EXCLUSIVE: KTM RC 160 Spotted Testing Ahead Of Launch

Quick News Highlights:

• The bike looks almost production ready

• It will directly compete with the Yamaha R15 V4

• Pricing expected to be around Rs 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom)

We have spotted the upcoming KTM RC 160 being tested once again, and this time around it did not have any camouflage. This pre-production bike indicates that the bike is close to being launched.

Design And Styling

The RC 160 looks identical to the rest of the KTM RC bikes family that includes the 200, 390, and the  now discontinued 125. In fact, the RC 160 is meant to be a replacement to the RC 125. They all have a distinct faring design that’s been inspired by the 1190 RC8. They all share the vertical tail lamp and section, mirrors, even the 5-spoke alloy wheels (also on KTM Duke bikes like the 160, 250, and 390).

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Engine And Powertrain

The RC 160 will share its engine with its naked streetfighter sibling – the KTM 160 Duke. It will be in the same tune as the Duke (19PS and 15.5Nm), but sprocketing changes are expected – the rear might get a lesser tooth one for better top speed and top-end performance. The 6-speed gearbox with the slip-and-assist will also carry over, but it remains to be seen whether KTM equips the RC with a quickshifter or not. Its main rival, the Yamaha R15 V4 comes with an up-only quickshifter in select variants or as an option.

Underpinnings

As above, even components like the trellis frame, 37mm inverted fork, pre-load adjustable monoshock, lightweight alloys, and large 320mm front disc – are all expected to be shared with the 160 Duke. What will be different though will be the lower clip-on handlebars, seat height, riding posture, and footpeg positioning – like the other RCs. So, this bike is expected to have a fairly sporty riding posture - something you may want to keep in mind if you’re using primarily for daily commutes as it may not be that comfortable.

Features And Technology

From the spy shots, we can clearly see the LCD console (again from the baby Duke). It displays the speed, rpm, gear position, shift light, distance-to-empty, average speed, overall mileage and real-time mileage. This KTM bike will also have all-LED lights, and we also hope it gets ABS modes (rear on/off), and the Bluetooth module with turn-by-turn navigation as an optional accessory hopefully for the same price as the Duke ( Rs 5,000).

BikeDekho Says

If the Duke 160 is anything to go by, even the RC 160 should turn out to be a fun pocket-rocket like it. While the RC 125 was a little too expensive for what it offered, the upcoming RC 160 has a lot of potential if KTM manages to price the bike as per our expectations. With the 160, fans might be tempted to answer the call of the blue orange.