2021 KTM RC 125 New Details Revealed

Published August 3, 2021
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2 min read

How many of these features will actually make their way onto the India-spec model?

The entire RC family is undergoing a major revamp.
Key focus of the new gen RCs is going to be weight saving.
There will continue to be a difference between the international-spec and Indian RC 125.

The internet has gone crazy with the leaked images of the upcoming next-gen KTM RC motorcycles. While the new design has been one of the biggest talking points, there are minute changes also present. A whole brochure leak of the 2021 RC 125 suggests a plethora of changes with KTM prioritising weight saving for the new bike.

To start with, the new 5-spoke open hub design rims , which KTM calls ‘bionic wheels,’ contribute to a total weight loss of 3.4kg and that’s pretty significant because it is unsprung mass. Lighter wheels contribute to lesser inertia, which translates into sharper handling.

Furthermore, KTM has managed to shed 1.5kg from the frame, almost a kilo from the brakes and hopefully a few hundred more grams from the revised exhaust routing. That said though, the fuel tank on the RC 125 is larger, now holding 13.7 litres instead of the predecessor’s scant 9.3 litres. Hence, there might be a massive drop in dry weight but kerb weight will still be roughly the same.

To aid braking performance, KTM will be standardising the 320mm front brake rotor across the RC series. Previously, only the RC 390 used to get the larger disc while the RC 200 and RC 125 had to make do with 300mm ones. The 320mm rotor should lend it better stopping power.

Sadly, KTM will continue to make two versions of the RC 125, one for European markets and one for India. The latter will skimp on some tech to keep the price in check. Bits like the colour TFT screen, smartphone connectivity, LED headlight and an upswept exhaust will not be present on the Indian RC 125. What it will get is the same blue backlit LCD screen from the 250 Adventure, which is also going to make its way onto the new RC 200. Also, the RC 125 will get switchable ABS.

The RCs are in their final stages of testing prior to a potential launch that should take place hopefully by the end of the month. Let’s hope the proposed improvements in handling are enough to overlook its hideous face.

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