KTM RC 160 vs Bajaj Pulsar RS 200: Specs, Mileage, And Performance

KTM launched the new RC 160 in India. It is priced at Rs 1,85,000. In the sub-200cc sportbike segment, it rivals the Bajaj  Pulsar RS 200, which costs Rs 1,71,153 (Both prices are ex-showroom, Delhi). We compare them to find the better sportbike among them:

Engine

Here, the Bajaj Pulsar wins with its outright performance. It makes around 5PS more than the KTM RC 160, which should also translate to better acceleration and cruising speeds.

We have already experienced the 199cc motor and it is still quite popular among the buyers for its peppy character. The KTM also has enough power for the city as well as the highway, but from our experience on the 160 Duke, there are a few noticeable vibes in the higher revs. Also, we think that the KTM is a fantastic beginner bike, for someone looking at a motorcycle with just enough power but without the aggression of the RS 200.

Underpinnings

The KTM RC 160 has an upper hand here, at least on paper, with its inverted fork. It should theoretically improve the bike’s handling and braking performance, but you will need to wait further until we put it to a test against the RS200. 

The braking setup of both bikes is similar, along with similar section tyres, but we think the KTM would be a better bike here, as it also weighs less and has bigger brakes.

Dimensions

The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is a fundamentally bigger motorcycle than the KTM RC 160. It also is a lot more spacious, and lets you move around a bit to find your comfortable spot, making your rides easier and safer.

The KTM, on the other hand, has aggressive ergonomics, with low-set clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs, and a committed riding position. We think the KTM would be a better handler than the Bajaj with its more modern underpinnings and the proper sportbike dynamics.

In theory, the KTM should also be lighter on its feet due to its lower kerb weight. The 13.75-litre fuel tank should also provide the KTM with more range, as it would definitely return more mileage from its lower displacement engine when compared with the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 which has a slightly smaller one.

Features

The feature-set is more or less the same on both the bikes with everything that you’d expect in this segment. While RC only has switchable ABS, the RS has 3 ABS modes (Rain, Road, and Off-road) which modulate the level of ABS intervention. 

Price & Verdict

*(all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)

Which would you pick among these? It’s a hard question to ask when the Pulsar offers so much value for your money. It is Rs 15,000 cheaper than the KTM, and has better performance. The RS is known to have good road manners and be comfortable out on the highway. 

On the flipside, while the RC can be used on the streets, its track-oriented focus might require a bit of commitment to be used on an everyday basis. That said, we can expect the RC to be slightly more fun around the corners than the RS. 

In the end, if it’s outright performance you are looking for, the RS should be your pick. But if you don’t mind slightly lower specs but sharper handling, test ride the RC.