At last week’s Italian motorcycle show, stunt rider Rok Bagoroš thrilled the crowds, most of whom probably found it hard to believe that his KTM really is only 125 cc.

At EICMA, the world’s most important motorcycle show in Milan, the 22-year-old stunt rider from Slovenia, Rok Bagoroš, showed that raw power isn’t essential for performing neck-breaking tricks. On the asphalt he used his KTM 125 Duke to perform wheelies and stoppies, pirouettes, and other similar tricks, which he strongly advises fans not to attempt in street traffic. Bagoroš managed to take an important career step in Italy’s fashion capital as well because he signed a two-year contract with the Austrian company KTM and agreed to start training on their new 690 cc Duke soon.

“I’m thrilled that now I’m a member of an elite group of factory riders who achieve top results in various areas of MotoSport, whether motocross, enduro, or rally. But the good company isn’t everything; it’s also the factory support with materials and close cooperation with the development department, with whom I’ll be able to put together two top stunt bikes. The current KTM 125 Duke obviously has to stay part of the program, but now it’ll be joined by a completely new KTM 690 Duke. I can hardly find the words to describe my excitement because instead of just 15 now I’ll have a whole 70 horses!” said Bagoroš with satisfaction.

His KTM 125 Duke is equipped with an Akrapovič exhaust system designed especially for his motorcycle.

Photo: Marcello Manonni