Lexmoto LXR 125 vs KTM RC 125: Photo Comparison

Can India’s highest selling 125cc sportsbike keep up with the UK’s bestseller?

Recently, Lexmoto unveiled the 2021 LXR 125 and the LXR 125 SE in the UK, which happen to be two of the highest selling 125cc sportsbikes there. For 2021, it gets a power boost and additional features, while retaining all its strong aspects. In the UK, the LXR rivals the Yamaha R125, the Suzuki GSX-R125, and the KTM RC 125. While the other two aren’t available in India, the baby RC is. So to find out just how well the Austrian offering fares against the British, we’re comparing them via a series of images:

First and foremost, let’s talk about aesthetics. The KTM RC 125 and the LXR 125 have a lot in common thanks to their big bike persona.

Both motorcycles feature projector headlamps but the LXR has a full-LED split setup while the RC’s is a little conventional

What gives the RC an edge, though, is its integrated rear-view mirror-mounted indicators, as compared to the LXR’s fairing-mounted units.

Towards the middle, both bikes get edgy fairings and graphics. Split seats are also seen on both. 

The RC’s tail end looks rather sleek with its LED tail lamp, while the LXR takes a more minimalistic approach with a smaller LED unit. Interestingly, both get similar-looking integrated grab handles. 

Between the two, the RC should be slightly more eye-catching thanks to KTM’s signature flashy orange alloy wheels but the LXR’s black/gold livery with golden wheels comes quite close. 

Besides, the LXR will probably qualify as a bigger bike much more easily than the RC because of its chunky side-mounted exhaust.

Feature-wise, the standard LXR gets a semi-digital instrument cluster displaying all the basic information. On the other hand, the RC gets a fully digital LCD unit showing fuel efficiency, distance-to-empty, and ride time in addition to the basic info, giving it a slight edge.

But the LXR’s SE variant gets a more advanced TFT instrument cluster for 2021, making it better than the RC 125.

Both bikes are powered by a 125cc single-cylinder motor. The RC has a significant advantage, though, as it makes 14.5PS and 12Nm as compared to the LXR’s 12.6PS and 11Nm. 

As for underpinnings, the KTM RC 125 employs a USD fork and a monoshock while the LXR uses a telescopic fork and a monoshock. Its SE variant gets a USD fork too.

The braking setup on the LXR is better than the RC. The former gets twin discs up front while the RC gets a single disc at the front.

Lastly, coming to prices, the LXR 125 and the LXR SE cost Rs 2.15 lakh and Rs 2.41 lakh (converted from UK prices), respectively, while the KTM RC 125 is priced at Rs 1.62 lakh (ex-showroom). If the LXRs were to arrive in India at the aforementioned prices, the RC would probably be a much better proposition in the market.