KTM RC 125 vs Yamaha R15 V3.0: Image Comparison

KTM’s latest faired bike, the RC 125, is here. So let’s pit it against its more affordable rival, the Yamaha R15 V3.0

The Yamaha R15 V3.0 has been one of the most popular faired motorcycles under the Rs 1.5 lakh mark for a long time. However, KTM has now launched its “most affordable” faired motorcycle, the RC 125, at Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). So does the Yamaha R15 V3.0 finally have a worthy competition? We find the answer to that question via our image gallery comparison. 

Yamaha’s designers went back to the drawing board and gave the R15 V3.0 an all-new design, which looks smashing, particularly in this blue/black paint scheme. However, it’s the RC 125 with its in-your-face orange/black paint scheme which will help you to stand apart. 

Even though the baby RC 125 gets the same old projector DRLs as its bigger cousins, it still has the potential to turn heads. In comparison, the R15 V3.0’s looks more modern with its LED light setup.

Both the bikes get neatly chiselled fuel tanks, but the air scoops on the R15 V3.0’s fuel tank gives it a unique look compared to the RC 125. 

Speaking of the rider’s perspective, you might also enjoy looking at the R15’s digital instrument cluster than the KTM’s. Don’t get us wrong, the RC 125’s digital instrument console works quite well, but it looks dated and cluttered. 

The plastic and switchgear quality on the baby RC feels a notch higher compared to the Yamaha R15 V3.0. 

Both the motorcycles are equipped with clip-on bars for an aggressive riding position. 

Positioned as entry-level sportbikes, both motorcycles get sporty ergonomics. However, the RC 125 comes out as a more rider-focussed motorcycle than the R15 V3.0. 

The Yamaha R15 V3.0, with its bigger 155cc liquid-cooled engine, has an edge over RC 125’s 124.7cc unit. While the Japanese bike churns out 19.3PS, the RC 125 belts out 14.5PS of power. Both are equipped with a 6-speed transmission. But where the R15 V3.0 gets a slipper clutch, the RC 125 doesn’t. 

It’s not just sheer power on the R15 V3.0. The fact that it's 12kg lighter than the baby RC helps it with better acceleration and top speed.

KTM is known to offer top-spec cycle parts in all of its offerings. The RC 125 features the same 43mm USD fork with 125mm travel up front and a monoshock at the rear as seen on the 125 Duke. The R15 V3.0, on the other hand, is equipped with a conventional suspension setup. 

When it comes to braking hardware, the RC 125 is equipped with 300mm front and 240mm rear disc brake (single-channel ABS offered as standard). The R15 V3.0 gets smaller discs on both ends compared to the baby RC (282mm up front and 220mm at the rear). 

Additionally, while the RC 125 gets a single-channel ABS, Yamaha has equipped the R15 V3.0 with a dual channel unit.

So should you shell out Rs 1.47 lakh for a 125cc motorcycle or will you be better off with a  more powerful Yamaha? We rode the new RC 125 recently and here’s what we think.