After a global unveil earlier this year, KTM has finally launched the long-awaited 2022 KTM RC 200 and the RC 125. The RC series, which was first introduced back in 2014, has virtually remained the same throughout the years and has received its first major upgrade. While the power outputs remain identical as before, the 2022 RC 200 and the RC 125 receives new styling, a new chassis, and some additional equipment over the outgoing model. If you’re wondering where’s the RC 390, fret not, for it’s also bound to arrive in a few months.
KTM says the 2022 RC series draws inspiration from its MotoGP product — the RC 16. The 2022 RC 200 series receive a completely brand-new design over the outgoing model. The headlamp is now a single pentagonal-shape unit with DRLs inside, as compared to the two-headlamp setup of the previous-generation motorcycle. While the RC 200 receives an all-LED headlamp, the RC 125 makes do with halogens. The front fairing also sports integrated turn-indicators.
Colour options on the 2022 KTM RC series include a Dark Galvano, which will be available on both the RC 200 and the RC 125. The second colour option will differ on both bikes — the RC 200 receives a Silver Metallic, while the RC 125 will be available in White. Needless to say, the KTM-orange stickering continues to exist.
The 2022 KTM RC 200 and the RC 125 feature the same powertrains — 199.5cc and 124.7cc respectively, which are BS6-compliant. The radiator is now slightly curved to keep the engine cool. There’s also a larger airbox for better breathing. We already know that the 2022 RC 125 has near-identical output figures compared to the outgoing model, producing 14.7bhp and 12Nm of torque, but KTM had not released any figures for the 2022 RC 200 until now. The 2022 RC 200 is also bang identical to its predecessor in terms of power output, putting out 25.4bhp and 19.5Nm of torque.
The 2022 RC 200 and RC 125 now get a redesigned steel trellis frame and a bolt-on subframe, which is 1.5kg lighter than its predecessor’s. The fuel tank is now a larger 13.7-litre unit as opposed to the 9.5-litre fuel tank of the outgoing model. Speaking of suspension, it gets the same 43mm USD WP Apex forks at the front, and a 10-step adjustable WP Apex mono shock at the rear which has now been revised.
The 2022 RC 200 and the RC 125 now receive a braking setup from Brembo — a 320mm disc radially mounted on a four-piston fixed caliper at the front, while the rear gets a 230mm disc mounted on a single-piston floating caliper.
The 2022 KTM RC 200 and the RC 125 receive a new, redesigned LCD instrument cluster with a gear shift indicator — the TFT display with smartphone connectivity remains exclusive to the bigger RC 390. Also on offer are fully-adjustable handlebar risers — the clip-ons are set 15mm higher than the outgoing model, and can be lowered by 10mm for a more track-focused seating position. The RC 200 and the RC 125 receive Supermoto ABS, but miss out on cornering MTC, cornering ABS, the quickshifter, and KTM’s connected features.
This is where the party trick lies, because despite receiving many upgrades, the 2022 KTM RC 200 and the RC 125 are priced very closely to the outgoing models. The 2022 KTM RC 200 is priced at Rs 2.09 lakh (ex-showroom), while the 2022 KTM RC 125 is priced at Rs 1.82 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2022 KTM RC series goes up against the newly-launched Yamaha R15 V4, the Suzuki Gixxer, and the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200. Do let us know what you think about the 2022 KTM RC 200 and RC 125 in the comments section below. If you’re keen on knowing what we feel about the 2022 KTM RC 200, just wait a little more because we will be out with a review on October 16. Stay tuned!