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New 'high-end' 2b bike: KTM 125 Duke

mechwira

By mechwira
in General Bike Chat

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EVOIIIGSR Newbie

EVOIIIGSR

Posted
Posted

Bike Review of KTM Duke125 by EVOIIIGSR - Aug 2011

 

Greetings fellow KTM Duke125 fans

 

As much as many of you who salivate at the photos and videos of the KTM Duke125 at its official website and the upcoming Singapore launch of the KTM Duke125 in East Coast on 20 August 2011, so did I.

 

Never have I been excited to see a class 2b bike launch since the day I got my class 2b licence in Aug 1994.

 

17 years ago - 2b bikes looks pathetic compared to recent years.

 

I was very much honoured to be invited by KTM Singapore to visit their showroom to do a test ride on their new KTM Duke125 and write a short review.

 

First look:

 

The bike looks big and at the same time small. Confusing? Yes! For a 2b bike its definitely have the full size look of that a class 2a bike. The rear tyres is 17 inch with a width of 150. The rims, brake system, suspension, digital meter and styling all screams out - QUALITY BLING BLING STUFFS!!!

 

I mean if you gonna pay serious money, you would not want to have nothing less.

 

17 years ago, a brand new Aprilia RS125 Replica would set you back for SGD10K on the road. And now it would set you back close to SGD20K on the road for some one with less than 1 year of riding experience.

 

So if the KTM Duke125 is less than SGD12K, then in my humble opinion its a reasonably priced machine.

 

Remember you are young only once and my regret is that I cannot afford to buy an RS125 back then. Impressing the ladies in school was the top priority. Having a cool motorcycle is the key to get dates. Hehehe!

 

It also means freedom to go anywhere you like, hang out in town till late, riding to Changi Village for late nite supper with the bapoks, hang out outside Hard Rock Cafe, hang out at the crowded S11 kopitiam and hang out at the infamous Jalan Kayu "not nice anymore" Roti Prata etc etc.

 

I can imagine myself pulling up to one of these spots and be the centre of attraction (especially from Mat and Minah Saman) and no other bike would have a better effect than the KTM Duke125.

 

At traffic stops, other motorist may even mistaken it as a class 2 bike.

 

First ride:

 

I turned on the key and was pleased to see the digital display comes to live. Its a welcoming sign, as if the bike is greeting you. Pressed on the starter button and the bike purrs to live with ease. First thing I noticed is that the exhaust note is not as soft as a typical Japanese class 2b bike. Frankly, after having owned and ridden many brands and makes of class 2a and 2 bikes, the original exhaust sound is too mild for my liking. I hope LV or GPR or Arrow pipes could help on that. Better still, KTM very own finger licking good -Akraprovic!:cheeky:

 

The clutch action is light and the pick up is smooth. Underpowered was my first impression but then again I read that she is actually a high revver. So there I go, revving it up. She is very compliant when revved hard. I think this girl likes it when you squeeze the throttle as if you are in a race! Well KTM did say that their bikes are Ready to Race!:cool:

 

Remember, do not be gentle! Ride it as if you stole it! :faint:

 

Agility. This bike is light and so flickable. The handle bars position is just right even for my height of 1.77m and the suspensions took my 85kg body weight with stride. Its definitely easy to master for those who just got their class 2b riding licence. I believe this bike is also good to gain experience with. Its not intimidating as the "crazy horse" KTM 200 EXC but I do secretly wished KTM would come out with a 200cc 2-stroke Duke. It would seriouly put Honda Super4 kingship of the roads to jeopardy. :angel:

 

Braking. Top notch! Two finger braking for stoppies are easy. Rear brakes a bit soft though but that is good to prevent rear side skidding during rain, I guess.

 

Wheelies. Did not manage to do it. Maybe need a bigger rear sprocket or smaller front sprocket but I strongly suggest that you do not do it if you just passed. Or maybe I was way too heavy! Need the pros to do this one.

 

10 mins into the ride and I felt very comfortable. I felt that I know the bike for a long time. You will feel that the bike conforms to you. Just like that old pair of authentic Levis jeans. 501 Button-fly of course!:faint:

 

Regret to say that I cannot ride this baby home. After dismounting the bike and have a second look at it ... I really feel like putting a deposit for one. But a quick reality check, with 3 kids, a car loan, home loan, a 2011 KTM dirtbike loan, Hari Raya round the corner, another loan is not the priority in my list of things to do. Sigh! :cry:

 

But if the COE goes drops to SGD2, I would re-consider. I mean, this bike has a reported 40km/l consumption and for my age the insurance will be very affordable and frankly the road tax is peanuts! :dozed:

 

So whether you are a newbie or an old wrinkly bird, this bike is worth a look and maybe it can bring out the youth in you! :thumb:

 

Cheers! :)

 

Evo

 

PS: Evo is a motorcyles enthusiast who at one time owned so many bikes that he has to parked some of them in his HDB flat to save on parking charges. But that insanity has cured and his wife hope that it would not relapse. No animals, human or motorcycle was harmed during the test ride and if resemblence of anybody known referred to in the review, it is purely coincidental or that somebody is really confused.

http://www.boysstuff.co.uk/Images/prod_center/kawasaki_cen_200_81110.jpg

Courtesy of Boys Stuff UK

edwinling Newbie

edwinling

Posted
Posted
Bike Review of KTM Duke125 by EVOIIIGSR - Aug 2011

 

Greetings fellow KTM Duke125 fans

 

As much as many of you who salivate at the photos and videos of the KTM Duke125 at its official website and the upcoming Singapore launch of the KTM Duke125 in East Coast on 20 August 2011, so did I.

 

Never have I been excited to see a class 2b bike launch since the day I got my class 2b licence in Aug 1994.

 

17 years ago - 2b bikes looks pathetic compared to recent years.

 

I was very much honoured to be invited by KTM Singapore to visit their showroom to do a test ride on their new KTM Duke125 and write a short review.

 

First look:

 

The bike looks big and at the same time small. Confusing? Yes! For a 2b bike its definitely have the full size look of that a class 2a bike. The rear tyres is 17 inch with a width of 150. The rims, brake system, suspension, digital meter and styling all screams out - QUALITY BLING BLING STUFFS!!!

 

I mean if you gonna pay serious money, you would not want to have nothing less.

 

17 years ago, a brand new Aprilia RS125 Replica would set you back for SGD10K on the road. And now it would set you back close to SGD20K on the road for some one with less than 1 year of riding experience.

 

So if the KTM Duke125 is less than SGD12K, then in my humble opinion its a reasonably priced machine.

 

Remember you are young only once and my regret is that I cannot afford to buy an RS125 back then. Impressing the ladies in school was the top priority. Having a cool motorcycle is the key to get dates. Hehehe!

 

It also means freedom to go anywhere you like, hang out in town till late, riding to Changi Village for late nite supper with the bapoks, hang out outside Hard Rock Cafe, hang out at the crowded S11 kopitiam and hang out at the infamous Jalan Kayu "not nice anymore" Roti Prata etc etc.

 

I can imagine myself pulling up to one of these spots and be the centre of attraction (especially from Mat and Minah Saman) and no other bike would have a better effect than the KTM Duke125.

 

At traffic stops, other motorist may even mistaken it as a class 2 bike.

 

First ride:

 

I turned on the key and was pleased to see the digital display comes to live. Its a welcoming sign, as if the bike is greeting you. Pressed on the starter button and the bike purrs to live with ease. First thing I noticed is that the exhaust note is not as soft as a typical Japanese class 2b bike. Frankly, after having owned and ridden many brands and makes of class 2a and 2 bikes, the original exhaust sound is too mild for my liking. I hope LV or GPR or Arrow pipes could help on that. Better still, KTM very own finger licking good -Akraprovic!:cheeky:

 

The clutch action is light and the pick up is smooth. Underpowered was my first impression but then again I read that she is actually a high revver. So there I go, revving it up. She is very compliant when revved hard. I think this girl likes it when you squeeze the throttle as if you are in a race! Well KTM did say that their bikes are Ready to Race!:cool:

 

Remember, do not be gentle! Ride it as if you stole it! :faint:

 

Agility. This bike is light and so flickable. The handle bars position is just right even for my height of 1.77m and the suspensions took my 85kg body weight with stride. Its definitely easy to master for those who just got their class 2b riding licence. I believe this bike is also good to gain experience with. Its not intimidating as the "crazy horse" KTM 200 EXC but I do secretly wished KTM would come out with a 200cc 2-stroke Duke. It would seriouly put Honda Super4 kingship of the roads to jeopardy. :angel:

 

Braking. Top notch! Two finger braking for stoppies are easy. Rear brakes a bit soft though but that is good to prevent rear side skidding during rain, I guess.

 

Wheelies. Did not manage to do it. Maybe need a bigger rear sprocket or smaller front sprocket but I strongly suggest that you do not do it if you just passed. Or maybe I was way too heavy! Need the pros to do this one.

 

10 mins into the ride and I felt very comfortable. I felt that I know the bike for a long time. You will feel that the bike conforms to you. Just like that old pair of authentic Levis jeans. 501 Button-fly of course!:faint:

 

Regret to say that I cannot ride this baby home. After dismounting the bike and have a second look at it ... I really feel like putting a deposit for one. But a quick reality check, with 3 kids, a car loan, home loan, a 2011 KTM dirtbike loan, Hari Raya round the corner, another loan is not the priority in my list of things to do. Sigh! :cry:

 

But if the COE goes drops to SGD2, I would re-consider. I mean, this bike has a reported 40km/l consumption and for my age the insurance will be very affordable and frankly the road tax is peanuts! :dozed:

 

So whether you are a newbie or an old wrinkly bird, this bike is worth a look and maybe it can bring out the youth in you! :thumb:

 

Cheers! :)

 

Evo

 

PS: Evo is a motorcyles enthusiast who at one time owned so many bikes that he has to parked some of them in his HDB flat to save on parking charges. But that insanity has cured and his wife hope that it would not relapse. No animals, human or motorcycle was harmed during the test ride and if resemblence of anybody known referred to in the review, it is purely coincidental or that somebody is really confused.

 

Nice!

 

 

U guys should go down and look at the bike. Swee! Picture doen't do justice. They are having roadshow at geylang hari raya bazaar.

 

Picture? What picture? We test ride and wait for delivery only ;)

 

 

i will like to know is it cramp when carrying a pillion?

 

It very much depending on rider/pillion size. For average local sizes, it should sit comfortably.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f303/edwinling/2dvk46u.gif
eyke Newbie

eyke

Posted
Posted

any way to mount a box, that can fit a full face, to it without looking bad/weird?

 

thinking of buying but would hate to have to lug helmet around...

edwinling Newbie

edwinling

Posted
Posted
yeah... now I only wish they preload my options before delivery... seems not possible. *so sad*

 

Cannot help it since you ordered so late. Have simple basic for ride off first.

 

 

 

collect later like me lor....get so early for what? relax sua

 

Dun like that lah...told yah, 20 escort 1 lead bike - pushing...

 

 

 

any way to mount a box, that can fit a full face, to it without looking bad/weird?

 

thinking of buying but would hate to have to lug helmet around...

 

Mounting a box? Nay...looks fugly!

 

I got myself a Bagster Cyclone from Motoworld Lavendar. Look for Nick. It fits my full face Caberg with space to spare.

 

http://www.motoworld.com.sg/products/1244/large.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f303/edwinling/2dvk46u.gif
danielb Newbie

danielb

Posted
Posted

its super water resistant man....oh well if can find then buy

can diy waterproof the bag ma

yatgp03s Newbie

yatgp03s

Posted
Posted
Bike Review of KTM Duke125 by EVOIIIGSR - Aug 2011

 

Greetings fellow KTM Duke125 fans

 

As much as many of you who salivate at the photos and videos of the KTM Duke125 at its official website and the upcoming Singapore launch of the KTM Duke125 in East Coast on 20 August 2011, so did I.

 

 

 

East Coast? woohoo!

edwinling Newbie

edwinling

Posted
Posted
Saw the bike up close in geylang bazaar and WOW!! Sweet looking piece of machinery. Go down and salivate the beauty right in front of your eyes.

 

Geylang bazaar?

 

It's not launched yet wor....none on the road till 20th Aug except demo unit.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f303/edwinling/2dvk46u.gif

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