Rivals Haiden Deegan’s KTM 112

We tested Dane Pappas’s Loretta Lynn’s winning MC85 one year ago, and this time, we’ve got his ultra trick GasGas MC112 Supermini, featuring a custom-built Twisted Development engine, tailored to his riding style and preferences, WP Pro Component suspension (cone valve forks and Trax shock) tuned by REP Suspension, and a custom swingarm from Germany. In this video, Jamie Ellis shares about what it was like to work with Dane and his Dad on this bike, and he talks about the mindset that goes into building an exotic Supermini.

In the motorcycle world, the term “KTM 112” can refer to two completely different things depending on the context: a high-performance mini racing bike (Supermini) or an electric balance bike for young children.

Here are the detailed insights for both types:

1. KTM 112cc “Supermini” Racing Bike (Two-Stroke)

In youth motocross racing, a KTM 112cc is not a model you can buy directly from a KTM dealership floor (as the factory production line maxes out at the 85 SX). Instead, it is a highly customized “Supermini Project Bike” built by heavily modifying a KTM 85 SX.

• Engine Modification (Stroker Build): Top-tier engine builders use specialized aftermarket aluminum cylinder heads, big-bore piston kits, and long-stroke aftermarket crankshafts to increase the displacement from 85cc up to 112cc.

• Purpose: These bikes are engineered for highly skilled youth riders competing in the elite Supermini classes at national-level events, such as the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Championship.

• High-End Components: To handle the massive increase in horsepower, these builds are typically outfitted with aftermarket racing exhausts (like Bill’s Pipes), high-end suspension upgrades (such as WP Pro Components Cone Valve forks), heavy-duty racing wheelsets, and programmable ignition systems (like Vortex).

2. KTM SX-E 1.12 Electric Balance Bike

If you are looking at an official, factory-production model directly from KTM, the correct name is the KTM SX-E 1.12. This is an electric-powered balance bike designed specifically for toddlers aged 3 to 5 years old who are just learning to ride.

• Key Technical Specifications:

  • Seat Height: It features an ultra-low seat height of 330 mm (13 inches), making it perfect for children with an inside leg measurement of 14 inches or more.

  • Weight: It is extremely lightweight at just 7.7 kg (17 lbs), allowing young kids to easily lift, manage, and push the bike themselves.

  • 3 Power Modes (Speed Settings):

    • Training Mode: Limits the speed to roughly 8 km/h (5 mph).

    • Transitional Mode: Limits the speed to roughly 11 km/h (7 mph).

    • Advanced Mode: Allows the bike to reach its top speed of roughly 14 km/h (9 mph).

• Special Features: It uses a real, functional twist throttle to teach children proper throttle control early on and runs on a quick-change lithium-ion battery. Visually, its graphics and color scheme are heavily inspired by the official KTM Factory Racing team.