KTM RC 125 vs Yamaha YZF R15 V3: Spec Comparison

The KTM RC 125 will be launched in India soon. And apart from KTM-fanatics, awaiting its arrival is the Yamaha YZF R15 V3. So before the RC 125 is launched in India, we check out how it fares against its biggest rival.

Engine

The KTM RC 125 shares its 124cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with the 125 Duke. This motor sits under a tubular trellis frame and puts out 14.3bhp at 9,250rpm and 12Nm of torque at 8,000rpm. Meanwhile, the R15 has a bigger and better spec 155cc engine which is housed in a ‘Deltabox’ frame. And so it generates a higher output of 19bhp at 10,000rpm and 14.7Nm of torque at 8,500rpm.  Furthermore, the Yamaha’s engine also features the VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) technology and comes equipped with a slipper clutch. 

Cycle Parts 

Here, the RC 125 has an upper hand. It rides on 17-inch wheels shod with a 110/70 front tyre and 150/60 rear tyre suspended from inverted forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. Braking hardware on the RC 125 consists of a 300mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc. 

The Yamaha R15 V3 gets telescopic forks for the front and a monoshock at the rear. It too rides on 17-inch wheels although with smaller section tyres; 100/80 at the front and 140/70 at the rear. Meanwhile, braking duties are taken care of by a 282mm front disc and 220mm rear disc. 

Features

In terms of features, the Yamaha YZF R15 V3 gets an inverted colour LCD display while the KTM RC 125 gets an orange-backlit display. Apart from the additional temperature gauge on the RC, both units display speed, odometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, clock and gear position indicator. 

Furthermore, the R15 sports a full-LED headlamp and tail lamp with conventional turn signals. On the other hand, the KTM RC 125 gets LED projector lamps with LED DRLs along with LED lighting for the tail lamp and turn signals. Nevertheless, KTM is likely to equip the RC 125 with a single-channel ABS while the R15 V3 comes with a dual-channel ABS.

Pricing

And lastly, the most important aspect when choosing between two motorcycles; price. Yamaha has pegged the YZF-R15 V3 at Rs 1.39 lakhs. On the other hand, while KTM has not revealed the pricing of the RC125, considering that the KTM 125 Duke costs Rs 1.30 lakhs, we expect the RC125 to be priced Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 over its naked sibling. (all pricing ex-showroom, Delhi).