Visually, the KTM 125 Enduro R is a knockout. Parked up, you would never guess it was a 125. Beefy, bold and very solidly built, it has the stance of something far more substantial and shares its chassis and suspension with the bigger 390 Enduro R , effectively using a different engine with a few changes here and there.
It has a higher spec than rivals, feels more refined, and looks considerably more imposing. That said, this is still a 125 dual-sport bike, and after riding it, it’s hard not to question whether it’s the ideal choice for new riders.
The chunky tyres and off-road-biased chassis reduce tarmac confidence compared with more road-focused 125s, and the tall seat height is another factor to consider. If you are a match for its dimensions, it can take you off the beaten path with more competency than other road-biased 125s.
Reasons to buy: + Full-sized bike with real presence + Ability to ride trails with quality suspension and switchable ABS + Smartphone connectivity to TFT dash as standard
Reasons to avoid: – Off-road tyres give less confidence on tarmac – Sluggish, even for a 125cc bike – A tall seat height is limiting for shorter riders
The Enduro R delivers great confidence in bends, despite its chunky tyres. You still need to be aware of the grip limitations of trail-style rubber , but instead of feeling skittish or prone to flopping into corners like some other knobbly-shod bikes, the KTM is far more assured.
Weighing in at 158kg fully fuelled, it’s not far off the 162kg that the much more powerful KTM 690 Enduro R is rolling around with. So it’s heavy for a 125, and its extra weight harms engine performance, but helps its road manners.
The WP suspension feels a step above what you might expect a cheap trail bike to come with, and the wider rear tyre reduces the tendency to drop into bends on the road. It still isn’t a bike you relish attacking a B-road on, but it’s less of a white-knuckle ride and more of a steady-going tool.
Braking performance is another area where the KTM is well equipped. It gets ABS on both front and rear wheels and can also be deactivated. In off-road mode the rear-wheel ABS is deactivated, which helps it stop better on the dirt and feels more secure when doing so, which matters on an A1-legal machine.
On trails, the KTM’s smooth engine and quality suspension give it enough poke and support in most situations. The test bike was running hardcore Mitas Rockrider tyres, while standard bikes come on Metzeler Karoo 4 s.
The KTM’s heavy weight is less helpful when manoeuvring at low speed, but its suspension quality, smooth delivery and ability to deactivate the front ABS make it a viable trail option.
Its short gearing means you end up revving it and changing gear frequently on trails, which is not ideal for grip. A1 licence holders can trail ride on it, but full or A2 licence holders who are new to green lanes may have a better time on something with more power.
The KTM’s 125cc single is smooth and refined but lacks midrange punch. It was introduced on the 125 Duke in 2024 and features an improved gearbox and Power Assisted Slipper Clutch. An optional quickshifter is available for £225.61.
Although KTM claims the maximum power permitted for an A1 bike (slightly more, in fact) and more torque than rivals, the Enduro R struggles to hold top gear. On anything other than flat or downhill roads, you often find yourself riding in fifth, or even fourth, to keep momentum.
That constant gear chang…