The KTM RC Range has been a staple Supersport model in the KTM line-up for a number of years, bringing sports bike styling, handling, and performance to smaller bikes. Now the KTM RC Range has undergone a major transformation, with the 2022 models getting an all-new chassis, improved ergonomics, better performance, updated electronics, and of course grand Prix-inspired styling, something that has really worked with the Indian buyer. The idea behind the new generation is to bring in a racetrack DNA for the street. Recently the Austrian bike maker has launched the new RC 125 and RC 200 in the market. The globally unveiled new generation RC 390 will be launched in India in a few months’ time.
There’s a long list of new features both these bikes come with. These include new adjustable handlebars, new LCD dash instrument cluster, Increased fuel tank volume from 9.5 litres to 13.7 litres, a new, Larger airbox, a sharper taillight design and lighter, high-strength wheels. While the KTM RC 125 gets a new Halogen headlight, the RC 200 gets a new LED headlight and a Supermoto ABS. Both the bikes also get an all-new stiffer, lighter split-steel trellis frame, lighter 320mm front brake disc & 230mm rear brake disc, curved radiator, stiffer hollow front axle, wind screen with unique laser texture, integrated front position lamp with front blinkers along with aluminium cast and split pillion grab.
The new bikes get race-inspired lines and two new colorways which according to KTM define their sporty character. The company says this redesign has been purposely undertaken to optimize the aerodynamic properties due to higher top speeds. This has been achieved by a computational fluid dynamics design process, which has reshaped the RC for both style and real-world function. The KTM RC Range Gen-2 features an all-new chassis – a steel trellis frame with bolt on subframe, lightweight wheels & brakes. With fully adjustable handlebar risers, the new RC range combines track day ergonomics and everyday usability into a refined racing machine.
With a collection of premium parts in the KTM RC 200 and KTM RC 125 such as a WP APEX big piston fork in the front and a new WP APEX shock absorber in the rear, all-new LCD dash display, all-new LED headlamps in the KTM RC 200, all-new halogen headlamps in the KTM RC 125, new ABS with Supermoto mode, the bikes have become worthy competitors against other Supersport machines in India. All-new larger 13.7-liter fuel tank provides best in class fuel capacity according to KTM, meaning you can go further, faster for longer.
KTM RC range is powered by a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder 4-stroke engine with twin overhead camshafts, four valves, and electronic fuel injection. The new larger airbox allows the bikes to breathe easier, providing improved responsiveness and increased torque giving it an impressive off the line launch ensuring faster acceleration. The new curved radiator ensures superior cooling for the engine. This improves airflow throughout the engine allowing the KTM RC Range to run cooler, giving it the optimal performance temperature needed to hit the apex, lap after lap, or charge through rush-hour traffic.
As a sports bike, according to KTM, special care has been taken in improving the overall ergonomics of the RC range. For example, the knee area is now ergonomically developed to allow for more rider movement, being as narrow as possible with the largest possible contact area. The new bodywork is designed for optimized wind and weather protection, enhanced heat management by using a combination of inner and outer body panels to direct airflow away from the rider, and not to mention a striking visual presence.
Bookings for the new generation KTM RC 200 and KTM RC 125 are now open, and the latter will start reaching showrooms from next month. The production of RC 200 has started and will be reaching the showrooms soon. It will be priced at Rs.2.08 lakh (ex-Showroom, Delhi) which is the same price as the ongoing model. The RC 125 meanwhile will be priced at Rs. 1.81 lakh (ex-Showroom, Delhi).
The writer is the Senior Editor at carandbike.com
