KTM Duke 125

We might be buying one at the weekend for my son to replace his 1991 CG125. Anything in particular to this model we should be looking out for?

I think the one we’re viewing is a 2022, low milage, up for £3 but we’re hoping for £2700.

Looks good. I’d have one.

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/ktm/125-duke/2017/

Some of the bigger KTMs have a few reliability issues, not aware of any of the 125s.  They are nice bikes but pricey – I opted for a Honda CB125F when I was learning as I was only intending to keep for a short time.

But just look out for the usual suspects – even a 2022 bike could have corrosion if it has been used over winter and not washed properly.

As long as it’s not Scottish Borders as one is being ragged here by a hooligan.

Be aware, they are thief magnets.
If he’s going to keep it for a long time, then its a nice enough 125, but if its only until he’s passed his test, then get something really basic, like the CB125, or any Chinese derivative, as suggested above. Far less cost, less damage when he falls off it, and far less attractive to scrotes.

being ragged

It’s a 125, they only have one throttle positions……

Although I agree with the above, the sensible choice is to just buy a honda, it won’t get nicked, it won’t lose value, it won’t break down, and the rust is manageable.

But then when I was 17 and had a CG125 I lusted after friends Aprillia and Derbi. So a 30somethings opinion is clearly wrong ?

they only have one throttle positions……

Yeah, I had 125s so am aware of the revs needed. But mine managed to stay off footpaths, keep both wheels on the ground (in traffic), the baffles stayed in the exhaust and my helmet always seemed to be on my head.

A mate of mine has just got one for his first bike in his early 40s. Nice bike, feels well screwed together. Hilariously the Indian built KTMs(125 and 390) are more reliable than the ‘proper’ ones.

I’d say a good condition duke will hold its value almost as well as a Japanese options, but they’re a lot more stylish.

I really liked it, I had a quick go, the controls were shockingly light, but could have just been because I’ve gotten used to a 21 year old 1000cc Vstrom. Gearbox is really slick, a great first bike.

Would echo what others have said, they’re very theft attractive, apparently the 390 engine slots straight in so popular with scrotes. Also make sure he leaves the standard pipe on because pipes on 125’s sound shit.

Be aware, they are thief magnets

This

Why are you replacing a 125 with a 125, is the old one broken and he’s not passed his test?

Yeah, I had 125s so am aware of the revs needed. But mine managed to stay off footpaths, keep both wheels on the ground (in traffic), the baffles stayed in the exhaust and my helmet always seemed to be on my head.

I agree, but even if you put my mum on a 125 it’ll spend it’s life with the throttle pinned open.   Even I as a relatively sensible kid rode everywhere at full throttle because unless you have a strong tailwind and a decent hill then it’ll still only just do the NSL.

I really enjoyed riding my 125 – ragging it at full throttle and trying to keep the speed through corners was addictive lol!

Check the LCD display for condensation, it was a common problem and warranty job, although they may have resolved it by now (says a 2020 390 Duke owner, on my 3rd replacement!).

Firstly it’s not a proper Austrian made Kaboom

Secondly, they do suffer a whole range of issues documented on KTM forum.

Thirdly- yes a thieving **** 1st choice.

He should opt for a yammy ybr.

+ £2700 is a utter nutters price to pay

I had one, it looked good and was very nimble, but I don’t think they are too reliable. I bought mine new and had a few odd sensor issues with it. I added a wireless charging accessory for a Quadlock and it led to the engine management light coming on, I didn’t have any problems doing this on any other bikes. They do hold their value well though, I hardly lost anything on mine. If I was buying again I would buy something else. I have heard about them suddenly stalling and losing power.

No opinion on the bike but if you are shopping around i used to deal with a guy called Neil Crayston at triple D motorsport in Kendal.  The guy seems to be constantly doing deals and sales and their facebook page is quite a fun read.

Worth a call