The highly anticipated 2021 KTM RC 125 and RC 200 have been launched in India at an introductory price tag of Rs 1,81,913 and Rs 2,08,717 (ex-showroom Delhi), respectively. At these price points, the RC 125 is Rs around 1,375 more expensive than before, whereas the prices of RC 200 remain unchanged.
2021 KTM RC 125 and RC 200 – What's New?
For 2021, both the motorcycles have received some valuable changes. Starting with the design, both the RC siblings are now more aerodynamic than before, featuring a redesigned front fairing with a new single-piece headlamp set up that also gets a unique boomerang-like DRL-cum-indicators. While the RC 200 gets an all-LED unit, the baby RC features halogen bulbs for the headlamp. On the other hand, the new fairing is claimed to channel hot air away from the rider’s legs.
KTM has even updated the ergonomics of the bikes by offering new seats with improved padding and placing the clip-on handlebars taller than before for a more comfortable riding posture. However, it can be lowered by up to 15mm. Further, the bikes now have a fairly large 13.7-liter fuel tank (4.2-litres bigger than before), resulting in a much greater fuel range.
Unlike the global-spec models, both the Indian-spec RC 125 and RC 200 come with a new LCD instrument cluster, borrowed from the KTM 250 Adventure. It shows all the necessary riding-related information. However, there's no Bluetooth connectivity function.
Another significant change comes in the form of a new & 1.5kg lighter bolt-on subframe, 3.4kg lighter alloy wheels (wrapped in MRF tyres), and 960gms lighter braking system (320mm & 230mm (F/R) disc). Additionally, they also come with the Supermoto mode for the dual-channel Antilock Braking System (ABS) that disables the ABS for the rear.
While the engines of both the KTM RCs are the same as before, they come with a 40 per cent bigger airbox, curved radiator, and improved engine mappings that result in better performance and acceleration response. With this, the RC 200's 199.5cc liquid-cooled motor now makes out 25.8PS and 19.5Nm, 0.8PS and 0.3Nm more than before. On the other hand, the 124cc, single-cylinder engine of the RC 125 continues to churn out 15PS of maximum power and 12Nm of peak torque.
Last but not the least, both of these Austrian racing machines now feature a more premium WP Apex USD fork (43mm) upfront while carrying forward the same rear monoshock.
Rivals
In the entry-level sports bike segment, the KTM RC 125 and the RC 200 locks horn with the Yamaha YZF-R15 V4 (Rs 1.67 – 1.79 lakh) and the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 (Rs 1.62 lakh), respectively.
