KTM RC 125: Should You Wait For It, Or Buy One Of These?

The RC 125 was spied quite recently, hinting at a possible launch in a few months. Is it worth waiting for, or should you just go for one of these excellent alternatives you can buy right now? 

[UPDATE: The KTM RC 125 has been launched in India. Head here for the price, availability and other details]

The KTM RC 125 was spotted testing near Pune just a few weeks ago. Going by the spy shots, the motorcycle looks almost production-ready, so expect KTM to launch it in the coming months. Considering the fact that the 125 Duke is performing really well in the market, KTM seems to be exploiting the demand with the upcoming RC.

Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0: BUY for its superb performance

The Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0 packs a bigger, more sophisticated engine thanks to the VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) tech. The VVA also helps maintain a healthy balance of low-mid-range grunt without sacrificing top-end drive. 

This coupled with its strong foundation and aggressive ergonomics let you carry more speed around corners, making it one of the sportiest bikes in the sub-200cc segment. Moreover, it comes with the safety of dual-channel ABS as standard. Yamaha also offers the option to install a rear Metzeler tyre for even more cornering ability. Plus, if you’re interested in going for track days, the Daytona exhaust available as an accessory should help in extracting a little more performance. Overall, it’s a really good value-for-money proposition for Rs 1.39 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.

Bajaj Pulsar RS 200: BUY for its value-for-money pricing

The Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 is also priced at Rs 1.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the single-channel ABS variant. At this price point, the RS 200 is the most affordable 200cc liquid-cooled faired motorcycle in the country. 

It offers plenty of power thanks to its bigger 200cc motor. This, along with the fully faired styling and not-too-aggressive ergonomics, make the motorcycle a good choice for daily commutes as well as for weekend rides. 

KTM RC 125: WAIT if you want a learner’s supersport bike

The KTM RC 125 features a similar faired design as the RC 200. However, compared to the Europe-spec RC125, the India-bound bike comes with an underbelly exhaust as opposed to a side-slung unit. 

When launched, the RC 125 will essentially be a beginner-friendly sporty motorcycle. The 125-Duke-derived engine pushing out 14.5PS and 12Nm wouldn’t exactly tear the tarmac but the RC’s properly committed ergonomics should make it a fun bike to ride on the twisties. Plus, it is likely to come with single-channel ABS so that newer riders feel even safer.

The RC 125 will also be KTM’s most affordable faired bike. However, for a 125cc motorcycle, it’s a little over-engineered because its frame and underpinnings are all borrowed from the bigger RC 200. That said, if you’re looking for a fully-loaded motorcycle that isn’t intimidating at all, the RC 125 certainly seems to be something that’d be worth the wait. However, you’ll end up craving for more power soon enough.