Though surprisingly good looking, and well thought out, the question is if the newly released KTM 125 Duke is really a KTM  ? Reading the Indian blogs, it does not look so. In fact, it would appear to be a Bajaj manufactured motorcycle.
Remember that Bajaj have been buying up the Austrian manufacturer, and since 125's are popular in the Far East, Bajaj will be making them by the ship loads. So in fact, the KTM might not be a real KTM but an Indian made Bajaj. Not that there's anything wrong, considering that Bajaj is one of the big motorcycle manufacturers, and their quality should be pretty good, considering the state of the roads in many Asian countries.
With such as nice looking beginner's motorcycle, you'd expect it to show up in North America, but the market for 125s is nonexistent. In Europe, it's one of the biggest markets, since you are allowed to ride a 125 with a car license (as long as your motorcycle doesn't exceed 15 HP).
We've reached out to KTM about the Indian connection and manufacturing, but so far no response, but then, there's a big motorcycle show going on, so I guess they're a bit busy. If they do respond, we'll update this article.
You can have a more detailed look at the 125 Duke at the special website, 125Duke.com . There, there's a tag line that says "It's a real KTM".....
| Update: Response from KTM: "It was 100 percent designed and development from KTM in Austria and will be produced basically in India from Bajaj. The final assembly and quality management takes again place in our factory in Mattighofen." |
Sources:
2Wheelsindia
Autoholiks
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