The Austrians from KTM have directed their innovative minds to creating two 125cc concept bikes that will meet the demands of riders who are just starting out and yet not benefit of more than 15 horsepower so that they can be ridden legally starting the age of 16. They named the two bikes KTM 125 Race concept and KTM 125 Stunt concept and we have to say that both look more than decent for the category. Press release is attached after the jump.
PRESS RELEASEWorld Premiere at the EICMA: KTM presents the near series model of the KTM 125 project for the first time in Milan.
For decades now the sports motorcycle brand from Austria has been engaged in racing series all over the world and by its strong conviction and visible enthusiasm for motorsport has created for itself a unique sporting image. This KTM company philosophy is, without exception, reflected in the series models it produces. The support and promotion of tomorrow’s top riders is also a big KTM tradition. Whether competing in national sport and hobby riding or on the international stage in world championship format; whether on- or offroad, via sports promotional programmes or brand trophies, at KTM, young motorcycle enthusiasts are guaranteed plenty of attention and just the right motorcycle.
The circle closes
In the future, KTM offers the “Ready to Race” young riders the best fun and racing motorcycles and not just for use on closed circuits. As of the autumn of 2009, KTM presents the KTM 125 Project, expanding the Mattighofen, Austria, factory’s engagement in the development of series motorcycles. As well as the model range that includes the “Adventure“, “Supermoto“, “Naked Bike“ and “Superbike“, which has been continually growing since 2003, there is now a sharp focus on the machine for tomorrow’s motorcycle fan and this brings the “125” segment even more sharply into focus. With a new sporty, high quality Naked Bike in the typical KTM design language, the brand enters the segment for 125 motorcycles suitable for registration on the road and in doing so sets new standards. An independent concept within the KTM model palette right from its beginning, the future KTM 125 is conceived by and profits from the enormous know-how of the entire KTM Research and Development Department. In charge of the definition of this package of technology is the same team that has already realized legendary motorcycles like the 690 Duke. Naturally the look of the KTM 125 is a product of the company’s valued partner Kiska Design. This completely new 125 cc generation carries the same conviction and vision for the production of qualitatively the best sports motorcycles and above all stands for one thing: pure riding fun!
Powerful technology
Just as it is for the development of all KTM vehicles, there are clear rules for the KTM 125: as well as a maximum product quality, a purist sporty riding experience stands in the foreground of all production efforts. A minimal weight, best handling and best rideability are the traditional development goals. Not to be forgotten is the powerful engine, 100% developed in Mattighofen, which with 125 ccm displacement ensures plenty of enjoyment. A four valve cylinder head, two overhead camshafts, water cooling and fuel injection means that the basis 11 KW (15 hp) strong 125 cc engine carries all the most modern construction characteristics. As well as an exemplary motor culture, this typical new KTM development promises tingling performance output but at the same time guarantees highly modern levels of fuel consumption and emission characteristics. The motor, which comes in a light, latticed tubular steel frame exhales by way of an innovative exhaust system solution. The perfect KTM chassis solution combines low
weight and favourable dimensions with exemplary stability. There have also been no compromises with the high quality suspension elements developed by WP Suspension, the braking system with radial mounted four-piston callipers from premium supplier Brembo and the modern light metal wheels all of which are being used for the KTM 125. The development of the completely new generation of motorcycles therefore delivers all that it has promised to up-and-coming riders. The 125 cc, the exciting Naked Bike “Made in Austria” offers riding fun and all the competence of a full-sized similar machine.
Room to move
Riding fun on two wheels, regardless of the displacement, refuses to be locked away. Now more than ever before, the KTM 125 Project represents freedom and room to move for both original ideas and variety. Elegant, modified, stripped down, for racing or simply to ride, with the KTM 125 concept everything is allowed. A possible interpretation is embodied in a study of a Naked Racer – on which the exhaust system was modified with compatible design elements direct from the KTM 125 basis study.
