Lexmoto LXR 125 vs KTM RC 125: Spec Comparo

  • Published March 26, 2021
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Which of these 125cc supersports steals the thunder?

In a price conscious market like ours, splurging over Rs 1.5 lakh for a 125cc bike would have seemed like an absurd idea. However, the KTM RC 125’s entry proved quite the opposite. Recently, Lexmoto launched its popular LXR 125 in 2021 avatar in the European market, and we couldn’t help but ponder if it could rattle the KTM’s market in India.

 Engine

Specifications

LXR 125

RC 125

Engine

125cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine

124.7cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine

Power

12.6PS @ 9000rpm

14.5PS @ 9250rpm

Torque

11Nm @ 6750rpm

12Nm @ 8,000rpm

Gearbox

6-speed

6-speed

Both bikes pack a thoroughly modern liquid-cooled engine. However, the RC 125 manages to extract 2PS and 1Nm more than the LXR. While that may not seem much, given the limited available performance, even an advantage as little as this counts. For 2021, the LXR gets a new 6-speed gearbox, replacing the previous 5-speed unit.

Underpinnings

Specifications

LXR 125

RC 125

Frame

Trellis frame

Trellis frame

Front suspension

Telescopic forks

43mm WP USD

Rear suspension

monoshock

WP monoshock

Front brake

Dual disc

300mm disc

Rear brake

Disc

230mm disc

Front tyre

110/70-17

110/70-17

Rear tyre

150/70-17

150/60-17

Both get equipment that could put many bikes in a higher segment to shame. While the KTM RC 125 gets a USD fork as standard, you’ll have to opt for the SE variant of the LXR to get those fancy forks. The LXR’s monoshock, unlike the RC’s, comes with a linkage, which should be better at soaking up smaller bumps and undulations. As for the braking, the LXR gets a twin-disc setup at the front, which should help shed speeds better, but with 12 ponies, it seems a bit of an overkill. As for the KTM, it gets a single 300mm disc, which is also big for a 125cc bike. Both bikes run on 17-inch wheels with beefy tyres. 

Dimensions

Specifications

LXR 125

RC 125

Wheelbase

1,420mm

1,341mm

Ground clearance

-

178.5mm

Fuel tank capacity

13.5-litres

9.5-litres

Seat height

820mm

835mm

Weight

167kg (kerb)

154.2kg (dry)

You expect a supersport to be light on its feet and the RC 125 beats the LXR on this account thanks to its shorter wheelbase. That said, KTM hasn’t disclosed the kerb weight of the India-spec RC 125. We believe, with all the fluids loaded, it is likely to weigh more than the LXR, levelling out the battlefield.

Another advantage the LXR has over the RC is the seat height. Though a saddle height of 820mm is cumbersome for shorter riders, in comparison to the KTM’s 835mm, it seems accessible. The LXR also comes equipped with a 4-litre bigger fuel tank.

Price And Verdict

A 125cc supersport is a great learner’s tool if you are looking to hone your skills on the race track. The KTM RC 125, though a great bike, certainly isn’t worth its price tag. As for the Lexmoto LXR 125, if it were to ever come to India, it would be worth considering only if it manages to undercut the KTM by a fair margin. Even then, wouldn’t a capable and affordable bike such as the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V make more sense to clock faster lap times and go grocery shopping as well?

KTM RC 125 (2019-2021) Video Review

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