Motor Hispania 125 Duna Enduro Trail SM [2009-2010]: A Lightweight Dual-Sport Companion
Introduction
The Motor Hispania 125 Duna Enduro Trail SM represents a unique chapter in the world of entry-level dual-sport motorcycles. Produced between 2009 and 2010, this Spanish-built machine straddles the line between off-road capability and urban practicality. Designed for riders seeking versatility without breaking the bank, the Duna 125 series caters to beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike who prioritize lightweight maneuverability over raw power. Let’s dive into what makes this bike stand out—and where it fits into the broader landscape of small-displacement dual-sports.
Design & Ergonomics: Form Follows Function
The Duna 125’s design ethos screams “no-nonsense.” Its angular bodywork, steel delta box frame, and high-mounted fenders give it a purposeful, almost industrial aesthetic. The Enduro and Trail variants feature a commanding 910 mm (35.8-inch) seat height, ideal for standing on rough terrain, while the Supermotard models drop to a more approachable 805 mm (31.7 inches) for city-friendly stops. Color options like bold blue, fiery orange, and red reflect its adventurous spirit, though fit-and-finish details remind you this is a budget-oriented machine.
The cockpit is minimalist—analog gauges, basic switchgear—but everything feels within reach. The narrow fuel tank (7.8 liters / 2.06 gallons) keeps the weight centralized, and the overall dry weight of 105 kg (231.5 lbs) makes picking it up after a trail tumble a one-person job.
Engine Performance: Modest Power, Maximum Charm
At the heart of the Duna 125 lies an air-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine displacing 125cc. With 12 HP (8.8 kW) peaking at 8,600 RPM, this isn’t a highway cruiser. Instead, it thrives in low-to-mid-range scenarios. The Mikuni VM20 carburetor delivers predictable fueling, though cold starts occasionally demand patience (thankfully, both electric and kick starters are included).
On paved roads, the engine feels buzzy above 70 km/h (43 mph), but that’s not where this bike shines. Off-road, the torque curve feels linear, pulling reliably through mud and gravel. The five-speed transmission shifts with a satisfying click, though the clutch (a wet multiplate unit on later models) requires deliberate engagement.
Fuel efficiency is a highlight. Riders report 40-50 km/l (94-118 mpg), making the small tank surprisingly practical for day-long adventures.
Handling & Suspension: Lightweight Agility
Weighing just 114 kg (251.3 lbs) wet, the Duna 125 feels like an extension of your body. The Enduro’s 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels (90/90-21 and 120/80-18 tires) glide over roots and rocks, while the Supermotard’s 17-inch street-biased rubber (100/80-17 front, 130/70-17 rear) offers sharp cornering on asphalt.
Paioli suspension components—a 37 mm advanced axle fork and monoshock rear—provide 200 mm (7.9 inches) of travel on Enduro models. It’s plush enough for trail imperfections but lacks adjustability for serious off-roaders. On supermotard variants, the upside-down fork stiffens the front end for spirited urban riding.
Braking is adequate, with Tecme discs (Enduro/Trail) or Galfer Wave rotors (Supermotard) offering decent bite. ABS is absent, so new riders should practice modulation.
Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
In the 125cc dual-sport segment, the Duna 125 faces stiff competition:
- Yamaha WR125X: A pricier rival with liquid cooling, fuel injection, and 15 HP. The Yamaha feels more refined but loses the Duna’s raw simplicity.
- Honda CRF125F: A pure off-roader with similar power. The Honda’s build quality is superior, but it lacks road legality in many markets.
- KTM 125 Duke: A street-focused machine with aggressive styling and premium components. The KTM outhandles the Duna on pavement but falters off-road.
The Duna’s advantage? Affordability and ease of maintenance. While it can’t match Japanese or Austrian bikes in tech or performance, its carbureted engine and steel frame appeal to DIY enthusiasts.
Maintenance: Keeping the Adventure Alive
Ownership of the Duna 125 is a lesson in simplicity:
- Air-Cooled Reliability: No radiators to worry about, but monitor oil levels closely during sustained high-RPM runs.
- Carburetor Care: The Mikuni VM20 is durable but demands seasonal cleaning if left unused. Consider upgrading to a high-flow air filter from MOTOPARTS.store for dusty trails.
- Chain Maintenance: The final drive chain requires regular lubrication and adjustment—a 15-minute task with basic tools.
- Suspension Refresh: Older Paioli units may benefit from aftermarket fork oil or progressive-rate springs for heavier riders.
- Brake Upgrades: Swap factory pads for sintered variants to improve stopping power.
Pro Tip: The Duna’s Euro 3-compliant exhaust is restrictive. A slip-on aftermarket system (available at MOTOPARTS.store) can shave weight and uncork a throatier note.
Conclusion: A Gateway to Adventure
The Motor Hispania 125 Duna Enduro Trail SM isn’t about cutting-edge specs—it’s about accessibility. Its lightweight chassis, approachable power, and dual-sport versatility make it a perfect first bike for rookies or a low-stakes companion for veterans exploring backroads. While rivals offer more polish, the Duna rewards those who value mechanical simplicity and hands-on ownership.
Whether you’re threading through city traffic or splashing through woodland trails, this Spanish underdog reminds us that riding joy isn’t measured in horsepower. It’s measured in grins per mile.
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Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
| Stroke: | Four-stroke |
| Max power: | 9 kW | 12.0 hp |
| Fuel system: | Carburettor, Mikuni VM 20 |
| Max power @: | 8600 rpm |
| Displacement: | 125 ccm |
| Fuel control: | Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
| Bore x stroke: | 54.0 x 54.0 mm (2.1 x 2.1 in) |
| Configuration: | Single |
| Cooling system: | Air |
| Compression ratio: | 10.0:1 |
| Number of cylinders: | 1 |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1350 mm (53.1 in) |
| Dry weight: | 105 |
| Wet weight: | 115 |
| Overall length: | 1980–2010 mm (78.0–79.1 in) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 7.8 L (2.06 US gal) |
| Seat height (Supermotard): | 805 mm (31.7 in) |
| Seat height (Enduro/Trail): | 910 mm (35.8 in) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Final drive: | chain |
| Transmission: | 5-speed (assumed), chain final drive |
| Maintainance | |
|---|---|
| Rear tire (Trail): | 120/90-19 |
| Front tire (Trail): | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire (Supermotard): | 130/70-17 |
| Front tire (Supermotard): | 100/80-17 |
| Rear tire (Enduro/Trail): | 120/80-18 |
| Front tire (Enduro/Trail): | 90/90-21 |
| Additional Notes | |
|---|---|
| Starter: | Electric & kick |
| Color options: | Blue, red orange, orange/black (varies by model) |
| Exhaust compliance: | Euro 3 |
| Weight incl. fluids: | 113.5–115 kg (250.2–253.5 lbs) |
| Chassis and Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Frame: | Delta box double steel beam / Steel (varies by model) |
| Rear brakes: | Single disc (Tecme or Galfer Wave, model-dependent) |
| Front brakes: | Single disc (Tecme or Galfer Wave, model-dependent) |
| Rear suspension: | Paioli monoshock |
| Front suspension (Supermotard): | Upside down fork |
| Front suspension (Enduro/Trail): | Paioli advanced axle, 37 mm |
