We all have a tendency to sometimes what something we can't have. In most cases, this characteristic often manifests itself as our desire to be either rich or famous (although preferably both). For those of a more altruistic nature, it's presented via the desire for world peace or the end of world hunger. And for a significantly smaller group in the United States, it's just simply being able to get a hold of a KTM Duke 125.
In case you didn't already know, the number of European vehicles that actually make it into the North American market is way less than the numbers that get into the European market. If you're wondering why this is the case, just know that it's typically because of items like inadequate emission standards or a manufacturer's fear that a model will fail in a specific market. Unfortunately for motorbike enthusiasts, the Duke 125 is one such model that doesn't make it directly to American shores.
Despite the "small caveat" of not being able to get one in the US, that isn't going to stop some people from still wishing that they could get a hold of one.
So, without further ado, let's delve into some of the reasons why we wish that KTM would bring the Duke 125 to the US.
The KTM Duke 125 Is Super Cheap
If the thought of purchasing a Duke 125 excites you, then there is a good chance that you're on a budget (who isn't these days?). Normally, purchasing any new motorized vehicle on an extremely limited budget can result in you getting something relatively sub-par. Thankfully (for those who actually live in a country where you can buy one), the Duke 125 is probably one of the best cheap vehicles currently available on the market today (with the exception of the Kawasaki Z125).
To get one, all you'll need is around £4,299 (about $5,860) and a bit of extra money to fill up the 13.4-liter gas tank; it really is that simple! Further, when the time comes to actually perform services on it, you still won't have to look too deep into your pockets. After all is said and done, you'll probably only end up spending around £250 ($340) per year for everything. That's less expensive than with most of its competitors and definitely quite a bit cheaper than that of any car.
It's Built With Quality Parts And Has Some Decent Standard Features
It won't surprise you to know that there aren't too many exotic materials like carbon fiber on a Duke 125. After all, it was designed for those on a budget, and carbon fiber does tend to be just a bit on the pricey side of things. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that the bike was built with cheap and fragile materials.
Out of the box, the Austrian mini-bike comes with strong brakes at both the front (300mm disc with a Bybre four-piston caliper) and the back (230mm single disc with a single-piston caliper), as well as a very smoothly shifting 6-speed gearbox. Additionally, it also comes with some nice touches that you mightn't have expected to see on a "bare-bones" bike. This includes features like illuminated switchgear buttons, a TFT dash, and a very bright LED headlight up front.
The Duke 125 Both Feels And Handles Like A Bigger Bike
Despite only weighing 302 lbs, this pint-sized bike is still able to generate a "big bike" feel for its riders. KTM has accomplished this by offering the Duke 125 with a roomier riding position. Because of this, the bike can accommodate larger riders without feeling too big and intimidating for beginners.
In addition to a comfortable riding position, the Duke 125 also comes standard with WP suspension at the front and back and a very geometrically refined chassis. This combination allows the bike to feel both more capable and stable when cornering. This is particularly noteworthy, as many other bikes in this class can sometimes feel quite precarious in the bends.
The Miniature KTM Is The Ultimate Urban Cruiser
As you've probably already guessed, the KTM Duke 125 was not exactly designed for speed. Its liquid-cooled 4v single-cylinder engine only produces around 15 bhp, and that will only get you and the bike up to a top speed of 75 mph. Basically, it's slow, and it would be exceedingly dangerous to drive on the highway. So, why do we like it so much?
Well, just because it's slow on the highway does not mean that it can't get out of its own way on city streets. In fact, due in large part to a relatively healthy power-weight ratio (and some clever gearing), the Duke 125 is actually pretty quick in urban environments. As a result of this, you can zip through traffic with relative ease and even stay ahead of it when you get lucky, and the traffic lights are still green.
Unfortunately, even with all this positivity and praise, we do have to conclude on a very sad note. No matter how good the KTM Duke 125 may be, we probably aren't going to be getting them in the US any time soon. Looks like we'll all have to go back to dreaming once again of things that we cannot have. But, hey, maybe the moral of the story is to appreciate what we do have because, in some other universe, we wouldn't.