2021 KTM RC 125 New Details Emerge

The Indian-spec RC 125 might feature slightly different components from the international one

[UPDATE: KTM has launched the 2021 RC 125 and RC 200 in India from Rs 1.82 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. For more details about availability, specifications and other details, read this story]

• The 2021 KTM RC 125 will retain the motor from its predecessor with similar output ratings. 
• The new frame, wheels and other revised components shave off a considerable amount of weight.
• Apart from the radical design change, the 2021 RC 125 also gets new features.

The KTM RC range has gone under the knife and received a major overhaul. The web is flooded with the leaked images of the 2021 RC 125, RC 200 and the RC 390. We’ve got some juicy details about the baby RC and also what you could expect from its Indian version.

Following tradition, the 2021 KTM RC 125 looks just like its bigger siblings. The bulky new front fascia housing the LED lights with DRLs has received mixed opinions. However, with the budget constraints, the India-spec model could feature conventional illumination. 

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Not just that, while foreign markets will enjoy the 2021 RC 125 with a TFT screen and connectivity provisions, the domestic variant will make do with an LCD screen, in the name of cost-cutting. 

Sourcing its juice from the same 125cc liquid-cooled motor as before, the 2021 KTM RC 125 is expected to have similar output figures as the older model. However, the radiator design has been altered for better cooling and even the airbox has been enlarged. The upswept exhaust is likely to be limited to the European market and just like its predecessor, we’ll get the 2021 RC 125 with an underbelly system. 

The ergonomics have been revised for a slightly relaxed riding position, thanks to the new top-triple clamp.

The new bolt-on subframe stays standard and helps save 1.5kg. Moreover, it’s easier to repair as well as more affordable as you can avoid replacing the whole chassis. The suspension setup remains premium: USD fork and monoshock. 

The 2021 KTM RC 125 should have better braking prowess as the previous 300mm front disc has made way for a larger 320mm unit paired with a 230mm rear disc. The new setup has helped in cutting 960gm of total weight. Further, KTM has managed to shed more weight with the new rims. The 5-spoke ‘bionic wheels’ aid in saving 3.4kg of unsprung mass. This should translate low inertia resulting in sharper handling.

It shouldn’t be a long wait before the bike maker launches the latest iteration of the RC 125 in India. Expect a slight price bump over the current model which costs Rs 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).