Rs 1.47 lakh ex-showroom is a steep price to pay for the KTM RC125, even with all the kit it has on offer. So what else can you buy instead?
KTM tasted astonishing success with the 125 Duke. The Austrian brand has sold nearly 15,000 units since its launch in December 2018. Capitalising on the success, of the Duke, KTM has now launched the RC125 in the Indian market. But at Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the baby RC does come across as an expensive proposition, even with all the kit it has on offer. Here’s a look at what else you can buy instead.
Yamaha YZF-R15: If serious motorcycling is what you are looking for, then it doesn't get any better than the R15. In comparison to the RC125, the R15 develops 19bhp and 14.7Nm - that's a substantial jump in power over the KTM. The Yamaha even gets dual-channel ABS while the KTM makes do with a single-channel unit. And most importantly, the Deltabox frame is as good as they come. The R15 is Rs 8,000 cheaper than the RC125 and at that price, it does miss out on upside down forks and slipper clutch. Having said that, while you can easily extract the most out of the RC, the R15 will possibly be more fun and engaging for a few years more.
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: Still want more power for your penny? You can look at the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Race Edition. From a 197.75cc single-cylinder motor, the Apache RTR 200 develops 20.5bhp and 18.1Nm. It does, however, come mated to a 5-speed transmission – the RC and the R15 get a 6-speed unit. Aside from the additional power, you also get a slipper clutch – something that the R15 misses out on. Sure, it doesn't have a fairing and the twin cradle frame is not as good as the Trellis or Deltabox frames, but it will save nearly Rs 40,000 in your bank account. If that doesn't entice you, we don't know what else will.
Hero Xpulse 200: No this one doesn't have upside down forks, dual-channel ABS or any exceptionally superior components for that matter. It is, however, powered by a 199.6cc motor that pushes out 18.2bhp and 17.1Nm. More importantly, it sports a front suspension with 190mm of travel and a rear mono-shock with 170mm of travel. It does get a 21-inch spoke wheel at the front and a 17-inch one at the back. All of this will allow you to take the Hero XPulse wherever you want to. It promises to be a great learning tool for those keen on off-roading. Light, easily controllable and easy on the pocket to fix, the Hero XPulse can also offer oodles of fun, albeit of a different kind. Priced at Rs 1.06 lakh, you will not only save some money while purchasing it but being a Hero product, it will be cheaper to maintain too.
Bajaj Dominar: By investing about Rs 25,000 over the KTM RC125, you can fetch yourself a Bajaj Dominar 400 too. It is easily the most value for money offering money can buy this side of Rs 2 lakh. The Dominar gets its firepower from a 373.3cc single-cylinder liquid cooled unit that develops 39.4bhp and 35Nm. The Dominar too gets upside down forks, rear mono-shock and a dual-channel ABS. If it is pure value and more power per penny you seek, the Dominar 400 is surely worth the additional sum.
Also read : KTM RC 125 Review & KTM 125 Duke Review
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