KTM RC 160 Spotted Testing, Upcoming Yamaha R15 Rival

KTM discontinued its 125 cc range of motorcycles a few months ago and introduced a new 160 cc engine that will spawn a new range of models. The first model in the 160 cc series was the KTM 160 Duke launched in August this year. The next bike in this range will be the KTM RC 160 which is currently in its testing phase.

A test mule of the upcoming RC 160 has been spied once again. Upon launch, the new offering will be the most affordable fully-faired KTM on sale and will serve as a direct replacement for the KTM RC 125. The latest spy images reveal an uncamouflaged test mule of the new KTM RC 160 which looks similar to the bigger RC 200 and RC 390.

KTM RC 160 spied: What to expect?

The prototype in the latest images gets a substantial side fairing wrapped in KTM’s signature orange colour. The front apron wears the exact same look with a familiar LED headlight setup flanked by boomerang-shaped LED position lamps which double up as turn indicators. The overall design of the upcoming RC 160 is quintessential KTM with its sharp looks amplified by a split-style stepped seat, and a narrow tail section. The bike also shares the same alloy wheels and 5-inch LCD instrument console as the KTM 160 Duke.

In terms of features, the new KTM RC 160 is expected to receive a fully-digital LCD instrument panel with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation as standard. We also expect full LED illumination on the new RC 160. As seen in the images, the riding posture will be on the sportier side courtesy of the clip-on handlebars and rear-set foot pegs.

Mechanically, the KTM RC 160 will be identical to its naked sibling. It will be built on the same platform with a trellis frame and supported bolt-on rear subframe. Suspension duties will be carried out by an upside down front fork and a rear monoshock along with a cast aluminium swingarm. The RC 160 will most likely roll on 16-inch alloy wheels.

Powering the KTM RC 160 will be the same 164 cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine as the 160 Duke. This motor kicks out 19 bhp and 15.5 Nm of peak torque while being paired with a 6-speed gearbox. A bi-directional quick-shifter could also be offered, if not as standard then at least as an option, given the fact that its prime rival — Yamaha R15 — offers one.

As for pricing, we expect the KTM RC 160 to carry a price tag of around ₹1.8 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a perfect nemesis to the Yamaha R15 (₹1.70–1.95 lakh).

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