Preparing for the festive season debut: Insights on KTM's anticipated RC 160 model launch
The KTM RC 160, an upcoming motorcycle from the Austrian manufacturer, is expected to share a host of components and features with its naked sibling, the KTM 160 Duke. In a few weeks, the KTM RC 160 will launch as the most powerful 160 cc faired motorcycle in the country.
Shared Engine and Components
The KTM RC 160 will share the same engine as the KTM 160 Duke. This liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC engine has a displacement of 164.2 cc. It delivers approximately 19 horsepower (18.73 bhp) at 9,500 rpm and 15.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. The engine features fuel injection and a six-speed manual transmission with an assist-and-slipper clutch for smooth gear shifts.
Both the bikes share the same lightweight steel trellis frame, providing excellent rigidity and precise handling. Suspension includes premium WP components — 43 mm upside-down forks at the front and a preload adjustable WP monoshock at the rear, supporting sporty and stable ride dynamics.
Brakes and Safety
Both the KTM RC 160 and the KTM 160 Duke feature a 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc, equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard. The 160 Duke also offers a supermoto mode allowing the rear ABS to be disabled for controlled slides, a feature that may be present on the RC 160 as well.
Additional Components and Features
The KTM RC 160 will come with a digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity (5-inch display), supporting call and music alerts. It will also feature LED lighting and aggressive styling with bold graphics. The seat height is 815 mm, and the kerb weight is around 147 kg, making it nimble and beginner-friendly while retaining a sporty stance. The bike will have alloy wheels and ByBre braking hardware commonly used in KTM's lightweight models.
In summary, the KTM RC 160 is expected to carry forward the 160 Duke’s platform and core mechanicals but with styling and ergonomics suited for a sportier, fully-faired bike. The liquid-cooled 164.2 cc single-cylinder SOHC engine, WP suspension setup, premium brakes with dual-channel ABS, and lightweight trellis frame are the key shared attributes defining both models.
The KTM RC 160 and the KTM 160 Duke are expected to boost KTM's sales in a few quarters. Stay tuned for more updates on the KTM RC 160's official launch.
The KTM RC 160 and the KTM 160 Duke, both expected to boost KTM's sales, are anticipated to share the same liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC engine and lightweight steel trellis frame for precision handling. These sporty motorcycles will feature premium WP suspension, LED lighting, and a digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity.
