KTM RC 125: 5 Things To Know

KTM has launched the RC 125 in India at Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It is the smallest and most affordable bike from KTM’s RC range on sale in India. Here’s the important facts you need to know about the new bike in five points.

Also read: KTM RC 125 vs Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0: Spec Comparison

 1. It stands out from other KTM RC bikes:
Despite having the same bodywork as the KTM RC 200, the RC 125 gets a new and unique orange and black livery. This loud paint job should make the RC 125 stand out among a sea of KTM RC 200s and RC 390s.

2. It is the most affordable faired KTM:
At Rs 1.47 lakh, this is the second most affordable KTM (after the 125 Duke) and the most affordable KTM with a fairing. In fact, it is a whopping Rs 43,000 more affordable than the KTM RC 200.

3. It is not as affordable though:
Despite being the most affordable faired KTM, it doesn’t really seem so when compared to its rivals or even the KTM 125 Duke. The RC 125 costs Rs 17,000 more than the KTM 125 Duke. Its main competition is the Yamaha R15 V3.0 which, at Rs 1.4 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), is Rs 7,000 more affordable. Moreover, the Yamaha offers more power, features and better safety in the form of a dual-channel ABS setup.

4. It gets top-spec components:
KTM has a knack of sharing top-spec components among its bikes. To that effect, the RC 125 shares its underpinnings with the larger RC 200. That includes a lightweight yet strong trellis frame and aluminium swingarm, WP upside-down fork and monoshock along with 300mm front disc clamped to a radially mounted Bybre caliper and a 230mm rear disc. Like the RC 200, it gets MRF REVZ radial tyres. A single-channel ABS is also on offer as standard.

Also read: KTM 125 Duke: First Ride Review

5. Expect underwhelming performance:
The KTM RC 125 shares its powertrain with the naked 125 Duke. This 124.7cc liquid-cooled motor makes 14.5 PS at 9,250 rpm and 12Nm at 8,000 rpm. When we reviewed the naked 125 Duke, we found this powertrain to be underwhelming in terms of performance. Now at 141kg, the 125 Duke is 13.3kg lighter than the RC 125. Given the extra weight, we expect a drop in overall performance in the RC 125.