KTM RC125 to be launched in June, to rival Yamaha YZF R15 V3.0

KTM is yet to announce the RC125 for India, but IAB's sources have confirmed that the company will launch this model in the country in June. The bookings for the new model will commence in the same month. The fully-faired motorcycle will compete with Yamaha’s much successful YZF R15 V3.0 ABS.

Also Read: KTM hikes prices across the range in India

The KTM RC125 has already been spotted on Indian roads, and it was equipped with a saree guard – a mandatory fitment for all bikes sold in India. The fully-faired motorcycle will carry a marginal premium over the 125 Duke, which retails at INR 1.24 lakh*. Its price may fall in INR 1.35-1.40 lakh* range, which is very close to Yamaha YZF R15 V3.0’s INR 1.39 lakh* price tag.

The Yamaha R15 V3.0, which is the benchmark in its segment here, boasts the famed deltabox frame and dual-channel ABS, while the KTM RC125 packs the tried and tested trellis frame and upside down front forks.

The Indian-spec RC125 will feature an underbelly exhaust that will give it cleaner and minimalist look from the sides. Visually, the RC125 carries the styling of the bigger RC models in the Indian market – the RC200 and the RC390. Thus, the feature list includes twin-pod projector headlight, LED blinkers, LED tail lamp, clip-on handlebars and a full fairing.

The RC125 will share its mechanical specifications with the 125 Duke naked roadster and thus, propelling tasks will be performed by a 124.7 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine that delivers 14.5 PS of maximum power at 9,250 rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. This engine is currently BS-IV compliant, and it is paired with a 6-speed transmission. The BS-VI version will arrive in 2020. Expect to see the Euro-V/BS-VI ready KTM range at this year’s EICMA motorcycle show.

In comparison, the Yamaha YZF R15 V3.0 draws 19.3 PS of maximum power at 10,000 rpm and 14.7 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm from its 155 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-valve engine with fuel injection.

Also read: Yamaha MT-15 Vs KTM 125 Duke Vs 200 Duke Vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Vs Bajaj Pulsar NS200

Hardware specs of the Indian-spec KTM RC125 will include disc brakes on both wheels, an adjustable monoshock at the rear and 43 mm upside-down forks at the front. The international-spec RC125 comes with Metzeler sourced tyres, but the India-bound model will most definitely feature MRF Rev-Z rubber.

*ex-showroom Delhi