New KTM Faired Bike Spied: Is It The KTM RC 160?

[UPDATE: We have new exclusive spy shots of the KTM RC 160, check them out here]

Quick Highlights:

• Upcoming KTM sports bike spotted testing in India

• It is most likely the RC 160 and it is expected to replace the RC 125 in KTM's lineup

• After launch, it’ll be the most affordable KTM until the Duke 160 arrives

There have been rumors circulating that KTM is developing an RC 160 and a 160 Duke. And now a new faired bike has been spotted testing. The person who took these spy shots claims that the motorcycle seen in the pictures had an RC 160 badging on the fairing. Also, the white colour scheme on the bike is unlike any other RC models in KTM's lineup. These details confirm that the bike spotted testing is the upcoming RC 160 and that KTM's plans for the sub-160cc segment are in motion. The RC 160 will most likely replace the KTM RC 125 in the manufacturer's lineup.

What the Spy Shots Reveal

The motorcycle gets the similar, aggressive styling as seen on other KTM RC motorcycles but with different a paint scheme and graphics. The motorcycle does look quite good with the white paint scheme, making it look very attractive. The familiar RC design along with the attractive paint schemes will help the RC 160 attract a lot of first-time buyers.

What Can Be Expected 

The upcoming RC 160 could be powered by a downsized version of the RC 200’s engine which produces 25PS and 19.2Nm. The new 160cc motor is expected to produce around 20PS and 14-15Nm. In comparison, the KTM RC 125 makes 14.5PS and 12Nm. The expected power figures will help the RC 160 put up a good fight against its competition.

The underpinnings are most likely to be the same as the RC 200 which gets a split trellis frame along with an inverted fork and monoshock setup. The RC 200 also gets a premium cast- aluminium swing arm along with 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends. For braking duties, the RC 160 should get Bybre calipers, along with a disc brake at both ends. Like all other KTMs, the RC 160 is also expected to get an all-LED lighting setup along with an LCD display as seen on the RC 200. It is also expected to get a switchable dual-channel ABS setup.

Expected Price

The Upcoming KTM RC 160 is expected to be priced around the Rs 1.80-1.90 lakh (ex-showroom) mark and will likely be launched by the end of 2025. Its main rival will be the Yamaha R15 V4. Another air-cooled faired alternative will be the Suzuki Gixxer SF 150. A liquid cooled alternative for the same price with a slightly bigger engine will be the Hero Karizma XMR 210. Also, there are high chances that the Duke 160 could also be launched alongside the RC.  

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