It is no surprise that after the launch of the 160 Duke in India, KTM is working on its supersport version, the RC 160. This bike has recently been seen during testing in the country. Just as the 160 Duke is the entry point into KTM’s Duke lineup, the RC 160 will also prove to be the most affordable model in the brand’s fully faired range.
Also read: KTM issues recall for 125, 250 and 390 Duke models worldwide
KTM RC 160: Spy Shot Details
The new spy pictures reveal a lot of its design, which looks very much like an RC. This also confirms that the RC 160 will have many similarities with the RC 200. It includes a larger fairing and the same headlight layout as the RC 200. The test bike was seen in orange and black, which is KTM’s signature paint option. Additionally, the design of the alloy wheels seems to be borrowed from the 160 Duke.
KTM RC 160: Expected Features
Talking about features, the RC 160 is likely to come with the same five-inch LCD display as the 160 Duke, Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. The RC 200 is also expected to get full LED lighting.
KTM RC 160 Engine
Although KTM has not confirmed these details, we do know that the RC 160 will use the same engine as the 160 Duke. In the Duke, the 164.2 cc single-cylinder SOHC engine produces 18.7 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 15.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. These figures are expected to remain almost unchanged in the RC variant.
KTM RC 160: Expected price and rivals
For reference, the current price of the RC 200 is Rs.2.15 lakh (ex-showroom). The RC 160 will sit below it in KTM’s supersport lineup and is likely to be priced around Rs. 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom). It is expected to be launched in the coming months, and after its launch, the RC will give a tough competition to the Yamaha R15.
