It has been a long and hard wait for the updated KTM RC range but now that the motorcycles have been unveiled in all their glory, it seems like the wait has become worth it. Although we already knew about the aesthetic bits of the updated KTM RC range courtesy of leaked images, the officially revealed specs reveal a bigger picture. Their styling had the motorcyclists divide into two sides but now that we know that the changes run skin deep, their polarized styling has become less relevant. Apart from unveiling the RC 390, KTM also took the wraps off the updated RC 200 and RC 125.
Looks
The front fascia gets a redesigned windshield and fairing which is wider. It looks more aerodynamic than before and will provide better wind protection to the rider as compared to the outgoing model. The front-end does give a subtle nod to the elusive and sharp-looking KTM RC8. It is also being claimed that the updated bodywork will also result in better heat dissipation.
Engine
While the Austrian bikemaker has retained the trusty 124.7cc and 199.5cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engines from their outgoing iterations, several internal changes have been introduced to provide a smoother and better riding experience. For lower friction and more performance, the engines now get carbon-coated cam levers. For better cooling, longer life and smoother acceleration, the piston is now cooled using a nozzle that directly sprays on the head.
To make way for better airflow, KTM has also equipped the two RCs with a 40 percent bigger airbox. There’s a new engine mapping as well and we expect that to result in better performance and crisper acceleration. Talking about the performance figures, the RC 200 now puts down 25.8 PS and 19.5 NM while the RC 125 belts out 14.9 PS and 12 NM. The rather minuscule 9.5-litre tank has now made for a new 13.7-litre fuel tank.
Underpinnings
KTM has heavily reworked the underpinnings of the whole RC range with just one intent in mind: to shave off as much weight as they can. The chassis is now 1.5 kg lighter and the five-spoked alloys are 3.4 kg lighter. The brakes have also been redesigned and together have shed 960 gm of weight.
To offer a sportier ride, KTM has also tweaked the WP Apex big piston fork and WP Apex monoshock. The 2022 KTM RC 200 now weighs 151 kg (dry) while the RC 125 now tips the scales at 147 kg (dry).
Ergonomics
As was evident from the leaked images and countless spy shots that surfaced below that, the new KTM RC range has become a little more comfortable than before. KTM has utilized a pair of clip-on handlebars that are set 15mm higher but you don’t need to start whining about how ‘impure’ it makes the new RCs because the handlebar can be lowered by 10mm for a track-oriented riding posture.
Also read: Here Are Some Bites On The Upcoming KTM RC 390
Other bits
All the data is shown on a new full-colour TFT console that’s identical to that in the 390 Duke. However, the chances of this console coming in the India-spec model are slim. Other changes include new mirrors, different rider and pillion seats, integrated blinkers, and position lights.