KTM RC 125 vs Yamaha YZF-R15 V3: Competition Check

The KTM RC 125 is the latest offering that has been introduced by the Austrian manufacturer in India. The motorcycle sits below the RC 200 in the company’s faired portfolio and shares most of the premium components from the parts bin. Considering its asking price, the RC 125 competes against the Yamaha YZF-R15 belonging to the next segment. On that note, let’s see which one of the two bikes emerges out as a better deal in this competition check.

Design

Beginning with the RC 125, the motorcycle bears the exact same design as the other RC models. It has the same edgy fairing accompanied by a sculpted tank and a distinctive front fairing with the moulded windscreen. Besides these, the two things that differentiate the RC 125 from its elder siblings is the blacked out trellis frame and the two characteristic colour options.

In the case of Yamaha, the YZF-R15 V3 is the third edition of the model wherein it has received a major overhaul. While the motorcycle features the same Deltabox frame under a new full fairing, it takes design cues from the flagship YZF-R1 motorcycle. It gets dual-tone treatment accompanied by decals to make it more appealing. The bike features a tinted windscreen and a petite tail section with slots for the air to pass further, adding to the bike’s style quotient.

Features

Over here, the RC 125 features the same fully-digital orange-backlit instrument console. It gets the same twin projector headlamp unit and also the LED DRLs from the other RC models that offer a good spread with a powerful beam when riding at night. Even the rear view mirrors have been lifted from the RC 200 and RC 390 models equipped with an LED turn indicator.

The R15, on the other hand, features a multifunctional LED display with white backlit illumination. Besides that, the motorcycle comes with a full-LED twin headlamp unit and a LED tail lamp unit. Side indicators continue to be conventional units.

In terms of electronics, the R15 gets the upper hand as it comes with dual-channel ABS as opposed to the RC 125, which features just single-channel ABS.

Engine

The RC 125 gets the same down-sized mill that does duty in the naked 125 Duke. The motor is a 124cc, single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled unit that is rated to produce 14.3bhp at 9,250rpm and 12Nm at 8,000rpm.

On the other hand, the R15 offers a more potent 155cc single-cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). The motor is capable of churning out 19bhp at 10,000 rpm and peak torque of 14.7Nm at 8,500rpm. 

Both motorcycles come equipped with a six-speed gearbox, while the R15 additionally also features a slipper clutch. The R15 dominates here in all factors, whether it be the engine, performance or components against the RC 125.

Cycle Parts

Now, the baby RC does have few tricks up its sleeves as well. For damping duties, the RC 125 comes equipped with inverted forks up front and a monoshock at the rear mounted onto an aluminium swingarm, both WP units. In addition to that, braking up front is done by a 300mm disc with a four-piston radial caliper and a 230mm disc with a single-piston floating caliper for the rear.

Meanwhile, the R15 comes equipped with telescopic forks for the front and a link-type monoshock also mounted onto a cast aluminium swingarm for the rear. Braking is done by a 282mm disc with a two-piston floating caliper and a 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper.

Both motorcycles ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, but with different tyre profiles. The KTM comes shod with 110/70 (front) and 150/60 (rear) section tyres which are slightly wider than the ones on the R15. The Yamaha comes with 100/80 (front) and 140/70 (rear) section tyres.

Pricing

Probably the most important aspect of this competition check. Now, the RC 125 has been launched at Rs 1.47 lakhs. At that price, it might be the most affordable fully-faired KTM in the company’s portfolio, but in the market space, that sticker price makes it no less of a premium motorcycle. Notably, the KTM already supersedes the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3 which retails at Rs 1.39 lakhs and belongs to the next higher segment. The price difference is a good Rs 8,000 between the two bikes, and to top it off, the RC 125’s pricing is introductory. That being said, the RC 125 might have premium parts and features that are unique to the motorcycle, but for its asking price, the YZF-R15 emerges as a better deal here and is a better value for money proposition. (All prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi)