Find out where the newly launched KTM RC 125 stands against the most loaded motorcycle of the 150cc segment, the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0
After months of teasing the motorcycle, KTM has finally launched the RC 125 in India. The motorcycle is positioned in between the entry-level Duke 125 and the Duke 200. The RC 125 is cheaper than the Duke 200 and rivals directly against the likes of the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0. Both the faired sportsbike are the two most feature-packed motorcycle of this segment and offers a lot at this price point.
We will be comparing the KTM RC 125 and the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 on the basis of their styling, engine, suspension, brakes, and pricing. We will also add our verdict at the end which will help you decide which is better motorcycle amongst the duo.
KTM RC 125 VS Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0: Styling Comparison
The KTM RC 125 is based on the Duke 125 and shares most of its mechanical components with the naked offering. If we talk about its styling, in particular, the motorcycle looks identical to the RC 200 that is already available in India.
The front fairing design is also similar to the bigger RC motorcycles available in the country while it also shares the mandatory bits like the saree guard, wheels, tyres and the footpeg with the 125 Duke.
The supersport motorcycle features an underbelly exhaust system and a striking new black and orange shade that will definitely attract the attention of customers. The motorcycle also gets a lowered set clip-on handlebars and more slightly rear set footpeg than the Duke 125.
We all are quite familiar with its closest rival the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0. The motorcycle too features a sharp looking front fairing with full LED headlamps. The fuel tank design has also been inspired by the bigger R1 while the raised rear profile helps in adding a sporty overall appeal to the motorcycle.
The R15 too gets clip-on handlebars and a slightly rear set foot pegs. Both the motorcycles feature an all digital instrument cluster that offers plenty of information to the rider including speed, odometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, clock and gear position indicator.
KTM RC 125 Vs Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0: Engine Comparison
The KTM RC 125 shares its 124cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with the 125 Duke. The unit is capable of producing about 14.5Ps of peak power at 9,250rpm and 12Nm of peak torque at 8,000rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
Its closest rival, the Yamaha R15 V3.0, on the other hand, is powered by a bigger and slightly better spec 155cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled, unit. This unit features a VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) technology and comes equipped with a slipper clutch as standard as well. The unit paired with a 6-speed gearbox produces about 19bhp of peak power at 10,000rpm and 14.7Nm of peak torque at 8,500rpm.
| Specs | KTM RC 125 | Yamaha YZF R15 V3.0 |
| Engine | single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine | single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine |
| Displacement | 124 cc | 155 cc |
| Power Output | 14.3 Bhp @ 9,250 rpm | 19 Bhp @ 10,000 |
| Torque Output | 12 Nm @ 8,000 rpm | 14.7 Nm @ 8,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6 speed | 6 speed |
| ABS | Yes, single channel | Yes, dual channel |
KTM RC 125 Vs Yamaha YZF-r15 V3.0: Suspension and Brakes
Both the KTM RC 125 and the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 depend on a conventional telescopic fork at the front and monoshock setup at the rear. The braking duties of both the motorcycles are handled by a disc brake at the front and at the rear. The RC 125 features a single channel ABS system for the safety of the rider. The YZF R15 V3.0, on the other hand, gets a dual channel ABS system.
KTM RC 125 VS Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0: Pricing Comparison
The KTM 125 was launched in India at an introductory price of Rs 1.47 Lakhs (Ex-showroom). The Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0, on the other hand, retails at Rs 1.39 Lakhs (ex-showroom).
KTM RC 125 VS Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0: Comparison verdict
If we compare both the motorcycles on the basis of their styling then the RC 125 definitely looks more aggressive and sporty than its rival the YZF-R15 v3.0. If we talk about features, the R15 gets an inverted colour LCD display, the RC125 on the other hand, share its instrument cluster with the Duke 125.
The instrument cluster gets an orange display but provides plenty of information to the rider and an additional temperature gauge. The RC125 gets a single channel ABS for the safety of the rider which is slightly disappointing whereas its rival which is priced almost Rs 8,000 cheaper offers a dual-channel ABS system.
Lastly, If we talk about their engine, the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 obviously has a bigger displacement and also produces more power and torque than its rival but the RC 125 definitely is the most powerful 125 cc faired motorcycle available in the country.