2018 KTM 125 SX vs 2021 Honda CRF125F

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 KTM 125 SX 2018 KTM 125 SX

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
87.2 kg / 192.2 lbs
2021 Honda CRF125F 2021 Honda CRF125F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
88.0 kg / 194.0 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Model ID: CRF125F.
ColoursOrange/white/blackRed
Warranty-Six Months transferable limited warranty
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)375 mm211 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)14.8 inches8.3 inches
Seat Height960 mm / 37.8 in.739 mm / 29.1 in.
Wheelbase1,485 mm / 58.5 in.1219 mm / 48.0 in.
Height-1010 mm / 39.8 in.
Length-1770 mm / 69.7 in.
Width-740 mm / 29.1 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight87.2 kg / 192.2 lbs-
Fuel Capacity7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons3.79 litres / 1.00 US gallons
Wet Weight-88.0 kg / 194.0 lbs
Performance
Max Torque-10.2 Nm (1.0 kgf-m or 7.5 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions"
Engine
Fuel Control-Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, two-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)7.62 cubic inches7.62 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)124.80 cc124.9 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)54.0 x 54.5 mm52.4 x 57.9 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.1 x 2.1 inches2.1 x 2.3 inches
Engine DetailReed intake.-
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Mikuni TMXInjection. 22mm throttle bore
Compression Ratio-9.0:1
Emissions-Meets current California Air Resource Board (CARB) and EPA off-road emissions standards.
IgnitionKokusan EMSFull Transistorized
StarterKickElectric
Valve System-2
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate clutch, Brembo hydraulics-
Final DriveChainChain   (final drive)
Gearbox6-speed4-speed
Primary Drive13:50. Primary drive: 23:73.Chain 13T/49T
Chassis
Frame TypeChrome-molybdenum steel central-tube frameDiamond, steel
Suspension - FrontWP-USD, AER 48, ? 48 mm31mm telescopic fork
Suspension - RearWP shock absorber with linkagePro-Link single-shock
Rake26.5°27.3°
Trail-81 mm / 3.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Front300 mm / 11.8 in.132 mm / 5.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear300 mm / 11.8 in.140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)220 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)8.7 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)260 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)10.2 inches-
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Brake calipers on floating bearingsSingle disc. Hydraulic.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Brake calipers on floating bearingsExpanding brake (drum brake)
RimsCNC machined hubs. Excel rims. Wire spoked.-
Tyres - Front-70/100-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 KTM 125 SX

The 2018 KTM 125 SX edges out the 2021 Honda CRF125F thanks to its 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 SX - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 375 mm vs 211 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 300 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 132 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Honda CRF125F - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 739 mm vs 960 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2018 KTM 125 SX vs 2021 Honda CRF125F - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 KTM 125 SX and 2021 Honda CRF125F?
The 2018 KTM 125 SX uses Single cylinder, two-stroke, while the 2021 Honda CRF125F is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2018 KTM 125 SX is a two-stroke engine while the 2021 Honda CRF125F runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 KTM 125 SX or the 2021 Honda CRF125F?
The 2021 Honda CRF125F has the lower seat at 739 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 KTM 125 SX 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 SX or the 2021 Honda CRF125F?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 KTM 125 SX has the edge in greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2021 Honda CRF125F stands out for lower seat height and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.