1/2Tap to zoomKTM RC 125
KTM · Motorcycle
RC 125
₹1.90 Lakhex-showroom · last updated 2026
- Engine
- 124.7cc
- Power
- 14.34bhp
- Weight
- 160kg
Research by
IAF Editorial
KTM RC 125 — Overview
There's no other 125cc bike in India that lets you roll into corners on WP APEX USD forks and haul up on a radially-mounted BYBRE caliper - hardware that comes straight off the RC 390. That's the KTM RC 125's big pitch: pocket-rocket looks and premium components wrapped around a sensible 124.7cc liquid-cooled engine. Priced from Rs 1.88 lakh ex-showroom, it sits at the premium end of the 125cc segment - and in some cities, it actually costs more than the Yamaha R15 V4. So is this a clever buy for the spirited beginner, or a case of paying RC money for 125 performance? Read on for the honest take.
KTM RC 125 Latest Updates
View allKTM India launched two new colour options for the RC 160 - Electronic Orange and Ceramic White - in February 2026, with the price held at Rs 1,84,998 ex-showroom Delhi. The RC 160 is the direct replacement for the discontinued RC 125, featuring a 164.2cc liquid-cooled engine producing 19 PS and 15.5 Nm.
KTM RC 160 launched in India on January 8, 2026 at Rs 1.85 lakh ex-showroom, officially replacing the discontinued KTM RC 125. The RC 160 packs a 164.2cc liquid-cooled engine with 19 PS, dual-channel ABS with Supermoto mode, a slipper clutch, and Bluetooth-connected 5-inch LCD display - features the RC 125 never offered.
KTM India officially discontinued the RC 125 and 125 Duke from April 1, 2025, removing both models from the KTM India website and halting production. The company cited non-compliance with stricter OBD-2B emission norms and the high cost of updating the 125cc platform as the primary reasons for discontinuation.
What We Like
- WP APEX USD forks and BYBRE radially-mounted caliper borrowed from the RC 200/390 - class-leading hardware at this price
- Same trellis chassis as the RC 200 and RC 390 makes the RC 125 handle with precision that humbles much bigger bikes in corners
- Aggressive MotoGP-inspired full fairing and projector-style headlight design - you won't be mistaken for a commuter
- Tight panel gaps and solid plastics throughout - build quality feels genuinely premium for its segment
What Could Be Better
- 14.5 PS translates to a real-world ceiling of around 100-115 km/h - the Yamaha R15 V4 costs less and significantly out-accelerates it
- Aggressive fully-tucked riding position is punishing in Mumbai traffic; back pain after even a 30-minute city commute is a common complaint
- Service costs and parts availability are higher than Japanese rivals - factor in at least Rs 3,000-5,000 more per service visit
Editor's Verdict
Should You Buy the KTM RC 125?
The KTM RC 125 is the sportbike you buy when you want to learn how to corner properly - not when you want to win drag races. Its chassis and braking hardware genuinely rival bikes twice its displacement, and it builds real riding skills for beginners. The problem is the price: at Rs 1.88-1.92 lakh, you're barely shy of the Yamaha R15 V4, which offers 18+ PS and a slip-and-assist clutch. Buy the RC 125 if you're a committed learner who values feel over outright speed; look elsewhere if value-for-money matters more.