Yamaha R15 V3 vs KTM RC 125 – Which one will you convince your dad for?
The Yamaha R15 V3 is the old player in the fared bikes segment in India. Now KTM has come up with their competition in this segment with the RC125. KTM has priced this bike at such a price that it makes it the most expensive 125 cc motorcycle in India. The Yamaha has a reputation in this segment and has been there for so long that the segment can be represented by this bike. It was the most expensive 150 cc motorcycle and has got a performance upgrade which makes it even more desirable.
Find out what we have to say when we put both these motorcycles head to head.
Yamaha R15 V3 vs KTM RC 125 Top Speed
| Yamaha R15 V3 | 136 Kmph |
| KTM RC 125 | 120 Kmph |
The Yamaha R15 is clearly the faster bike here. In terms of outright acceleration too the bike is faster. The KTM lack in power and feels stressed due to the exhaust note that becomes harsh pretty early. The bike feels that is going fast but actually is just making a lot of sounds.
Yamaha R15 V3 vs KTM RC 125 Price
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Prices |
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| Yamaha R15 V3 | Rs. 1.40 lakh |
| KTM RC 125 | Rs. 1.47 lakh |
The prices of these bikes set the in the premium side of the segment. The Yamaha R15 V3 is a 150cc bike which demands its premium justified due to the performance parts that it offers. On the other hand, the KTM RC 125 is a bike which demands the extra sum of money for the KTM brand and the styling. Clearly here the Yamaha beats the KTM in all aspects and makes more sense while buying considering the value for money.
Yamaha R15 V3 vs KTM RC 125 Design
Design of both the bike is top-notch. The KTM RC125 design is similar to the RC200 and RC390. This bike makes sense for the people who want to but the track-focused KTM but for the looks only. Comparing with the Yamaha R15 V3 the Yamaha has grown over the years. The design of the has evolved into a more track-focused design.
The Yamaha R15 V3 has led headlights. The KTM RC 125 has a LED DRL but the projector setup is halogen. The overall design of the KTM RC 125 has not aged over the years. It has the same looks for years. The bike still looks futuristic. This bike has the instrument cluster that has been on the KTM from the inception of the brand. On the other hand, the Instrument cluster of the Yamaha R15 V3 is new. It is bold and easily visible while riding. The lap timer and top speed indicator are things that make the cluster on the RC 125 much more advanced than the Yamaha R15 V3. Both these bikes are properly fared and have aggressive styling.
Talking about the rear end of the bike the Yamaha R15 V3 looks more aggressive and has a good stance. The Yamaha R15 V3 gets the air vents which make the bike look more futuristic.
Yamaha R15 V3 vs KTM RC 125 Specifications
| Specs | R15 V3 | RC 125 |
| Engine | 155cc Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve, Fi, Single Cylinder, VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) |
125cc 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine, water-cooled
|
| Power | 19.3 BHP @ 10,000 rpm | 14.5 BHP @ 9250 rpm |
| Torque | 14.7 NM @ 8500 rpm | 12 NM @ 8000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed (with slipper clutch) | 6-speed |
The Yamaha features the 150cc engine. This boasts more displacement over 125cc engine that is on the KTM RC 125. Even though the engine on the KTM is of DOHC layout, there is no replacement for displacement. The Yamaha has its trick up its sleeve. It offers VVA, technology that varies valve timings and gives the bike power in all 3 rpm bands. The bike feels like a normal 150 cc bike up till 7400 RPM. Post that the bike does not lose power it keeps pulling up till 10000 RPM. On the other hand, the engine on the KTM RC 125 is like any KTM engine. It is eager to rush to redline. The engine maxes out very quickly. The bike sounds very sporty but this sound doesn’t translate into speed.
Yamaha R15 V3 vs KTM RC 125 Fuel Economy
| Yamaha R15 V3 | 47.92 Kmpl |
| KTM RC 125 | 43 Kmpl |
The fuel economy figures on both the bikes is decent for the performance that they offer. On the contrary, it does not justify the money that they demand. The Yamaha R15 V3 has better fuel economy even though it has bigger displacement. While riding it in city traffic the R15 makes more sense as it drives calmly in the low end while the KTM feels a bit cumbersome in traffic.
Yamaha R15 V3 vs KTM RC 125 Dimensions
| R15 V3 | RC 125 | |
| Length | 1990 mm | 1977 mm |
| Width | 725 mm | 688 mm |
| Height | 1135 mm | 1098 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 11 L | 10 l |
| Saddle Height | 815 mm | 820 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | 178.5 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1325 mm | 1341 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 142 Kg | 154.2 kg |
The KTM RC 125 is much slimmer than the Yamaha R15 V3 but the bike is heavier overall. The saddle height is also more on the RC125. All this adds up to maneuverability in traffic and makes it difficult to ride at low speeds.
Yamaha R15 V3 vs KTM RC 125 Image gallery
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