Comparison: KTM RC 200 vs Honda CBR250R

KTM- the leading European bike maker has finally launched the much anticipated- RC 200 and RC 390 in India. The RC 200 is the only 200cc faired machine in the market, however, its price and specs are near to the Honda CBR250R, which is already available in the market. So, let's see, which of these two has more potential to lead the segment by a quick comparison.

Styling:

KTM RC 200 has been designed like a proper track machine with supersport styling, inspired by the RC 8R. The bike gets an aerodynamic full body fairing, masculine fuel tank, sleek rear panels for bare-bone styling, split seat with high positioned pillion seat, large wind shield and twin projector headlamps, which provides and aggressive look and seating position. The bike gets racing inspired graphic and the under belly exhaust, which has been integrated beautifully with the engine cowl.

Honda CBR250R is inspired by the sport touring machine- VFR1200F, which looks more practical. The bike gets all the features of the supersport styling including full body fairing, muscular fuel tank, split seat, transparent wind shield, aggressive headlight with positioning lamps and sporty muffler. However, the things are positioned to provide an ergonomic posture for long runs.

Engine and Performance:

KTM RC 200 houses the same 199.5cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve DOHC engine, which also powers the 200 Duke. Using Electronic fuel injection system, the engine is capable to churn out 25bhp of maximum power at 10,000rpm along with a peak torque of 19.2Nm at 8,000rpm. It comes mated with a 6-speed gearbox and uses forced oil lubrication.

Powering the Honda CBR250R is a 249cc motor of the similar configuration, which comes mated to a smooth 6-speed gearbox. The engine uses a fuel injection system and a viscous paper filter to deliver a maximum power of 26bhp at 8,500rpm and a top torque of 22.9Nm at 7,000rpm.

Chassis:

Bolted on a light tubular space frame KTM RC 200 comes with 43mm inverted forks at the front and a WP monoshock suspension at the rear. Running on wide 110/70 front and 150/60 MRF rubber. The bike gets a 300mm disc with 4-pot caliper at the front, while the rear gets a 230mm disc with the single-pot caliper.

Honda CBR250R has been assembled on a Twin Spar type frame with 37mm telescopic forks at the front and Pro-link suspension at the rear. The bike gets 110/70 front and 140/60 rear tubeless tyres on its 17” alloys. The front and rear wheels come equipped with a 296mm and a 220mm disc brake respectively along with optional ABS assistance.

Price:

KTM has priced the RC 200 very aggressively in India. With best quality and technology in the segment, this perfect entry level track machine comes at Rs. 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

CBR250R comes with the trust of Honda and it is offered in 5 different models- Sports Red / Black Color-STD, Pearl Sunbeam White -STD, Sports Red / Black Color-ABS, Pearl Sunbeam White -ABS and CBR 250R REPSOL -ABS, and priced between Rs. 1.52 – 1.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

KTM RC 200 and Honda CBR250R Spec Comparison: