KTM has officially expanded its RC portfolio in India with the introduction of the RC 160. Positioned as an entry-point for aspiring track riders, the new model combines the manufacturer’s signature trellis frame architecture with a new liquid-cooled powertrain designed to compete in the premium 160cc segment.
The KTM RC 160 enters the Indian market with an introductory price of ₹1,85,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
At the core of the RC 160 is a 164.2 cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC single-cylinder engine. Utilising electronic fuel injection, the power plant is tuned for a high-revving character suitable for closed-circuit riding.
Maximum Power: 19 HP at 9,500 rpm.
Peak Torque: 15.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm.
Redline: 10,200 rpm.
Transmission: 6-speed gearbox equipped with an assist and slipper clutch.
Top Speed: Rated at 118 km/h.
Following the design language of the larger RC 200 and RC 390, the RC 160 utilizes a full-faired sport design built around a trellis frame. The suspension setup is oriented toward precision handling, featuring 37mm inverted front forks and a rear monoshock.
The motorcycle sits on 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tires, measuring 110/70-17 at the front and 140/60 R17 at the rear. Braking is handled by a substantial 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc, governed by a dual-channel ABS system.
The RC 160 incorporates a CAN-enabled electronic system and features a Supermoto Mode for the dual-channel ABS, allowing riders more control over the rear wheel during aggressive maneuvers.
Lighting: All-LED system, including the headlamp, tail-lamp, and indicators.
Instrumentation: LCD instrument cluster with navigation support available on the TA variant.
Fuel Capacity: 13.75-liter metal fuel tank.
Ergonomics: Sporty split handlebars and race-ready dynamics.
The RC 160 is a strategic move by the Bajaj-KTM partnership to capture the youth segment in India, which is currently KTM’s largest global market. By offering factory racing-inspired dynamics in a sub-200cc package, KTM aims to provide a technical “gateway” for riders transitioning into competitive motorcycling.
Mercedes-Benz India has closed FY 2025-26 with its strongest sales performance on record, 19,363 units…
Mercedes-AMG has launched two new performance cars in India, the AMG A45 S 4MATIC+ Aero Track…
When India’s GST 2.0 reshaped motorcycle taxes last year, most brands scrambled to adapt. Triumph…
As part of its "Thirty Years in India" celebration, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has…
We drove the Lotus Emeya on the roads of Kozhikode, and it feels like nothing…
We drove the all-new Golf GTI Mark 8.5 at NATRAX in Indore, India's premier automotive…