KTM RC 160 India Launch 2025—Full Specs & R15 Battle [Price Analysis]

KTM just dropped its smallest fully-faired bike in India. The RC 160 landed with a price tag of Rs 1.85 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. That’s Rs 6,000 more than the top-trim 160 Duke with the fancy TFT screen.

This one’s aimed squarely at riders who want supersport looks without the premium price. It sits below the RC 200 and RC 390 in KTM’s lineup, giving the Austrian brand a fresh entry card in the budget sportbike game.

What You’re Actually Getting

The RC 160 doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. Under the sharp bodywork sits the same 164.2 cc single-cylinder motor you’ll find in the 160 Duke. It’s liquid-cooled and puts out 18.73 bhp at 9,500 rpm with 15.5 Nm of torque arriving at 7,500 rpm. A six-speed gearbox handles the shifts, and there’s an assist-and-slipper clutch to keep things smooth under hard braking.

KTM claims a top speed of 118 kmph. Not earth-shattering, but honest for this displacement.

The bike rolls on 17-inch wheels wrapped in a 110-section front tire and a 140-section rear. Stopping power comes from a 320 mm disc up front and a 230 mm disc at the back, both working with dual-channel ABS that includes a Supermoto mode if you want to get playful.

Suspension is proper stuff for this class. You get 37 mm upside-down forks in front and a monoshock out back, all mounted to the same trellis frame that underpins the 160 Duke. The riding position is committed. Clip-ons and rear-set pegs mean you’re leaning forward, which is exactly what you’d expect from a bike wearing full fairings.

The Feature Story

Here’s where KTM made a choice that might confuse some buyers. The RC 160 gets all-LED lighting, which is great. But the instrument cluster is an LCD unit, not the TFT screen that recently showed up on the 160 Duke. For Rs 6,000 extra, you’re paying for the bodywork and the sportbike stance, not a screen upgrade.

Right now, there’s only one color option. Black with white and orange graphics. That’s it. KTM will probably roll out more choices later, but launch buyers don’t get options.

The Real Competition

This bike exists because of one machine: the Yamaha R15 V4. That bike runs between Rs 1.67 lakh and Rs 1.92 lakh depending on the variant. The R15 has been the default choice in this segment for years. It’s refined, well-built, and proven.

The KTM undercuts the top R15 variant slightly while bringing a different character. The R15 is smoother and more polished. The KTM feels rawer and more aggressive, even if the spec sheet doesn’t show a massive performance gap.

Is It Worth The Money Or Is There A Better Option?

Here’s the straight talk. If you want the most refined small sportbike, the R15 V4 still takes that crown. It’s been developed over multiple generations and Yamaha’s quality control is hard to beat.

But the RC 160 has appeal. That KTM badge carries weight. The bike looks serious, maybe even a bit intimidating from the right angle. The Supermoto ABS mode is a nice touch that the R15 doesn’t offer. And if you’re already in the KTM ecosystem or planning to move up through their RC range eventually, starting here makes sense.

The price positioning is fair. You’re not getting ripped off, but you’re also not getting a screaming bargain. The lack of a TFT screen at this price point stings a little when the naked version gets one for less money.

For buyers who prioritize looks and brand image over outright refinement, the RC 160 delivers. For those who want the best all-around package in this class, the R15 V4 is still the safer bet. Both are solid machines. Just depends what you value more.

Quick Spec Comparison

Monojit Paul

Monojit Paul is the founder and editor of techautohub.com. He covers India’s automotive industry, focusing on new launches, cars, bikes, and market trends.