2022 KTM RC 200, RC 125 Unveiled Globally

The new baby RCs will be launched in India in early 2022

[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]

KTM has taken wraps off the 2022 RC 200 and the RC 125. Both bikes get an all-new design with new alloys, fairings and fascia. Performance has improved too, thanks to a new engine map and larger airbox.

KTM has finally unveiled the much-awaited 2022 RC 200 and the RC 125 globally. This is the biggest update for the baby RCs yet and both models get a host of new equipment, making them better and more competitive. 

The most noticeable (and talked-about) change here is the styling. For the first time, the bikes bid adieu to their horizontally stacked twin-projector lamps, and instead switched to an all-LED treatment with sharp DRL and fairing integrated indicators. 

Along with this, you also get new two-part fairings to direct cool air to the rider’s legs, a wider windscreen, and foldable mirrors, along with a redesigned sleeker-looking tail section and new tail light. 

Tucked behind the big visor is a new full colour instrument cluster. Surprisingly, the RC 125 gets a TFT unit (borrowed from the BS6 390 Duke) with smartphone connectivity via KTM’s My Ride app, while the RC 200 gets an LCD unit (probably borrowed from the 250 Adventure) and misses out on any connectivity bits. Supermoto ABS runs standard on both bikes.

One of the biggest gripes with the previous-gen RC 125 and the RC 200 was the puny 9.5-litre fuel tank, but that’s no longer a cause of concern as both bikes now get a much larger 13.7-litre fuel tank which should keep you on the road a lot longer 

The new KTM RCs promise to be more relaxed and comfortable than the outgoing model, thanks to 15mm taller clip-ons and new, well-padded seats. However, the clip-ons can be lowered by 10mm, if you want to hit the track. 

From day one, the USP for the RC 200 and the RC 125 has been their engines, and it’s only gotten better this time around. While both bikes retain their engines, they get a bigger airbox, new engine maps, and better throttle response, leading to improved performance. The 2021 RC 200 now puts out 25.8PS and 19.5Nm (0.8PS and 0.3Nm more than before), while the new RC 125 churns out 15PS and 12Nm (0.5PS more than before). 

The RCs are lighter than before too. Thanks to lighter wheels, a new bolt-on subframe, and lighter disc brakes, the RC 200 and the RC 125 tip the scales at 151kg and 147kg, 3kg and 7kg lighter than their current models, respectively. 

Sprung on a 43mm WP Apex fork and a new WP Apex monoshock, both bikes run a more premium suspension setup.

All said and done, the India launch of the bikes is still some time away, since the bikes are expected to hit Indian shores by early 2022. Expect the new RC 200 and the RC 125 to come at a premium of about Rs 7,000-8,000.