KTM RC 125 2024 — Specifications

Doesn't anything shock you? I do. It's a 125 with nothing extravagant. It even seems rather nice and well-laid-out. That's where it goes wrong: a KTM that doesn't inspire quirkiness, eccentricity, and provocation isn’t really in Matighoffen’s playbook. Did the design studio put watered-down coffee in the mix?

The RC 125 takes advantage of its regeneration to fall a bit more into line. This makes it a more consensual machine, not yet sensual but less strange in some aspects than the original version. For example, the single-piece seat-rear fairing has been replaced by a classic structure. The double, furrowed gaze has been replaced by a more natural optical unit; reminiscent of the 1290 Super Adventure. The bubble no longer overflows to the sides of the fairing, while the bodywork has been modernized. It exudes a different personality, accompanied by an appreciable slenderness. The near disappearance of the engine guard is also a significant factor.

Slenderness only in appearance, as on paper, the RC 125 has gained weight. Quite a bit. KTM announces a charge of 147 kilograms. It’s not obesity, but it’s 12 units more than the previous model. Modifications for Euro5, including the exhaust pipe, account for a significant portion of this. However, KTM has spared no effort to contain the increase. The new wheels alone weigh 3.4 kilograms less. This weight reduction on unsprung mass should compensate for the weight gain in terms of overall liveliness. Braking has also been brought into play. Although the disc has grown to 320 mm (+20 mm), the entire system has been lightened by 960 grams. Notice the disappearance of the radial mount at the front, like on BMWs. The caliper comes from ByBre, with 4 pistons and a radial mount. The rear is more modest with a single-piston caliper, clamping a 230 mm track.

The trellis frame also receives its share of improvements, especially in terms of its weight, with a reduction of 1.5 kilograms. What a job... but how much would the little RC weigh if the designers hadn't trimmed weight a bit everywhere?! The rear loop is no longer welded but bolted to the main structure. Regarding suspension, the WP components benefit from new adjustments more geared towards sport. The 43 mm APEX inverted fork does not have adjustable settings, while the rear shock is new, with a double-piston technology.

The engine still produces 15 horsepower to carry its rider towards the first sensations of riding. No gain in power (legally impossible anyway) but a little more punch thanks to a 40% larger airbox and a new engine mapping. The assisted braking electronics offer a more quirky potential for fun than the engine’s offerings. With its level of power, the RC 125 will require keeping the revs up and using tight trajectories to maintain speed... while ABS will allow you to be mischievous when you put it in Supermoto mode. The system is then deactivated on the rear wheel, to allow for sliding and allow the rear to be lifted.

Little sporty said little electronics... compared to the monsters on the market. This one is still quite present, with a TFT dashboard. Self-adaptive to the level of brightness, it informs of the essentials for driving, monitoring life on board... or discussing with the smartphone thanks to the My Ride app – enough to listen to music or phone calls while riding. “-Hello, what are you doing?- I’m on the corner. Call me back on WhatsApp once I’ve posted on Insta.” But you can also just enjoy the motorcycle and not pair anything at all.

On board, the micro-RC16 offers a little more conviviality with adjustable handlebars in height on 10 mm, more padded seats and covered with a new material offering more grip. It also allows for longer stages/sessions with a tank offering 25% more capacity, i.e. 13.7 liters. The mirrors, footpegs, and turn signals have also been refreshed. A small, unique feature on the RC 125: it is available in two colors; previous generations were limited to just one.

The KTM RC 125 attacks its second generation, with pieces of prestige under the badge. Since the original version, 8 years have passed. During this time, Katoche has scored points and victories in MotoGP. Enough to rally the enthusiasts of small-displacement sportbikes. This one absolutely does not want to take advantage of the RC16 but intends to take advantage of its aura to flirt with budding riders.

M.B - Photos constructeur