KTM

New KTM RC Range – 125, 200 and 390KTM has carried out major changes across styling, ergonomics, chassis and ride dynamics
While they have been spotted on road tests in India, new-gen KTM RC 125 and RC 200 have made their global debut. These track-ready bikes are expected to be available for sale in India and international markets later this year. KTM has also unveiled new RC 390, which gets a major overhaul similar to its smaller capacity siblings.
2022 KTM RC 125, RC 200 style updates
Both bikes get MotoGP inspired styling, something similar to that of KTM RC16. Bodywork has been completely redesigned, ensuring a sportier look and feel. Updates to the bodywork have improved overall aerodynamics, which translates into higher top speed.
New KTM RC Range – 125, 200 and 390
It also ensures better wind protection. While both bikes have similar headlamp design, RC 125 uses LED lights in comparison to halogen unit on RC 200. LED DRLs are the same on both bikes.
In other changes, RC 125 utilizes an upswept side exhaust whereas RC 200 comes with an underbelly exhaust. Both bikes have two colour options each, primarily a combo of orange + black and orange + white. However, the white shade on RC 200 has a tinge of grey in it. Orange coloured wheels and frame and blacked-out engine are among the key similarities between new RC 125 and RC 200.
KTM RC 125 Specs – 1
2022 KTM RC 125, RC 200 functional updates
To achieve improved power to weight ratio, KTM has carried out a range of upgrades. The new trellis frame with bolt-on sub-frame is 1.5 kg lighter. The new frame ensures better control and handling at high speeds.
KTM RC 125 Specs – 2
In a track environment, it results in faster lap times. Braking system has been upgraded with 320 mm disc at the front and 230 mm disc at rear. Even though larger, the new discs reduce weight by 960 grams.
Similarly, the new design of the wheels has made them lighter. While RC 125 wheels save 3.4 kg, the bigger sibling reduces 1 kg of rotating unsprung mass. In practical terms, the lighter wheels ensure quicker turn-in in track environment and higher durability in street ride conditions.
KTM RC 200 Specs – 1
Suspension system comprises WP Apex open cartridge fork for RC 125 and WP Apex big piston fork for RC 200. Both bikes have a new WP Apex shock absorber at the rear. Factory settings of suspension system have been revised to ensure a sportier ride.
In terms of ergonomics, the clip-on handlebars come with adjustability function. They can be raised up to 10mm for a more relaxed ride during every day commutes. Seating comfort has been improved with use of thicker, ergonomically designed foam. Digital instrument console has been revised on both bikes. While RC 125 gets an all-new TFT dashboard, the bigger sibling gets a new LCD dashboard.
KTM RC 200 Specs – 2
2022 KTM RC 125, RC 200 engine
While engine is the same as earlier on both bikes, it comes with a range of improvements such as faster acceleration and higher torque delivery. Some of the key enhancements include larger airbox, ultra-hard carbon coated cam levers and improved engine cooling.
New KTM RC 125 generates 20 hp of max power and 12 Nm of peak torque. RC 200 makes 25.5 hp / 19.5 Nm. Both engines are mated to 6-speed transmission. In other updates, fuel tank size has been increased to 13.7 litres. This means fewer stops at the fuel station. More

New Gen KTM RC 390Images of the new gen KTM RC 125, 200 and 390 have already leaked – Now the motorcycles have been officially teased via KTM Instagram Story
KTM is getting ready to launch new generation of the RC 125, RC 200 and RC 390 globally. Ahead of that, the first official teaser has just dropped online, via an Instagram story from official KTM account. Most of the details about these motorcycles have already leaked.
KTM RC125, RC 250 – Features and Engine Specs
KTM RC 125 is slated to receive new bodywork and frame. Like the RC 200, the RC 125 will also sit on a new chassis with bolt on sub-frame. These two RC motorcycles will receive larger fairing and body panels as compared to their outgoing counterparts. Feature updates will also be seen in the case its headlamp design with a new split LED unit and new alloy wheels along with new colour options.
New KTM RC 125
Riding comforts will be further enhanced with a taller windscreen, lower set handlebars, forward set footpegs, stepped up seating and muscular fuel tank designs. Revised front fairing, turn indicators, and position lamps are also a part of the makeover. Braking system has been updated to deliver better braking performance.
The 2022 RC125 will be presented in colour options of Black with Orange highlight and White with Orange highlight. The RC 200 colours will include White / Orange and Black / Orange while colour options of Blue / Orange shade will be limited to the new gen RC390 only. Take a look at the official teaser of new gen KTM RC range in the video below, which also gives an idea about the exhaust note from the new exhaust system.
[embedded content]
2022 KTM RC 125 will get its power via a 124.7cc, single cylinder engine offering 14.5 hp power and 12 Nm torque. The 2022 KTM RC 200 will see no change in its engine lineup and will continue to get its power via a 199.5cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine making 24.6 hp power and 19.2 Nm torque.
New KTM RC200
No price details have been revealed as on date but the current models of RC 125 and RC 250 are priced at Rs 1.8 lakh and Rs 2.08 lakh respectively (ex-sh). Feature updates would result in marginally higher pricing.
2022 KTM RC390
Bookings have also opened for the KTM RC 390 at select dealerships with global debut planned for the weeks ahead especially with its current model already discontinued. Photos have also been leaked on the company’s official website and draw our attention to design and feature updates. In its new avatar, the RC 390 will get dual tone colour options of Orange and Blue. It will sport a single LED headlamp as against its current counterpart that gets twin projector headlamps.
2022 KTM RC 390 exhaust end can is seen with a mesh cover.
Feature updates will also include new bolt on sub-frame, sharper LED turn indicators, new split seats and a redesigned rear. It will also be seen with clip on handlebars which have been raised for a more upright riding position while foot pegs are pushed to the rear giving the rider a more comfortable riding triangle.
KTM RC 390 will likely see no change in engine specifications. It will continue to draw power via a 373cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine offering 43 hp power and 35 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed transmission. Suspension and braking will also remain unchanged with USD fork in front and mono-shock unit at the rear with allow swing arm.
As will be seen in case of RC 125 and RC 250, the KTM RC 390 will be priced higher than its current model which started off at Rs 2.77 lakh, ex-sh. Once launched, the new gen RC90 will compete with TVS Apache RR 310, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and new Benelli 302R in its segment. More

Image – KTM KollamKTM India noted growth in domestic sales in July 2021, while exports dipped both in terms of YoY and MoM basis
Like every other two wheeler maker in the country, KTM India has also reported substantial growth in domestic sales in July 2021. Pent up demand, markets opening up and the urgent need for personal means of travel have all resulted in increased spending on two wheeler purchases. However, rising fuel prices, the looming fear of a 3rd wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and severe shortage of semi-conductors could hamper further growth.
KTM India Domestic Sales
KTM India’s domestic sales figures stood at 4,446 units in the past month, up 36.97 percent over 3,246 units sold in July 2020. This was also a MoM growth of 37.90 percent over 3,224 units sold in June 2021. In the company domestic lineup, it was the KTM 200 (Duke + RC) that was most in demand while the KTM 390 (RC + ADV + Duke) commanded the export list.
KTM 200 sales increased 115.47 percent YoY to 2,019 units, up from 937 units sold in July 2020. The KTM 200 commanded a 45.41 percent share in July 2021, up from 43.55 percent share held in June 2021. KTM will soon be bringing in 2021 KTM RC 390, RC 200, RC 125 and images of these models get leaked showing off a brand new look.
KTM 250 (Duke + ADV) has also noted increased YoY and MoM sales. Sales stood at 1,002 units in the past month, up 381.73 percent over 208 units sold in July 2020. It was also an 86.94 percent increase over 536 units sold in June 2021. Percent of share has also increased from 16.63 percent to 22.54 percent MoM.
KTM India Sales, Exports Jul 2021 vs Jul 2020 (YoY)
Domestic sales of KTM 125 (Duke + RC) have dipped substantially. July 2021 sales were at 749 units, down 59.45 percent over sales of 1,847 units in July 2020. MoM sales also fell 12.09 percent from 852 units sold in June 2021.
The KTM 390 on the other hand received added attention with sales up 166.16 percent YoY to 676 units in July 2021 as against 254 units sold in July 2020 and up 56.48 percent MoM from 432 units sold in June 2021.
KTM Exports
Shipments to global markets fell in July 2021 by 34.50 percent to 6,832 units, down from 10,430 units exported in July 2020. MoM exports also fell 19.85 percent as against 8,524 units exported in June 2021.
KTM India Sales, Exports Jul 2021 vs Jun 2021 (MoM)
It was the KTM 390 (RC + ADV + Duke) that was most in demand in global markets despite de-growth on YoY and MoM basis. July 2021 saw exports of 2,791 units, down 51.65 percent over 5,772 units sold in July 2020. June 2021 sales stood at 3,800 units relating to a MoM dip of 26.55 percent. Percent of share also dipped from 44.58 percent held in June 2021 to 40.85 percent in the past month.
KTM 200 (RC + Duke) sales increased 90.72 percent YoY to 2,075 units, up from 1,088 units shipped in July 2020. MoM sales however, suffered a de-growth of 19.39 percent over 2,574 units exported in June 2021.
Exports of KTM 250 (RC + Duke + ADV) surged 627.71 percent in the past month to 1,208 units, up from 166 units exported in July 2020. It was also a 63.69 percent MoM growth over 738 units exported in June 2021. Exports of the KTM 125 (RC + Duke) ended on a negative note with just 758 units shipped in the past month down 77.73 percent over 3,404 units shipped in July 2020. MoM exports also fell 46.99 percent as against 1,430 units exported in June 2021. More

KTM 390 ADV with MetzelerKTM had switched to MRF tyres last year for 390s due to new import restrictions
It was during the festive season last year that KTM had introduced new colour themes for several of its popular motorcycles. Along with that, the company had also replaced Metzelers with MRF tyres for 390 Duke, RC 390 and 390 Adventure. While Duke and RC received MRF Revz C1 tyres, Adventure was fitted with MRF Mogrip Meteor tyres. These tyres are offered with lower capacity KTM bikes in 125cc, 200cc and 250cc range.
Only A Few
Even though Metzelers are back on KTM 390s, the company has chosen not to increase prices. The strategy was similar last year when prices were left untouched upon replacement of Metzelers with MRF tyres.
However, KTM has increased prices of its motorcycle multiple times this year. The most recent was last month in July when prices were increased by up to Rs 11,685. While 390 Duke and RC 390 had become costlier by Rs 11,620, 390 Adv witnessed a hike of Rs 11,685. In percentage terms, the highest price hike was for 125 Duke. Most such price hikes have been attributed to rising input cost and high market inflation.
It is possible that KTM may revise rates once again in the coming months. Even though it may not be attributed to a change of tyres, the increased pricing may cover for any loss that may occur due to replacement of MRFs with Metzelers.
KTM 390 ADV with Metzeler
Next-gen RC range spotted
In international markets, next-gen KTM RC motorcycles have been spotted wearing Continental ContiRoad sport touring tyres. It is not certain if the same tyres will be used in India as well. Based on prevailing conditions, it is likely that KTM will continue using Metzeler tyres for its 390s.
Using imported tyres for vehicles in India has become difficult with the change in import policy for certain types of pneumatic tyres. Amendments have been made to change this import sector from ‘free’ to ‘restricted’. This was done largely to curb dumping of cheap tyres, most of which came from China.
However, this change in import policy has also impacted premium tyres including Metzeler. Importers are essentially required to get a new license that limits the total volume that can be imported.
Government is aiming to promote made in India, which has created problems for tyre brands that do not have local manufacturing operations. Businesses that were purely importers have had to limit their operations due to the new restrictions. In comparison, global brands that have local manufacturing remain unaffected. More