The 1973 DKW Hercules 125 GS featured a characteristic blue tank with black side stripe, short saddle with DKW logo on the tail, longer chain casing and a plate to protect the air filter which also included the frame's structural spine, which the air duct still ran through. The cradle, complete with perforated grille and welded at the bottom to protect the engine, was standard equipment. The mudguards were chromed steel, the grey chain casing was long and reinforced but the final section was straight and did not follow the curve of the sprocket. The bike was fitted with a 123 cc 18 hp Sachs 1251/6B GS engine, electronic ignition and 28 mm Bing carburettor.