KTM launches RC 160 race-focused sportbike, will compete with Yamaha R15

New Delhi. KTM has officially launched the RC 160, a fully faired entry-level sportbike. Its ex-showroom price has been kept at Rs 1.85 lakh. With this launch, KTM has made its race-focused RC family accessible to more people. The new RC 160 sits below the RC 200 and RC 390 and becomes the smallest of KTM’s supersport line-up and the company’s most affordable fully faired bike in India. In the Indian market, it will compete directly with Yamaha R15.

164.2 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine
The RC 160 has the same 164.2 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, which is also found in the 160 Duke. This engine generates 19 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 15.5 Newton-meter torque at 7,500 rpm. Its high-revving motor redlines up to 10,200 rpm and according to the company, its top speed is 118 kilometers per hour.

6-speed gearbox
For power transmission, it has a 6-speed gearbox, which comes with assist-and-slipper clutch. This technology is usually seen in big bikes. With the help of this clutch, downshifting is smooth and the rear wheel does not lock during fast braking, which is beneficial in sporty riding.

How is the look?
The RC 160 has sharp and aggressive styling like its larger RC models, making it look like a much bigger bike than its 164 cc capacity. The full fairing covers most of its chassis. Clip-on handlebars and compact tail section give it a track-oriented riding position that will appeal to young riders and those looking for a sportbike on a budget. Boomerang shaped daytime running lights with signature LED headlamps and LED lighting throughout the bike, giving it a big bike look.

These features are also present
Its chassis is built on a lightweight trellis frame, which is known for agility and precise handling. The suspension has 37 mm inverted front forks at the front and monoshock at the rear, which is tuned for sporty riding. For braking, a 320 mm disc is provided at the front and a 230 mm disc at the rear, which comes with dual-channel ABS and supermoto mode. Supermoto mode can control rear wheel slip for track-style riding. This feature is not usually found on entry-level bikes and shows KTM’s commitment to bringing track-ready hardware to the accessible segment.