KTM RC 125: Same Price, Other Options

Sure, it's the most affordable RC in India, but here are a few similarly priced options that you might want to consider too

After much anticipation and wait, KTM India has finally launched the RC 125 today at Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Which we must say, is kind of expensive. That said, if you don’t want to spend north of 1.50 lakh on the baby RC, here are five other interesting motorcycles you can buy for a similar price. 

1) Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 (Rs 1.39 lakh)

Perhaps the most obvious choice here, the new-gen R15 not only packs a more powerful and advanced engine, but also costs Rs 7,000 less! For perspective, the R15 V3.0 makes 19.3PS of power and 14.7Nm of torque compared to the RC 125’s 14.5PS/12Nm. In terms of features, the R15 again edges past the R15 with LED headlight and a dual-channel ABS system, none of which are offered on the baby RC. 

Also Read - 2018 Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 Road Test Review

(all prices, ex-showroom Delhi)

2) Bajaj RS 200 (Rs 1.39 lakh)

The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 costs exactly the same as the Yamaha R15 V3.0, while producing more power and torque than both the R15 and the RC 125 (24.5PS/18.6Nm). In comparison, the RS200’s relaxed ergonomics also make a better case for handling your daily commutes. However, the Pulsar does start to show its age when it comes to features. Unlike the RC 125’s fully digital instrument console, you get a semi-digital unit here. You also miss out on the overall sporty design of the RC, which might be a deal-breaker for some. 

Also Read - Bajaj Pulsar RS200: First Ride

3) Yamaha FZ-25 (Rs 1.33 lakh)

Want a bit more power without stretching your budget? The Yamaha FZ-25 will offer you just that at an even more affordable price tag, Rs 14,000 cheaper to be precise. For Rs 1.33 lakh, you get a muscular design, dual-channel ABS as standard and a bigger 249cc single-cylinder engine producing more power and torque (20.9PS/20Nm) than the RC 125. What you have to compromise on here, is the overall sportiness one associates with KTM’s RC range and the fact that it gets a 5-speed gearbox.

4) KTM 125 Duke (Rs 1.30 lakh)

With the 125 Duke, you can get the same underpinnings, engine and features as the baby RC, while saving a whopping Rs 17,000! Not to mention, the 125 Duke serves as the perfect beginner’s bike for anyone who is just getting started, or graduating from a scooter. Something which we cannot say about the RC because of its aggressive ergonomics. 

Also Read - KTM 125 Duke: Road Test Review

5) Jawa Forty-Two ( Rs 1.66 lakh)

How about a classic retro-looking motorcycle? That too, a Jawa at that! By just paying Rs 8,000 more, you can opt for the Jawa 42. Here, not only do you get the legendary old-school design and badge, but also a bigger, torquier engine (27PS/28Nm). Not to mention, the company has paid close attention to making the Jawa motor sound like a pure two-stroke engine, reminiscent of the Jawas from the past. However, the biggest downside here is, both the Jawa motorcycles have been booked out for this year.