This Super-Affordable Street Moto Is So Approachable, I’m Surprised It’s Coming to the US

The legendary Austria-based brand behind it rarely brings a bike this accessible to US shores, which just adds to the appeal.

Close-up of a motorcycle's black footpeg, gear shift lever, and part of the chain drive against a teal background.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published January 9, 2026

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Updated January 10, 2026

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In business since 1934, the renowned moto brand whose name is a (wisely adopted) acronym for Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen was in dire straits as recently as last fall.

Then came a lifeline: India’s Bajaj Auto invested €800 million (roughly $930 million USD) to increase its stake in the brand to a controlling 75% in November.

Matte blue and black KTM motorcycle with bright orange wheels and exposed engine components. — The 125 Duke’s stunning style and rider-friendly features prove good things can come in small packages.

Now KTM has announced a bunch of orange-accented Duke street bikes for 2026, and while much fuss will be made over bigger models such as the 990 R, I dare say I am most excited about the smallest.

At half the engine size of the littlest Duke you could get in the US last year, the new-and-improved 125 Duke is incredibly affordable and approachable, not to mention great-looking and hella fun.

Clean machine

I have to wonder if Bajaj had a hand in bringing this bike to a country where 75 percent of motorcycles sold are 750cc or bigger.

In India, a 450cc moto is considered aspirational. Given how awesome the locals are at navigating mountain passes on small-displacement Royal Enfield Bullets and the like, they may be onto something.

Blue KTM motorcycle with bright orange wheels and black frame shown from rear side angle. — As strong as this blue, black and orange combo is, the 2026 edition will also be available with a black-and-grey paint scheme that has its own badass charm.

What’s really cool with the 125 Duke is that KTM has managed to make it look so good that newbies and even veteran riders can throw a leg over without an ounce of self-consciousness.

Strong factors here are a sharp silhouette reminiscent of its bigger brothers and a color scheme — dark blue and black body with on-brand orange alloy wheels — loaded with curb appeal.

Blue and black KTM motorcycle with bright orange wheels on a white background. — Like all 2026 KTM Duke models, the 125 boasts full LED lighting, helping you see and be seen clearly.

While the 125cc engine is not overflowing with grunt — 15 horsepower and 8.5 ft-lbs of torque — it offers just enough to delight beginners and serve any urban commuter well in the face of gridlock.

Improvements for 2026 — including improved fueling, a higher top speed and a standard 5-inch full-color TFT display — bolster the case.

Come ride this friendly guy

Of course, those qualities are only half of what brings the 125 Duke into “beginner’s gateway drug” territory. The other half is that thanks to a number of thoughtful touches, the bike is just as approachable as its engine size would suggest, if not more so.

The comfy foam seat comes in at 31.4 inches (with a narrow standover height), while the curb is a light 340 pounds, measurements that make life easier for smaller and less experienced riders.

Along with a grab handle, the seat offers a thick layer of foam, increasing comfort for both the rider and pillion.

KTM

Boosting the ergonomics are body-friendly frame geometry and adjustable clutch and front brake levers, enabling you to dial in a confidence-inspiring fit.

The ride is forgiving, as well, courtesy of 150mm (nearly six inches) of suspension travel, highlighted by a pre-load adjustable WP APEX separate piston shock absorber in the rear.

Close-up of a motorcycle's rear suspension system with a white coil spring, black frame, and orange rear wheel. — Both the front and rear suspension set-ups offer nearly 6 inches of travel to ride out potholes and speed bumps.

Stopping power is reliable courtesy of substantial front and rear disk brakes, plus all-new cornering ABS and supermoto ABS.

Lastly, two ride modes — balanced “street” and aggressive “track” — let the bike adjust to your abilities and cravings, at least till those cravings lead to a bigger bike. After all, it’s the ultimate gateway drug.

Availability and pricing

The 2026 KTM 125 Duke does not have full release details just yet, but they are expected in the coming weeks.

Based on the fact that last year’s 250 Duke is currently priced at $5,099, the 125 should come in well under five grand.

Blue KTM 125 Duke motorcycle with orange wheels and black frame on a white background.

2026 KTM 125 Duke

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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