2026 KTM 125 Duke Launched in UK

• Features the KTM Gen 3 design language
• Gets three riding modes
• Unlikely to come to India

KTM has launched the 2026 125 Duke in the UK, and now this bike is the entry point into the KTM family. The launch is likely done to take advantage of the European licensing regulations that restrict newer riders to 125cc bikes.

The system works on a progressive access basis. Newer riders at and above the age of 17 will be restricted to 125cc bikes producing less than 14.8bhp (11kW) under the A1 license. After that, they can move on to the A2 licence, which allows riders to ride bikes producing up to 47bhp. After two years on the A2 licence, riders can get the A licence, which allows them access to higher-capacity bikes producing more than 47bhp. Riders who are older than 24 can directly get the A license as well.

With the 125 Duke, KTM is likely aiming to capture the A1 license market, targeting newer riders. The new 125 Duke features the same sporty design as the Gen 3 250 and 390 Duke available in India. It is powered by a 124.99cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 14.7bhp and 11.5Nm.

It gets a 5-inch TFT console with smartphone connectivity and features such as call/SMS alerts and turn-by-turn navigation. Additionally, there are 3 riding modes on offer: Rain, Street and Track. Overall, it has all the things that beginner riders looking for a sporty naked would want.

However, it is unlikely to come to India. KTM used to offer the 125 Duke in India, but had to discontinue it likely due to poor sales. The brand later introduced the Duke 160, which was updated earlier with a TFT console. KTM then also introduced the RC 160 based on the same platform. The new 160 platform is more capable of taking on the Yamaha R15 and the MT-15, than the 125 platform.