Costs Rs 18,800 more than the Yamaha R15 base variant
Quick Highlights:
Cost Rs 14,453 more than the KTM 160 Duke
Gets the same 164.2cc liquid-cooled engine as 160 Duke
Will compete with the Yamaha R15 V4
KTM India has launched the KTM RC 160 in the country. At a price of Rs 1,85,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), it is Rs 14,455, more expensive than the base variant of the KTM 160 Duke, on which it is largely based. With this motorcycle, KTM is clearly aiming to strengthen its presence in the entry-level supersport segment, which has been dominated by the Yamaha R15 V4.
The KTM RC 160 draws styling inspiration from its bigger siblings, especially the KTM RC 200. It gets a sharp full-fairing, aggressive LED headlamp, a sporty tail section, and a committed riding stance that gives it a proper race-bike-like feel. Compared to the naked 160 Duke, the RC 160 looks more focused and track-oriented, appealing directly to enthusiasts who prefer fully faired sport bikes. That means it will not be as comfortable as the Duke 160, so if you're someone who commutes in heavy traffic, you might want to factor this in as well.
Powering the new KTM RC 160 is the same 164.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine as in the 160 Duke. This motor produces around 19PS, 15.5Nm, and comes paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The engine is known for its refinement and rev-happy nature, making it well-suited for both spirited riding and daily use.
Under the skin, the RC 160 shares its steel trellis frame, and suspension setup with the 160 Duke. Braking is taken care of by a large 320mm front, and a 230mm rear disc brake setup. The bike runs on 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends, similar to the Duke, with a 110-section front and a 140-section rear tyre. Feature-wise too, the RC 160 mirrors the 160 Duke, offering modern electronics like a 5-inch LCD console with smartphone connectivity, call alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation, as seen on the base 160 Duke.
BikeDekho Says
In conclusion, the KTM RC 160 is clearly designed to take on Yamaha R15 fans head-on. The older RC 125 was often seen as overpriced for what it offered, but the new RC 160 feels like a far more balanced and competitive package. The KTM RC160 and the R15 are the only faired bikes in India in the 150-160cc segment with a liquid-cooled engine. The Suzuki Gixxer SF150 is the nearest alternative, but it gets less powerful air-cooled engine. Interestingly, at this price point, it sits closer to the more powerful Suzuki Gixxer SF 250, than the Suzuki Gixxer SF (155cc). That said, while the Suzuki Gixxer SF250 is much more powerful, it now feels slightly dated in terms of technology and features.
In a related development, KTM recently launched a TFT variant of the 160 Duke, with a fairly big premium over the Duke 160 base variant. The brand also launched new paint schemes for the 390 Duke and the 250 Duke in the international market.