KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- KTM has officially launched the RC 160 in India at Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom).
- It undercuts some rivals on performance but skips a TFT display despite the premium pricing.
- The RC 160 targets buyers choosing between the R15, Karizma XMR, and fully-faired entry sport bikes.
KTM India has officially launched the RC 160, expanding its 160cc portfolio just days after the debut of the 160 Duke. While both motorcycles share the same engine and mechanical foundation, the RC 160 takes a sharper route with full fairing, sportier ergonomics, and track-inspired styling.
Dealerships had already begun receiving stock ahead of the announcement, but pricing confirmation now makes things clear. The RC 160 enters the market at Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it firmly above the 160 Duke and right in the firing line of popular supersport rivals.
Pricing Strategy: Positioned Above the Duke
The RC 160 commands a noticeable premium over its naked sibling. It is priced Rs 14,500 higher than the base 160 Duke and Rs 6,000 more than the top Duke variant, even though it misses out on the Duke’s TFT instrument cluster.
Instead, KTM equips the RC 160 with an LCD console offering Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. Colour choices are limited for now, with just a single black-based paint scheme featuring orange and white accents, black alloy wheels, and prominent RC and READY TO RACE branding on the fairing.
| Motorcycle | Price (Ex-Showroom) | Engine | Power | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTM RC 160 | Rs 1.85 lakh | 164.2cc | 19 PS / 15.5 Nm | Full fairing, USD forks, dual ABS |
| Yamaha R15 V4 (Base) | Rs 1.66 lakh | 155cc | 18.4 PS / 14.2 Nm | TFT display, traction control |
| Yamaha R15 M | Rs 1.81 lakh | 155cc | 18.4 PS / 14.2 Nm | TFT, quickshifter |
| Karizma XMR 210 | Rs 1.84 lakh | 210cc | 25.5 PS / 20.4 Nm | Bigger engine, TFT display |
Design Closely Mirrors the RC 200
Visually, the RC 160 is almost indistinguishable from the RC 200. The sharp fairing, aggressive LED headlamp, sculpted fuel tank, and tail section carry over directly. KTM has clearly leaned on its bigger sibling’s design to give the RC 160 a proper big-bike presence.
Hardware highlights include an orange trellis frame, 17-inch alloy wheels, split seats, clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs, and fairing-mounted mirrors. Suspension duties are handled by USD front forks, while braking is taken care of by a 320 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc, paired with dual-channel ABS offering Road and Supermoto modes.
Same Engine as the 160 Duke, Tuned for Sporty Use
Powering the RC 160 is the familiar 164.2cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine shared with the 160 Duke. It produces 19 PS of power and 15.5 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and slipper clutch.
The motor is known for its free-revving nature and strong top-end pull, traits that should suit the RC 160’s sporty riding posture. Wide tyres — 110-section at the front and 140-section at the rear — further support its cornering-focused intent.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
In the 150–160cc fully-faired segment, the RC 160’s closest rival remains the Yamaha R15. However, pricing puts KTM in a tricky spot. The RC 160 is Rs 18,800 more expensive than the R15 V4 base variant and Rs 3,900 higher than the R15 M, which already includes a TFT display and bi-directional quickshifter.
Things get even more interesting when compared to the Karizma XMR 210. Despite being just Rs 856 cheaper, the KTM offers a smaller engine and fewer features than the Hero, which packs significantly more power and torque.
Verdict: Sharp Machine, Tough Price Point
The KTM RC 160 delivers strong styling, proven mechanicals, and proper supersport ergonomics. It looks every bit like a track-ready machine and carries KTM’s performance-focused DNA.
That said, its pricing places it in a narrow gap between feature-rich rivals and higher-capacity motorcycles. Buyers drawn to design and handling may still lean towards the RC 160, but value-focused riders will likely think twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KTM RC 160 more powerful than the Yamaha R15?
Yes. The RC 160 produces 19 PS, which is slightly higher than the R15’s 18.4 PS, though the difference on the road may be marginal.
Does the KTM RC 160 get a TFT display?
No. It uses an LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth and navigation. A TFT-equipped variant may be introduced later.
Is the RC 160 suitable for daily riding?
It can be used daily, but the aggressive riding posture and clip-on handlebars make it more suited for spirited rides than relaxed commuting.
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