2018 KTM 125 XC-W vs 2016 Honda XR 150L
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Comments | - | Sold as a farm bike in Australia and Asia. |
| Colours | Orange/white/black | Red |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 370 mm | 245 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 14.6 inches | 9.6 inches |
| Storage | - | Rear rack |
| Seat Height | 960 mm / 37.8 in. | 825 mm / 32.5 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1,471 mm / 57.9 in. | 1,390 mm / 54.7 in. |
| Height | - | 1,125 mm / 44.3 in. |
| Length | - | 2,090 mm / 82.3 in. |
| Width | - | 810 mm / 31.9 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 91 kg / 200.6 lbs | 130 kg / 286.6 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 9.50 litres / 2.51 gallons | 12.00 litres / 3.17 gallons |
| Engine |
| Displacement (ci) | 7.62 cubic inches | 9.09 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, two-stroke | Single cylinder, four-stroke |
| Displacement (cc) | 124.80 cc | 149.00 cc |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 54.0 x 54.5 mm | 57.3 x 57.8 mm |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 2.1 x 2.1 inches | 2.3 x 2.3 inches |
| Fuel Control | - | Overhead Valves (OHV) |
| Engine Detail | Reed intake. | - |
| Fuel System | Carburettor. Mikuni TMX | Carburettor. 20mm piston-valve |
| Compression Ratio | - | 9.5:1 |
| Starter | Kick | Electric & kick |
| Valve System | - | 4 |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Multi-plate clutch, Brembo hydraulics | - |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Primary Drive | 13:50. Primary drive: 23:73. | - |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | 25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame | - |
| Suspension - Front | WP Xplor PDS shock absorber | Telescopic fork |
| Suspension - Rear | WP shock absorber with linkage | Swingarm, single shock |
| Rake | 26.5° | - |
| Seat | - | Two-person seat |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 300 mm / 11.8 in. | 160 mm / 6.3 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 310 mm / 12.2 in. | 151 mm / 5.9 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | 8.7 inches | - |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | 260 mm | 240 mm |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | 10.2 inches | 9.4 inches |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | 220 mm | - |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings | Single disc. Dual-piston calliper |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tyres - Front | - | 90/90-19 |
| Tyres - Rear | - | 110/90-17 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2018 KTM 125 XC-W
The 2018 KTM 125 XC-W edges out the 2016 Honda XR 150L thanks to its lighter kerb weight, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
2018 KTM 125 XC-W - Advantages
- ⚖️Lighter: 91 kg vs 130 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
- 🏔️More ground clearance: 370 mm vs 245 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 310 mm vs 151 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
- 🔄More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 160 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.
2016 Honda XR 150L - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 825 mm vs 960 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
2018 KTM 125 XC-W vs 2016 Honda XR 150L - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2018 KTM 125 XC-W and 2016 Honda XR 150L?
The 2018 KTM 125 XC-W uses Single cylinder, two-stroke, while the 2016 Honda XR 150L is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2018 KTM 125 XC-W is a two-stroke engine while the 2016 Honda XR 150L runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which is lighter, the 2018 KTM 125 XC-W or the 2016 Honda XR 150L?
The 2018 KTM 125 XC-W is lighter at 91 kg compared to 130 kg for the 2016 Honda XR 150L - a difference of 39 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 KTM 125 XC-W or the 2016 Honda XR 150L?
The 2016 Honda XR 150L has the lower seat at 825 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 KTM 125 XC-W sits higher at 960 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2018 KTM 125 XC-W or the 2016 Honda XR 150L?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 KTM 125 XC-W has the edge in lighter kerb weight and greater ground clearance, while the 2016 Honda XR 150L stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.