MotoSpecs

2018 KTM 125 Duke Specifications

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2018 KTM 125 Duke Overview

The 2018 KTM 125 Duke is a sport motorcycle built around 124.7 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valve engine, a compression ratio of 14.5:1. 2018 KTM 125 Duke delivers 11.3 kW @ 10500 rpm of peak power and 12 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2018 125 Duke tips the scales at 137 kg, carries a 13.4-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 830 mm and spans a 1357 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2018 KTM 125 Duke spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2018 KTM 125 Duke compared with other bikes in the Sport category

Here is how the 2018 KTM 125 Duke stacks up against other bikes in the Sport category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 2003 models.

  • Power output of 11.3 kW is lower than that of 1273 of the other 1340 bikes in the Sport category.
  • Only 80 of the other 1572 bikes in the Sport category have a lower torque than the 12 Nm of the 125 Duke.
  • With 125 cc, the 125 Duke has the joint 143rd smallest engine displacement of 2003 bikes in the Sport category, 82% below the category average of 707 cc.
  • Narrowing the field to the 385 models within five model years of it, the power output of 11.3 kW is lower than that of 365 of the other 384.

Versus the 2016 model

Compared with the 2016 model, seat height was raised from 810 mm to 830 mm (+20 mm). Peak power, peak torque and displacement are unchanged.

2018 125 Duke - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Strong power output: 2018 KTM 125 Duke makes 11.3 kW @ 10500 rpm with 12 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
  • Fuel injection: The Bosch Electronic fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
  • Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.

Considerations

  • Tall seat height: The 830 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
  • Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

The Liquid cooled system on the 125 Duke needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from Bosch Electronic fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Brake disc and pad wear

The disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the 125 Duke runs 43 mm WP USD fork and WP monoshock at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Steel trellis frame, powder coated - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Low-speed handling

At just 137 kg, the 125 Duke is light enough to manhandle easily at a standstill - one of the practical advantages of its class.

125 Duke - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2018 KTM 125 Duke with its 124.7 cc sport, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 8 years old, this sport is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 125 Duke should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the 125 Duke's 124.7 cc four stroke, single cylinder, dohc, 4 valve. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 14.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The 125 Duke's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

2018 KTM 125 Duke - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2018 KTM 125 Duke have?
The 2018 KTM 125 Duke uses a Four stroke, Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valve engine with 124.7 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
How much does the 2018 KTM 125 Duke weigh?
The 2018 KTM 125 Duke weighs 137 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2018 KTM 125 Duke make?
The 2018 KTM 125 Duke produces 11.3 kW @ 10500 rpm of power and 12 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 KTM 125 Duke?
The 2018 KTM 125 Duke has a 13.4-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 223-268 km between stops.
Is the 2018 KTM 125 Duke suitable for shorter riders?
The 2018 KTM 125 Duke has a seat height of 830 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2018 KTM 125 Duke have?
The 2018 KTM 125 Duke uses single 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial fixed caliper at the front and single 230 mm disc, single piston floating caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2018 KTM 125 Duke use?
The 2018 KTM 125 Duke runs 110/70 -17 front and 150/60 -17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2018 KTM 125 Duke have?
The 2018 KTM 125 Duke is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

KTM 125 Duke Spec Evolution

The KTM 125 Duke was produced across 7 model years (2012-2024). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2021 2024
Max Power 11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm 11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm 11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm 11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm 11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm 11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm 11 kW / 15 hp
Dry Weight 127 kg / 280 lbs 127 kg / 280 lbs 127 kg / 280 lbs 137 kg / 302 lbs 141.4 kg / 311.7 lbs 139 kg / 306.4 lbs 154 kg / 306.4 lbs
Engine Detail Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valves Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valves Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valves Four stroke, Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valve Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Seat Height 810 mm / 31.8 in 810 mm / 31.8 in 810 mm / 31.8 in 830 mm / 32.7 in 818 mm / 32.2 in 830 mm / 32.7 in 800 mm / 32.7 in
Fuel Capacity 11 Litres / 2.9 US gal / 2.4 Imp gal 11 Litres / 2.9 US gal / 2.4 Imp gal 11 Litres / 2.9 US gal / 2.4 Imp gal 13.4 Litres / 3.5 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal 11 Litres / 3.0 US gal 13.4 Litres / 3.5 US gal -
Displacement 124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in 124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in 124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in 124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in 124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in 124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in 124.9 cc / 7.6 cu-in
Frame Type Space frame in chrome -molybdenum steel tubes Subframe: steel Space frame in chrome -molybdenum steel tubes Subframe: steel Space frame in chrome -molybdenum steel tubes Subframe: steel Steel trellis frame, powder coated Steel trellis frame, powder coated Steel trellis frame, powder coated Steel trellis frame, powder coated
Brakes - Front Single 280 mm disc Single 280 mm disc Single 280 mm disc Single 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial fixed caliper Single 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial fixed caliper Single 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial fixed caliper Single 320 mm disc, 4 piston radial fixed caliper

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valve

Power

11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm

Torque

12 Nm / 1.22 kgf-m / 8.85 ft-lb @ 8000 rpm

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

137 kg / 302 lbs

Fuel Capacity

13.4 Litres / 3.5 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal

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Full 2018 KTM 125 Duke Specifications

Year 2017 - 18
Make Model KTM 125 Duke
Seat Height 830 mm / 32.7 in
Wheelbase 1357 mm / 53.4 in
Ground Clearance 185 mm / 7.3 in
Dry Weight 137 kg / 302 lbs
Fuel Capacity 13.4 Litres / 3.5 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal
Max Power 11.3 kW / 15 hp @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque 12 Nm / 1.22 kgf-m / 8.85 ft-lb @ 8000 rpm
Displacement 124.7 cc / 7.6 cu-in
Engine Detail Four stroke, Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 Valve
Bore x Stroke 58 x 47.2 mm
Compression Ratio 14.5:1
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Fuel Induction Bosch Electronic fuel injection
Ignition Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Lubrication Wet sump
Starter Electric
Clutch Wet, multi-disc, operated hydraulically
Final Drive Chain 5/8 x 1/4" X ring
Final Drive Ratio 14:45
Primary Drive Ratios 22/72
Transmission / Drive 6 Speed
Frame Type Steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - Front 43 mm WP USD fork
Suspension - Rear WP monoshock
Steering Head Angle 66°
Wheel Travel - Front 142 mm / 5.6 in
Wheel Travel - Rear 150 mm / 5.9 in
Brakes - Front Single 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial fixed caliper
Brakes - Rear Single 230 mm disc, single piston floating caliper
ABS Bosch 9MB two-channel ABS
Tyres - Front 110/70 -17
Tyres - Rear 150/60 -17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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