KTM RC 125: What else can you buy?

KTM has launched the RC 125, its most affordable fully-faired offering in the company’s portfolio. The motorcycle has been introduced at an introductory price of Rs 1.47 lakhs. It features the same styling as the other RC models but with a blacked out frame and two new colour schemes. While the RC 125 directly competes against the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3 for its body style and pricing (read about it here), there are six other options to consider around the same price bracket.

Apart from the RC 125’s direct competitor, there are three more options worth seeing from Yamaha’s line-up itself. First up is the fully-faired YZF-R15 S which offers a more ergonomic riding stance with its single-piece saddle. Besides that, the motorcycle is powered by the previous-generation 150cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor that puts out 16bhp and 15Nm which still packs more power and torque than the RC 125. Next is the street naked, the FZ 25, offering a sporty yet upright riding stance with an aggressive character. The motorcycle is powered by a 249cc air-cooled single-cylinder motor that churns out 20.3bhp and 20Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox unlike the 6-speed unit on the RC 125. The third option is the recently launched MT-15, which is basically the naked version of the YZF-R15 V3. The motorcycle follows Yamaha’s ‘Dark side of the moon’ theme like other MT models. The motorcycle has a minimalistic design with a transformer-style front head unit and it packs the same motor that does duty on its faired sibling. In terms of pricing, the YZF-R15 S retails at Rs 1.17 lakhs, the FZ 25 at Rs 1.33 lakhs and the MT-15 at Rs 1.36 lakhs.

Next in the list is from the Austrian manufacturer’s portfolio itself, the naked 125 Duke. The RC 125 shares most of its underpinnings with this 125 Duke. It gets the same inverted forks and aluminium mounted monoshock at the rear, both sourced from WP. For braking, the motorcycle comes with disc brakes at both ends with BYBRE calipers and with single-channel ABS. The motor powering the 125 Duke is exactly the same that is offered on the RC 125. It is a 124.7cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC unit that is rated to produce 14.3bhp at 9,250rpm and 12Nm at 8,000rpm and comes mated to a six-speed constant mesh gearbox. Compared to the RC 125, the 125 Duke is more affordable as it carries a sticker price of Rs 1.30 lakhs.

In the same price bracket you can also consider two similar options of two different makes each with a rich brand heritage. First up is the Royal Enfield Classic 350, a modern retro motorcycle offering a round headlamp and mirrors with ample amount of chrome giving the Classic 350 an elegant appeal. Powering the motorcycle is a carburetted 346cc engine that registers 19.8bhp and 28Nm and comes coupled to a five-speed gearbox. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorber at the rear. Braking is done by disc brakes at both ends and is equipped by dual-channel ABS. Royal Enfield retails the retro-styled Classic 350 at Rs 1.53 lakhs.

The next and the last model in the list is the recently resurrected brand Jawa Motorcycles’ Forty Two. The motorcycle is an entry-level offering in the company’s portfolio with a modern take on the iconic Jawa. While it retains the circular lamp, spoke wheels and chrome bits, it is offered in multiple colour schemes and blacked out components. The Forty Two is powered by a 293cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled mill that churns out 27bhp and 28Nm. Transmission duties are handled by a six-speed gearbox. The bike is suspended by telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers. Braking is done my disc brakes at both ends and is offered with the option of single and dual-channel ABS. Jawa Motorcycle has priced the Forty Two at Rs 1.64 lakhs (single-channel ABS) and Rs 1.72 Lakhs (dual-channel ABS).

All prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi.