A couple of months after introducing the 160 Duke in India, KTM has now launched its fully faired sibling, the RC 160. The new model slots in below the RC 200 and RC 390, becoming the entry point into the brand's supersport line-up in our market.
- Entry-level model in the KTM RC range
- Rivals the Yamaha R15
- 164.2cc single-cylinder engine makes 19hp and 15.5Nm
KTM RC 160: All you need to know
Based on the same platform as the 160 Duke
The KTM RC 160 shares its 164.2cc liquid-cooled engine with the 160 Duke, producing an identical 19hp at 9,500rpm and 15.5Nm at 7,500rpm. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox featuring an assist-and-slipper clutch, and KTM mentions that the bike has a top speed of 118kph.
Suspension duties are handled by a 37mm USD fork and a monoshock. The bike shares its 110-section front and 140-section rear tyres on 17-inch wheels with the 160 Duke, and braking hardware such as the 320mm front disc and 230mm rear disc has been carried over as well. The RC 160 also features dual-channel ABS with a Supermoto mode.
The RC 160 gets all-LED lighting, including the headlamp, tail-lamp, indicators and an LCD instrument cluster. The 160 Duke was recently updated with a TFT screen, but that has not been announced as an option for the RC as yet. KTM is also yet to reveal the kerb weight for the RC, but given the additional extensive bodywork, it is expected to weigh a few kilograms more than the Duke’s 147kg kerb weight.
At Rs 1.85 lakh, the RC 160 is Rs 15,000 more expensive than the 160 Duke and also nearly Rs 19,000 more expensive than the Yamaha R15 (Rs 1.66 lakh), its most direct rival.
All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
