KTM·Roadster·125cc

Duke 125

↘ Evolution history · 2011 → present
16
Years of production
3
Generations
125
current cc
15
Horsepower
16
Vintages

The A2 naked benchmark: KTM character, premium chassis, and cutting-edge electronics in 125cc.

↓ Changes year by year
Gen 3 · 2024 — present
THIRD GENERATION — EURO 5+

Total redesign since 2011: new steel trellis + alu subframe, LC4c Euro 5+ engine, 5" bonded glass TFT, Bluetooth, Street/Track modes, and switchable Supermoto ABS.

2026
AAesthetics
Two new colours: Black and Atlantic Blue (Electronic Orange in some markets)
Minor
2025
MEngine
Improved fuelling, slightly increased top speed, Euro 5.2 compliance
Minor
AAesthetics
Two new colour options available
Minor
2024
MEngine
New LC4c Euro 5+ engine — 15 hp, 11.5 Nm, SOHC 4-valve head (ex-DOHC) more compact, improved 6-speed gearbox, Bosch RBW
Major
CFrame
New steel trellis frame + cast alu subframe, side-mounted WP APEX shock, 320 mm front radial 4-piston caliper, 240 mm rear, 165 kg fuelled
Major
EElectronics
5" bonded glass TFT, KTMconnect Bluetooth app, Cornering ABS + Supermoto ABS (rear deactivatable), Street/Rain/Track modes, optional Quickshifter+
Major
AAesthetics
New design with pronounced shoulders inspired by 1290 Super Duke R, LED lights front/rear, colour-injected bodywork
Major
Buyer radar
2024

Best 125 on the market: 5" TFT, Bluetooth, ride modes, Supermoto ABS — obvious purchase.

TOP BUY
Gen 2 · 2017 — 2023
SECOND GENERATION — EURO 4/5

Complete overhaul with LED headlight, colour TFT, 13.4 L tank, and Euro 4 compliance. Euro 5 transition in 2021 with no major redesign.

2023
AAesthetics
Final gen 2 year — colours carried over
Minor
2022
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2021
MEngine
Euro 5 compliance — minor engine tweaks on noise and emissions
Medium
AAesthetics
New colour options
Minor
2020
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2019
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2018
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2017
MEngine
Revised Euro 4 engine — recalibrated injection, updated Bosch EMS
Major
EElectronics
Colour TFT dashboard — first 125cc to offer it as standard
Major
AAesthetics
New LED design inspired by 1290 Super Duke R, 13.4 L tank (+34%), new seat
Major
CFrame
Updated WP suspension, refined geometry
Medium
Buyer radar
2017

Gen 2 launch: TFT + larger tank — excellent value new or used.

GOOD PICK
2021

Euro 5, recent examples reliable — ideal first A2 licence purchase.

GOOD PICK
Gen 1 · 2011 — 2016
FIRST GENERATION — EURO 3

Born from the KTM-Bajaj partnership, the 125 Duke revolutionises the A2 segment with its chromoly trellis frame, oversized WP suspension, and Brembo brakes.

2016
AAesthetics
Final gen 1 year — colours carried over
Minor
2015
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2014
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2013
SSafety
Bosch dual-channel ABS as standard — first mass-produced 125 to offer it
Medium
CFrame
Front disc enlarged from 280 to 300 mm alongside ABS introduction
Medium
2012
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2011
MEngine
Launch: 125cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke single, 15 hp at 9,500 rpm, 12 Nm at 8,000 rpm
Major
CFrame
Chromoly steel trellis frame, inverted WP 38 mm fork, Brembo 280 mm front brake
Major
AAesthetics
Radical naked design, 10 L tank, analogue dashboard, signature KTM Orange livery
Major
Buyer radar
2013

Standard ABS introduced: best gen 1 year, proven reliability, good used value.

GOOD PICK