2014 KTM RC200 & KTM RC125 - The More the Merrier

For the American market, its all about the 2014 KTM RC390 and its single-cylinder sport bike format. But for the rest of the world, especially emerging markets, the talk of the 2013 EICMA show is focusing on the KTM RC200 and KTM RC125 — the smaller siblings in KTM’s “Race Competition” line.

Like the RC390, the RC200 and RC125 share engine designs with their Duke model counterparts. Both bikes feature the same aggressive styling as the KTM RC390, courtesy of Kiska Design, and are ideally situated for markets with tiered licensing programs and heavily segmented small-displacement categories. For us, we just think these motorcycles look hot.

With all three RC machines being similar, the big differences come down to engine power and bike weight. For the KTM RC125 power is set at a very diminutive 15hp at 9,500 rpm, with 8 lbs•ft of torque. The RC125 also tips the scales at 297 lbs (wet) without fuel.

For the KTM RC200, peak horsepower goes up to 25hp, with 14 lbs•ft of peak torque. While nearly double the horsepower of the RC125, the RC200 adds only 5.5 lbs of heft, for a wet weight of 303lbs, sans fuel.

Both the RC125 & RC200 are fitted with ABS brakes, which is handled with a radially mounted caliper at the front, mated to a single 300mm brake disc, meanwhile a 230mm disc is fitted to the rear.

KTM says its steel trellis frame for the RC125 and RC200 is much stiffer than the one found on their Duke brethren, and the frames feature a more aggressive chassis geometry with a steeper steering head, lesser trail, and shorter wheelbase.

Suspension is by WP, and the brakes were made in cooperation with Brembo, and sport the brand’s generic marque Bybre. Track day enthusiast will enjoy the tires available for the KTM RC125 & RC200, as the Austrians have chose 110/70ZR17 & 150/60ZR17 tire sizes for their “Supersport” machines.

Expect to see the 2014 KTM RC125 & 2014 KTM RC200 be available in markets worldwide starting in March/April 2014, with pricing set at €4,500. No word on US availability, though we would expect on the KTM RC390 to make the jump over the pond. More info on that as we get it.