2022 KTM RC 200: Review In Images

While the new looks received mixed opinions, can the new RC 200’s performance get a hurrah?

Just a few days after the official launch of the 2022 RC 200, KTM invited us over to have a go astride it at Bajaj’s Chakan-based test track. As expected, we put it through its paces, and here’s what we think of the new RC 200. 

While the bike looks quite polarising in pictures, it certainly started growing on us when we saw it in person. The new LED headlight, side profile and tail section look pretty good. However, the transparent visor seems to be a bit out of the bike’s element. But you can fix that by adding a dark smoke coating over it. 

The switches are quite similar to the older model, but the overall levels of quality and finish are way better. The side panels, too, feel sturdier and the paint finish is also commendable. 

The 2022 KTM RC 200 certainly feels more accommodating despite the committed riding position. The clip-on bars are set 14.5mm higher than before, and also angled a bit outwards. 

At 835mm, the seat height remains unchanged. However, thanks to the slim midsection, shorter riders will now find it easier to get a firm footing on the new bike. Also, with the new subframe, the seat is not only roomier but also quite flat, thereby offering enough mobility for heavy-set riders to move around. Not to mention the lovely Alcantara leather-like covers. 

The 13.7-litre fuel tank is larger and quite wide as well. Its shape lets you grip the tank firmly when needed. 

For its latest iteration, the KTM RC 200 carries over the same 199.7cc liquid-cooled motor from its predecessor, with the same output as well -- 25PS and 19.2Nm. But thanks to the larger airbox, the bike now breathes 40 percent more air than before and gets a meaty torque curve as well. Especially at the mid range. Besides, the curved radiator, which is a claimed 10 percent larger, means the engine will run a bit cooler as well

The performance on offer is quite tractable, so you can enter a corner in a higher gear, while still having enough drive for a rapid exit. 

The vibrations too have been reduced to a notable extent. However, at around 8000rpm as you approach 100kmph, you may feel mild vibes creeping in from the handlebar, pegs and fuel tank. 

We managed to clock a speedo-indicated 140kmph at the test track with the rider weighing about 96kg (in full gear). That said, it certainly seemed to be the bike’s limit, and any more push may not help you squeeze a higher top speed.  

KTM claims to have shed 3.5kg from the wheels and about a kilo from the new brake setup. This reduction of the unsprung mass has made the 2022 KTM RC 200 even more agile than its predecessor. 

The front fork now gets 10mm more travel. The overall suspension and chassis combination now inspires more confidence during corners. 

KTM has equipped the 2022 RC 200 with a larger 320mm disc brake up front. However, the initial bite isn’t quite as aggressive and you’d end up squeezing the lever a fair bit. 

The MRF Revz-C1 tyres are also a weak link here. The grip levels are certainly not up to the mark and doesn’t compliment the bike’s potential. 

At an introductory price of Rs 2.09 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the 2022 RC 200 is quite a bit expensive than its competition -- the Yamaha YZF-R15M (Rs 1.77 lakh) and the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250(Rs 1.84 lakh). However, neither of them offer the kind of utility, punchy performance and sharp handling, that too all at once, as the new RC 200 does.