.

Adventure tourers – KTM currently produces the 1090 Adventure, 790 Adventure, and 1290 Super Adventure dual-sport adventure bikes in versions with different seat height, wheels and suspensions that endow the machines with a road (S), off-road (R – for rally) or touring (T) bias.

The 1090 Adventure and 1290 Super Adventure bikes are powered by 75 degree V-twin four-stroke motors (LC8). The 790 Adventure is powered by the new LC8c parallel twin four-stroke motor. All 3 feature a slipper clutch, electronically controlled riding modes (sport, street and rain) with the 1290 and 790 featuring a TFT display and the 1090 featuring a twin (analog plus LCD) display.

Sports tourer – The KTM sports tourer 1290 Superduke GT (Gran Turismo) is a version of the 1290 Superduke R naked bike that has been modified for more touring comfort with a longer and more robust frame, modified handlebar, larger fuel tank and modified 75 degree V-twin four-stroke LC8 motor. Like the 1290 Super Adventure, the 1290 Superduke GT features three electronically controlled riding modes.

Naked bikes – With the Duke and Superduke models, KTM currently offers naked bikes with 125, 200, 250, 390, 690, 790, 890 and 1290 cc displacement. The 125 (not available in the US), 200, 250, 390 and 690 and 690 R Duke models have a single-cylinder four-stroke LC4 motor. The 790, 890 Duke use a new twin-parallel engine. The 1290 R Superduke model is equipped with a 75 degree V-twin four-stroke motor (LC8).

200, 250 and 390 Duke models are currently produced by Bajaj Auto in Pune, India.The 250 is only available in Asia, with only the Duke 390 and Duke 200 being exported to European countries and North America. The Duke 200 2020 model is now available in the United States and has a new redesigned 200 cc displacement engine.

Supersport – KTM sport bikes currently offered in the supersport category include the RC 125 (not available in the US) and the RC 390. Both are street-legal versions of bikes that compete in street races. With the RC16, KTM has presented a 1000 cc sport bike that will race in the MotoGP class of the 2017 Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix.

In Asia, KTM also markets RC 200 and RC 250 street bikes. KTM is also planning to introduced a new 150cc bike in its RC lineup in the Asian countries. This would be the KTC RC 150, that will powered by a 149cc, single-cylinder engine and 6-speed gearbox. This will be launched at a more affordable price, so everyone can opt for it.

Superbike – Currently, KTM has retired from superbike production and competitions.1190 RC8 superbike, a light, powerful homologated (street-legal) bike for superbike competitions with an LC8 motor and without any of the electronic driving aids that the otherwise comparable Superduke and Super Adventure models offer.

Since 1992,KISKA, a Salzburg-based design firm. KISKA also designed four versions of the X-Bow and is responsible for the overall branding for KTM and Husqvarna.

The KTM X-Bow (pronounced cross-bow) is a series of lightweight, two-seater sports cars known as the X-Bow R, the X-Bow RR, the X-Bow GT and the X-BOW GT4.Audi engine and a carbon fibre chassis developed in cooperation with Italian racing car manufacturer Dallara, making it the world"s first street-legal car with a full carbon fibre monocoque.

The KTM 390 Duke and RC 390 are 373.2 cc (22.77 cu in) displacement single-cylinder engine motorcycles assembled by Bajaj Auto, and KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing, Inc. (KAMMI) for the Austrian manufacturer KTM.standard debuted at the 2012 EICMA show in Milan, Italy, and went on sale in India and the Philippines in 2013 and in the US in 2015.sport bike was presented at EICMA the following year.

Pierer said in December 2015 that KTM and Bajaj plan to replace the 125, 200, and the 390-series Duke and RC lines in 2017, based on all new platforms, in part tarnavo meet Euro IV emissions standards, and to incorporate new technologies such as ride-by-wire.

In its home market, the 390 Duke"s engine size and weight place it in the mid-range category, and it sells for more than three times the average price of a motorcycle in India.Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards.IndianCarsBikes said that with a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) and a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) time of 5.5 seconds, the 390 Duke is the fastest motorcycle made in India as of January 2014

After 2017, the 390 series" front brake disc was increased from 300 mm to 320 mm. The headlight was redesigned and converted to LED. The display became a color TFT panel with phone pairing capability. Seat height was increased from 800 mm (31.5 in) to 830 mm (32.7 in) and wheelbase was decreased 10 mm. The brake and clutch levers were also made manually adjustable.

In 2018, KTM updated its Duke 390 with some minor changes, where it added a deflector plate on the left side of the chassis, to avoid exhaust heat near the riders leg.Euro IV emission standards.

A sport bike version of the 390 Duke, the KTM RC 390 was presented at the 2013 EICMA motorcycle show in Italy, though most details had been leaked a few weeks earlier.road racing style bike has the same 373 cc engine making a claimed 44 hp (33 kW) @ 9,500 rpm with a claimed weight without fuel of 147 kg (324 lb). With a fuel capacity 10.0 l; 2.20 imp gal (2.64 US gal), the wet weight would be 150 kg (340 lb).trellis frame than the Duke, which KTM says is stiffer than the 390 Duke.Metzeler 110/70ZR17 front and 150/60ZR17 rear.rake), the RC"s fork has a steeper 66.5° head angle (or 23.5° rake).

KTM added a racing version of the RC 390, the RC 390 Cup for use by motorcycle racers ages 13 to 21 in the ADAC Junior Cup, a MotoGP event. The RC 390 Cup has no lights or mirrors, and no ABS to reduce weight, and an upgraded WP suspension, fully adjustable front and rear. The engine is detuned to a 38 hp (28 kW) with a block-off plate, and has an Akrapovič exhaust.

KTM revised the RC 390 in 2017 by adding a slipper clutch, adjustable brake levers, ride-by-wire throttle, a larger 320 mm front brake rotor, larger mirrors, and some cosmetic and ergonomic changes.

When KTM introduced its small-displacement Dukes in 2013, a large chunk of the motorcycling community developed an appreciation for the bike’s approachability and ease-of-use. To the surprise of many back then, excitement needn’t always be associated with three-digit horsepower figures. To this day, KTM’s small capacity Duke range consisting of 125cc, 200cc, 250cc, and 390cc machines continues selling like hotcakes all over the world.

Zongshen, a brand which folks in North America have never heard of, is a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer known for small-displacement scooters and motorbikes sold across Asia and parts of Europe. It’s also a strategic partner of the Piaggio Group, for which the Italian company outsources manufacturing to in the region. You see, Zongshen has taken the recipe of the baby KTM Duke, and released its own interpretation dubbed the G250R. From a styling perspective, the resemblance is uncanny. The G250R sports sharp, aggressive bodywork, with a chiseled fuel tank, tail, and headlight akin to the alien-like styling of KTM.

Zongshen has employed a vibrant and playful color palette for the G250R, a move that makes it clear that this bike is trying to emulate the playful, rowdy nature of its Austrian inspiration. In the performance side of things, the G250R gets a punchy 249cc single-cylinder motor. With around 25 ponies on tap, its performance is comparable to the 250 Duke, as well. As is the case with all modern-day machines, Zongshen has outfitted the G250R with a full-color TFT display, and full-LED lighting.

The CFMOTO 800MT is based around the 799cc LC8c parallel twin that came from KTM. This is a result of their partnership (see below). It’s a cracker of an engine, making (in the 800MT) 70 kW or 95 hp, and with a lot of character from its 285 degree crankshaft, helping it mimic the delivery of KTM’s V-twins.

The CFMOTO 800MT Touring comes with fully adjustable KYB suspension, a quickshifter, a big TFT screen, fog lights, radial-mounted J.Juan brakes with Cornering ABS as standard, and so much more. On other brands’ bikes, these are usually expensive add-ons.

The engine is based on the KTM LC8 V-twin that first appeared in the RC8 superbike. Of course it’s detuned and made more suitable for a long-distance tourer.

The bike has a ton of high-spec gear, like semi-active WP electronic suspension, big 12.3 inch TFT display, Brembo radial-mounted calipers, and cornering ABS. It even has a multimedia sound system.

The significant phase of the partnership started in 2014 when KTM started manufacturing KTM 200 and 390 Dukes for KTM in China. They’re sold under the CFMOTO KTMR2R brand. (For global markets KTM partners with Bajaj in India to manufacture its 390 Duke and RC 390 for international audiences. And the new 2022 KTM RC 390 has some amazing specs!)

As part of the CFMOTO KTMR2R partnership, KTM transferred manufacturing of the parallel twin 799cc LC8c models (including the 790 Duke and 790 Adventure) to China from 2020.

KTM is also transferring technology for the LC8 V-twin engine, including the 990 and 1080 V-Twin models. The first fruit of this, interestingly, is a 1279cc LC8-derived engine, to power the 1250 TR-G tourer. It makes 105 kW or 140 bhp.

Over the past year, anticipation over the KTM 790 Duke’s India arrival grew to a fever pitch, but the launch announcement of its introductory 8.64 lakh price tag (ex-showroom) certainly put a dampener on the proceedings. After all, we simply expect KTM to offer exceptional pricing in our market. Nevertheless, this is a KTM, so game-changing price or not, the 790 Duke is bound to be one intense ride. Question is, will it be special enough to justify the price?

There’s reason to believe that it will the moment you take a look at it, because the 790 Duke looks incredibly purposeful in its presence and stance. KTM wants this bike to be the lightest, most precise tool in the box; and the design reflects this through its completely minimal clothing. Whatever body panels the bike does wear look lethal sharp and things like the tall fuel tank, edgy extensions, upswept exhaust and chunky swingarm add heaps of character. At the same time, the rear looks quite bland and I wish the 390-style LED headlight and mirrors had their own identity. Still, the overall effect carries the trademark KTM-style aggression and quality levels are quite good as well, especially in areas like the TFT display and the adjustable brake levers, both different from the 390 Duke.

It isn’t easy to get an 800cc motorcycle to feel this svelte around the waist, and KTM has made a couple of very interesting decisions to achieve this – starting with the frame. The 790 doesn’t use a trellis frame, which is something you’ll see on almost every road-going KTM and even their MotoGP bike. The frame is still built out of tubular steel, but it"s a smaller, seemingly simpler unit with two spars on top and it uses the engine as a stressed member. The result is a main frame that weighs just 8.8kg, while the smart-looking aluminium subframe is just 1.7kg per side.

The 790 also stands out, being the first-ever KTM to use a parallel-twin motor – another decision taken for size and packaging advantages, as well as price advantages over V-twin motors. Parallel twins also have the advantage of being cheaper to both produce and maintain. This 8-valve DOHC motor displaces 799cc and runs a high compression ratio of 12.7:1 which helps it put out 105hp and 87Nm of torque. The bike"s power figure is the lowest in its segment, but the torque figure is almost class-leading and that’s what defines the riding experience.

When it comes to character, KTM has gone down the increasingly popular path of using an uneven firing order to give the engine a more textured sound and feel that is quite reminiscent of its V-twins. The result is a loud, angry and quite likeable beat from the exhaust. The motor is much smoother than the sound would have you believe, and vibration levels are very well-controlled, thanks to the use of two balancer shafts. From some brief slow-speed riding in the pit lane, it also seems quite content to ride quite smoothly at low revs, especially in Rain mode. There are four riding modes in total, and Rain offers a 2 percent drop in power with very mellow responses, while Street Sport and Track offer increasing levels of throttle aggression as you go up.

But as much of a joy this engine is, it"s the chassis that is the real star. The bike feels far more compact than any of its rivals and the sense of lightness and agility is amazing. With a kerb weight of about 187kg, the 790 Duke is on par with the Street Triple as the lightest in class on paper, but it feels noticeably lighter when you’re actually riding the bike.

The WP suspension offers only pre-load adjustment for the rear shock – which is a bit disappointing, but the set-up is very nicely balanced. The bike feels confident and well-damped, but neither end comes across as too stiff. It should be decently pliant on the street, but on track, the 790 is such an enjoyable toy. None of its rivals feel this effortless, and I can’t remember the last time I got my knee down so easily on a motorcycle. At the same time, it doesn’t quite pack superbike levels of suspension, brake and tyre sophistication, as something like the Triumph Street Triple RS would – we’ll have to wait for a 790 Duke R for that.

While it’s a proper little thriller on the track, the 790 is primarily a street bike and there are several suggestions that it might make for a very nice one, even on our roads. The turning radius is quite tight, the clutch is light and the engine’s low speed manners seem far smoother than the 390 Duke. 185cm of ground clearance should make it speed-breaker immune as well. What remains to be seen is just how hot things will get for the rider and pillion in city traffic.

For now, the 790 has exceeded my expectations. This is a KTM, so it’s easy to expect an action-packed ride, but the overall package appears to appeal well beyond the scope of just performance. As for the price – yes, it certainly isn’t as affordable as we hoped, but over the past seven years, KTM has taught us to expect thrilling performance at an unbelievable price. Unfortunately, the 790 comes to India as a CKD, with minimal localisation restricted to things like the engine and saree guards.

If you look at international pricing though, the 790 is positioned above its four-cylinder Japanese rivals and below the Euro competition from Triumph and Ducati, which is the case in our market as well. If anything – it highlights that the Street Triple range is far too expensive in India. In that sense, the price can be reasoned and while this KTM doesn’t offer irresistible pricing, it does a superb job of making you fall in love with the riding experience.

Benelli has gone all out in the tech department, too. A massive 15-inch full-colour TFT display serves as the 1200GT’s instrument cluster, and comes with a ton of features including built-in satellite navigation, as well as the ability to view live feeds from the bike’s front and rear cameras.

Benelli has also equipped this bike with a set of electronic rider aids to keep its power and heft in check. All of which can be configured via the bike’s sophisticated TFT display. It also gets ABS-equipped Brembo brakes, an adjustable inverted fork, and an adjustable rear mono-shock. As far as pricing is concerned, the Benelux 1200GT fetches CNY 99,800, or the equivalent of around P800,000–pretty good value, especially considering the amount of tech this bike boasts. It remains to be seen, however, if Benelli will make this bike available outside of China anytime soon.

KTM AG is developing a new 750cc range of motorcycles that are supposed to fill the gap between the planned 490 models and already available 890 machines. While details regarding the new 750 line-up remain behind the curtain as of now, it has been revealed that the new range will consist of at least 3 motorcycles including a KTM 750 Duke, 750 Adventure, and 750 Supermoto. These models are expected to debut in 2022. While we wait for KTM to release more information about them, here’s a KTM 750 Duke rendering that shows us how the upcoming naked motorcycle from the Austrian company would look like.

The KTM 750 Duke in the rendering appears to be an overall compact package. This seems reasonable considering that it’s a naked motorcycle and KTM is known for making its naked machines quite compact. We can see in the rendering that the 750 Duke has a newly designed headlamp, likely to be an LED unit. Behind it sits a digital instrument cluster, most probably featuring a coloured TFT display.

The angular fuel tank extension imparts a sportier look to the KTM 750 Duke. It is painted in orange, which is KTM’s colour. The large radiator shrouds are also present adding to the motorcycle’s overall visual appeal. The seating arrangement contains split-type seats. One of the most eye-catching elements here is the exhaust. It looks like an aftermarket unit and gels with the entire streetfighter design of the motorcycle. It is also not as upswept as the ones we have in the 790 Duke and 890 Duke.

We can also see in the rendering that the KTM 750 Duke has a pair of USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the back for handling the suspension duties. The braking system comprises twin rotors up-front with radial calipers and a single rotor at the rear. In terms of electronics, the motorcycle is likely to have ABS, traction control, rider modes, etc.

The official KTM 750 Duke specs haven’t been disclosed as of now. However, considering that the 790 Duke’s parallel-twin engine produces around 104PS, it’s being anticipated that the upcoming 750 Duke would have 85-95PS of max power. The KTM 750 Duke, along with the other 750 models, will be manufactured at CF Moto’s factory in China where other smaller KTM bikes and the LC8c parallel-twin engine for the 890 models are already being made.

You’re 17 years old, have completed your CBT and you have your A1 licence. You’re ready to finally enjoy the freedom owning a motorcycle can provide. You don’t want just any 125cc bike or scooter though, you want something that’s cool, that stands out from the crowd when you park outside the cafe with your mates.

Who’s it for? Not the cheapest but one of the finest looking 125cc motorbikes available in the UK and if you want that one off custom appearance without the massive price tag then the Razorback was designed for you.

Like Mutt motorcycles, Bullit’s choice of power is the Chinese built Suzuki GN125 engine. This motor has been around since 1994 and is not going to give you any problems.

The model is essentially an updated version of the long-standing two-stroke Mito 125 (designed by Massimo Tamburini of Ducati 916 and MV Agusta F4 750 fame) and outclasses even the popular YZF R125 from Yamaha. Of all the other 125cc motorbikes, the only one to come close as a comparison is another Italian, the Aprilia RS125.

There is no CBR125R anymore as this has been dropped from Honda’s lineup, however, if you fancy a faired sports bike version the Repsol Honda is worth checking out as at one time that was the leader of the pack for sports style 125cc motorbikes.

The street CB125R offers agility, precise steering and an upright position that will inspire confidence in new riders giving excellent road visibility.

Who’s it for? If you like the naked roadster look of bikes like the BMW G 310R, the CB125R should be on your shortlist of 125cc motorbikes to consider.

You get plenty of torque low down in the rev range from the YZF R125 derived motor, paired with an ultra lightweight, wet weight of just 142kg, the bikes power feels a lot more than it actually is.

It is on the more expensive 125cc motorbikes but they also have a great resale value and the desire for the baby MT doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

At one time the Aprilia RS125 was the first and last word in terms of the best 125cc motorbike available, its performance meant it could see speeds well over 100mph.

Who’s it for? If you have your heart set on a Ducati lookalike but don’t like the idea of purchasing a second hand Cagiva Mito the Aprilia RS125 should be top of your list.

Riders of all abilities have a fondness for the Grom and yet it is a full on 125cc motorbike with gears and everything that you can genuinely learn to ride on and keep up with traffic.

Again you have a reasonably tall seat height of 825mm and a wet weight of 144kg. The weight is quite high up so be prepared for it to feel a little heavier than other 125cc motorcycles.

What about cruisers I hear you say? Well, there are not all that many 125cc cruisers on the market anymore. The best of the bunch however, is the AJS Highway Star, the only twin cylinder motorcycle to feature in this list of 125cc motorcycles.

The KTM Duke 125 almost sits in a class of its own, it is built with all the attitude and tech of the bigger Dukes, which can make it a bit intimidating.

LED lights, TFT display, 6 speed transmission for class leading performance and fuel economy, plus a very unique exhaust note with quick responding power.

Weighing in dry at 139kg it is a little heavier than both the CB and MT-125 which are the street bikes that most would compare the Duke to. It is not uncommon to see packs of young riders with a KTM, Yamaha and Honda all among them.

Do a search for best 125cc adventure bikes and you will quickly realise there’s very few available. Most “top 10” lists are full of scramblers and supermoto offerings to make the numbers up.

The only two 125cc motorcycles I found that had genuine adventure bike styling were the Sinnis Terrain 125 and the Lexmoto Assault 125 and of the two, I preferred the latter – but only just.

Who’s it for? If you dream of covering continents once you get a full licence then the Lexmoto Assault 125 is a fine and cheap introduction to Adventure biking.

Although the Intruder 125 is no longer available there are plenty of them on the used market, and I would like to make a plea to Suzuki to bring the thing back.

I know several people who have had Intruder 125s and Yamaha Viragos that have loaded them up and done European tours on them. They really are cool, practical, Japanese cruisers.

The KTM 125 Duke is one of those few 125 cc bikes in the market with the same glamour and style as those of the larger CC V-twins sold by KTM. The 2017 model of the KTM 125 Duke retains its customised engine and all the stuff you expect from a bike of its size.

It comes with double overhead cams, a four-valve engine and fuel injection snugly fitted on a tubular trellis designed frame with a separate bolt-on rear sub-frame.  It is in keeping with the tradition of the bigger boys of the KTM stable and serves a more practical purpose of cheaper repairs in case of a crash.

The highlight is its TFT dash instead of dials and gauges, which is clear and crisp even in the foggiest of conditions. This makes it one of the most attractive displays around. With head-turning looks, it is in a class apart from its contemporaries.