Honda XL 125 vs DKW RT 125 E (1978)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda XL 125stacks up against the DKW RT 125 E. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHonda XL 125DKW RT 125 E
Model year19781973
Price
Engine124 cc124 cc
Horsepower10 hp17 hp
Fuel capacity1.6 L2.8 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed6-speed
Front brakesExpanding brakeExpanding brake
Rear brakesExpanding brakeExpanding brake
Tires2.75-21 / 3.50-18 2.75-17 / 3.00-17

Honda XL 125 vs DKW RT 125 E — which should you buy?

Picking between the Honda XL 125 and the DKW RT 125 E usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda XL 125 brings 10 hp, while the DKW RT 125 E counters with 17 hp.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: