EXCLUSIVE: KTM RC 160 India Launch Confirmed

We broke the story that KTM is developing a new 160 cc platform and just a couple days ago also mentioned the launch confirmation for the KTM 160 Duke, and the same was later teased by KTM India. Now, we have got another exclusive for our readers, KTM will also be launching the RC 160 alongside the KTM 160 Duke later this month. While initially it was speculated that the KTM RC 160 will be launched next year, it seems KTM is in a rush and wants to capitalise on the upcoming festive season. 

The KTM RC 160 will be an India-specific motorcycle, which means Bajaj Auto has played a key role in its development and to a certain extent, it will be the first Made In India KTM as the other bikes were designed and engineered in Austria. The main reason for the development of the new KTM 160 cc offering is to take on the Yamaha R15 V4, which has had a free reign for over a decade. The KTM RC 160’s styling will be similar to the RC 200 and the RC 390, the styling of which can be described as polarizing at best. We were expecting the RC 160 to feature the same styling as the 2026 KTM RC 390, as one of the key reasons for the popularity of the R15 is its sporty design and visual appeal. 

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On the mechanical front, the RC 160 will feature the same 160 cc, single-cylinder and liquid-cooled engine as seen on the 160 Duke. This powerplant is basically a bored down version of the KTM RC 200 engine and we expect it to produce around 20 bhp and 15 Nm of torque. The bike will feature a 6-speed gearbox and a quickshifter should be offered as a standard fitment. The frame, suspension and braking hardware will also be carried forward from the RC 200 and with respect to handling dynamics the upcoming KTM bike should give the R15 a tough competition. 

The KTM RC 160 will be launched later this month alongside the 160 Duke. With respect to pricing, the KTM RC 160 should retail for around ₹2 lakh (ex-showroom).