KTM RC 125: Top 5 Highlights

KTM has launched its new fully-faired motorcycle, the RC 125, in India. The bike is the most affordable RC model in the bikemaker’s line-up which shares its underpinnings with the 125 Duke naked street bike. The Austrian bikemaker has introduced the motorcycle at an introductory price of Rs 1.47 lakhs (ex-showroom). While the price tag is steep, here are five highlights of the bike which justify it.

Bold graphics

The RC 125 borrows its overall design from its bigger siblings, the RC 200 and the RC 390. However, what sets the motorcycle apart is the snazzy graphics which gives the motorcycle a fresh appeal. KTM is offering the bike in two colour options of orange and white with black being the base colour. Subsequently, yet another distinctive element is the blacked-out frame as opposed to the orange painted chassis on the RC 200 and the RC 390. 

Projector headlamps

KTM has equipped the RC 125 with twin-projector headlamps along with LED position lamps. As compared to the conventional bulbs, the projector lamps provide better illumination with a longer throw and spread. Moreover, the bike also features LED turn indicators. 

Premium suspension and braking setup

Besides the design, the entry-level RC also shares the top-notch cycle parts with its bigger siblings. What you get is upside down forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, both sourced from WP. In terms of braking, the motorcycle gets a 300mm disc with radially-mounted four-pot Brembo caliper and a 230mm disc with a single-pot caliper at the rear. This is assisted by a single-channel ABS. 

Trellis frame and aluminum swingarm

This is yet another department where the RC 125 outshines most of the bikes in its segment. The fully-faired motorcycle is underpinned by a lightweight and rigid trellis frame while it also features an aluminum swingarm. The combination should provide the baby RC with outstanding handling characteristics and feedback. 

Potent 125cc motor

The RC 125 is powered by a 125cc, single-cylinder engine which does duty on the 125 Duke as well. This unit features a DOHC (double overhead camshaft) setup along with liquid-cooling, something which is a rarity even in the 150cc-200cc motorcycles. Furthermore, this mill churns out 14.3bhp and 12Nm which is on par with a segment above.