KTM RC 125 2020 Review - Prices, Specs, Variants, Features and Mileage

How fierce is the 2020 KTM 125’s heart?

Does the 2020 KTM RC 125's performance live up to its brothers legacy?

KTMs have always been about outright performance and sheer pleasure. The RC 125 doesn’t disappoint us in that context. But this 125cc pot is unique as it is the most sober one of the whole line-up. We say this because the power delivery is linear which is not so KTMish.

But that is a sensible initiative as we don’t want newbies having access to uncontrollable performance. The engine is of high revving nature and you need to build up revs to squeeze out power off it. Liquid-cooling makes sure that you have access to the thrill without any loss. 

The performance figures are not so class-leading but the RC 125 rarely makes you feel this as it compensates for it in terms of sheer riding pleasure. Yamaha surely has learnt from its long stay and thus provides a much more powerful proposition.

How awestruck will you be with the RC 125’s acceleration?

The RC 125 will surely take you by surprise here as the acceleration makes you forget that the heart is a mere 125cc one. Now, if you compare it to its big brothers, you might feel the drag but then again you cannot unsee the extra weight it carries as compared to its naked iteration.

You won’t feel that sudden surge which KTMs are known for but will be satisfied with the linear curve it has. Rarely do we see motorcycles that have the same displacement and top speed figures!

The slick 6-Speed gearbox will keep you occupied and thus result in an engaging experience. 100 kmph comes up slow but gives the fact that it's a puny 125cc motor, it is praise-worthy. The competition is quicker to the 100-mark but that is due to larger engines and more power.

Are the Bybre brakes bitey?

.Bybre has taken care of braking on the RC 125 and you will be more than content with it. As the brakes are taken directly from the RC 200, it does its job without breaking a sweat. The levers are well-modulated and feedback is spot on.

It is equipped with a single-channel ABS unit, but a dual-channel ABS unit would have made this deal even sweeter. That doesn’t make this system any less efficient as the ABS kicks in precisely when needed.

The lighter engine and lesser aggression helps in bringing the motorcycle to halt much quicker than anticipated and this also instils confidence. Kerb weight despite being on the higher side is nullified by the strong bite of bybre brakes.

How efficient is the energetic engine in RC 125?

The sober nature of this engine helps it achieve a higher state of efficiency which is soothing. The mileage is impressive for the performance this motorcycle provides. KTM uses lighter internals to maximize performance without sacrificing efficiency.

Lost in all of these futuristic styling cues is a small fuel tank which would also require constant refills even for urban rides. It is not the most range-friendly motorcycle out there, but that it compensates with impressive riding character.

Frankly, efficiency will not be on top of the priority list as the person who owns one of these would want to have fun behind the handle rather than worrying of the fuel consumption, but it balances!  

How good is the Handling and Comfort on KTM RC 125?

Handling is as sharp as a scalpel on this motorcycle. It feels at home at the racetrack where it can take the perfect lines through corners. The trellis frame is what gives you confidence at corners. The suspension is well-tuned for both ends and you will find it sufficient for the roads as well.

Comfort is not something that comes in this package. A performance machine will test your limits and the RC 125 surely does that. The low slung clip-on handlebar and rear-mounted foot pegs give you the perfect stance to tackle this machine’s racing character.

The rear tyre is wider than the competition and this gives you that extra confidence needed to lean into corners. WP suspension on both ends take care of stability and imperfections.

Despite being a race bike for the road, seating is on the higher side but that doesn’t pose an issue as once you are on this machine, we are sure that you wouldn't’ want to stop! Kerb weight is on the higher side for a “mere” 125cc machine but you will surely be amazed with how it carries that extra weight with ease. 

How sharp does the 2020 KTM RC 125 look?

You won’t be able to differentiate the RC 125 from its elders as setup is the same. It uses the same trellis frame, same body panels and the same swingarm. The only way you can differentiate from its elders is by that large decal on its cowling which shouts”125”.

The RC 125 is available in two colours and a third colour is slated to join in soon. As of now, it's either the sober white and black or the loud black and orange. The sharp body language is reminiscent of what you are about to experience on this KTM.

Aesthetic Features

• Exposed trellis frame

• Dual projector headlamps

• Concealed pillion seat

• Wind visor

• Underbelly exhaust system

The Indian iteration is slightly different from the international one as we don’t get the side slung barrel exhaust. Instead, we get the cleanly hidden underbelly exhaust that adds to the sleek design language. You will have a hard time finding such a sharp-looking 125cc motorcycle.

What are the various safety and class-leading features in 2020 RC 125?

KTM has overcompensated this cute monster with components from the more powerful RC 200. This enables the motorcycle to perform much better as there is less load now. The single-channel ABS does its work without a hiccup but a Dual-Channel would have been preferred as its just the engine that has been downsized.

Trellis frame for a 125cc motorcycle, that was a dream until now and you also get a multi-informative quirky LCD instrument cluster that shows more information than you can fathom. 

The RC 125 sharing components with its elders have given it a premium outlook. The price will now start to make sense as we are sure that you won’t see another precisely equipped entry-level motorcycle for under Rs. 1.5 lakhs, all but except one!

How does the Competition stack up against 2020 KTM RC 125?

KTM RC 125 vs Bajaj Pulsar RS200

It has become a common sight to compare KTMs with a segment above. It is because of the insane price to performance proposition it offers. The Pulsar RS200 is one such case and we are not so surprised to say that the Austrian is a much better motorcycle in terms of performance, riding dynamics and component quality. The one factor that might have you scratching heads is the puny 125cc pot which, oh we assure, will not be so puny after you have a ride on it! KTM has painted us here with its ORANGE.

KTM RC 125 vs Yamaha R15 V3

The only worthy contender to RC 125 is this Japanese which has been around for some time now and managed to create this same vibe back in 2008 for the 150cc segment. Yamaha R15 has been the reason for a lot of smiles and wows. But now KTM threads that same road with the same strategy, but a notch below. Automakers are defying convention with their offerings as 125cc motorcycles were once used to buy groceries. But now, you race it on tracks and well, get groceries quicker also! KTM has made its point clear here as well.

How does KTM RC 125 make performance more accessible?

KTM has yet again managed to shock us with its offering and show us that displacement is just numbers. The sober engine character, precise handling and top-notch quality in an affordable package will surely be a reason to rejoice for a lot of new-comers into motorcycling. But if 125cc and the pricing doesn’t tally much for then we still have the potent Yamaha R15 V3 which offers a similar experience but without the orange fever.