The second-generation KTM RC 125 made its global debut in August this year and was launched in India at ₹1.82 lakh (ex-showroom, India). This means that the entry-level KTM sports bike costs the same as the first-gen model. This is impressive considering that the new RC 125 is significantly different than the predecessor. It gets an all-new styling, a new bolt-on subframe, lighter wheels, adjustable handlebars, and an improved LCD instrument cluster. But it still may seem like an expensive 125 cc sports bike, especially when Yamaha has heavily overhauled the popular YZF R15, making it more exciting than ever. So, assuming that you have around ₹1.82 lakh to spare, should you buy the new KTM RC 125 or the fourth-generation Yamaha R15? Allow us to help you make that decision.

The new KTM RC 125 tips the scales at 150 kg (dry) while Yamaha R15 V4 weighs 142 kg (kerb). This weight difference will make the R15 easier to manage and lean around corners, and even more agile on paper as compared to the RC 125. Now, how much of this difference really translates onto the track can only be assessed when we pit these two bikes against each other in real-world scenarios and frame construction will have a major role to play. For reference, the RC 125 uses a steel trellis frame while the R15 uses a Deltabox frame.

And as for negotiating speed-breakers and potholes, the R15 will fare slightly better, thanks to 170 mm ground clearance, as opposed to 2021 KTM RC 125 that has 158 mm ground clearance. The R15 also has a slightly lower seat (815 mm seat height) as compared to the new RC 125 that has an 824 mm seat height. However, the Austrian bike gets an adjustable handlebar that can be lowered by 10 mm for a sportier stance.

2021 KTM RC 125 vs Yamaha R15 V4: Features

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Both the bikes come with an LCD instrument cluster that offers all the essential readouts, including trip-meter, gear-position indicator, tachometer, etc. However, the R15’s cluster gets two display modes — Street and Track — and Y-Connect system for smartphone connectivity. This suite offers a raft of helpful provisions such as call and message alerts, fuel consumption details, real-time fuel consumption, malfunction notification, locate your bike, parking record, riding history, etc.

But the most significant difference between the new KTM RC 125 and new Yamaha R15 V4 is that the latter also has a traction control system. There’s another functional difference between the two bikes that will greatly influence your decision; the new RC 125 still has a halogen headlamp while the R15 uses an LED headlight for better illumination.

2021 KTM RC 125 vs Yamaha R15 V4: Specs

2021 KTM RC 125 draws power from a 124.7 cc liquid-cooled engine making 15 bhp and 12 Nm of peak torque in combination with a six-speed gearbox. Yamaha R15 V4, on the other hand, makes use of 155 cc, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 18 bhp and 14 Nm. This powerplant is paired to a six-speed gearbox with slip and assist clutch while the top-end R15M variant also comes with a quickshifter for easier gearshifts.

2021 KTM RC 125 vs Yamaha R15 V4: Suspension and braking hardware

This was the main differentiator between the previous generation RC 125 and Yamaha R14. But with the fourth-generation model, the Japanese brand has tried to narrow the gap. 2021 RC 125 comes with 43 mm WP Apex big piston inverted forks with mono-shock while the braking duties are taken care of by 320 mm front and 230 mm rear disc brakes. In comparison to this, the R15 now has 37 mm inverted forks with mono-shock while the stopping force comes from 282 mm front and 220 mm rear disc brakes. Both the bikes get dual-channel ABS as standard. 

This means that KTM RC 125 still has a better braking and suspension hardware as compared to the new Yamaha R15 V4. However, the addition of USD forks have significantly improved R15’s handling and performance.

2021 KTM RC 125 vs Yamaha R15 V4: Price in India

2021 KTM RC 125 will set you back by ₹1.82 lakh whereas Yamana R15 V4’s price in India ranges between ₹1.68 lakh and ₹1.73 lakh, depending upon colour option chosen. And if you want the top-spec R15M, then you will have to spend between ₹1.78 lakh to ₹1.8 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. 

This tells us that the new KTM RC 125 is up to ₹12,000 costlier than the new Yamaha R15 V4. All in all, the R15 does seem like a more sensible option (on paper) on the account of its features (traction control in particular) and the more powerful engine. But will you prefer spending ₹12,000 extra for the new KTM RC 125?