KTM’s entry-level fully faired motorcycle gets its second price revision, making the RC 160 considerably more expensive than when it was launched
KTM has increased the price of the RC 160 in India. The entry-level RC has become more than Rs 15,000 more expensive, pushing its ex-showroom price beyond the Rs 2 lakh mark. The price hike comes just months after the motorcycle was launched in India at Rs 1.85 lakh.
The KTM RC 160 now costs Rs 2,00,311 (ex-showroom), up from Rs 1,84,998 previously. That’s an increase of Rs 15,313. The RC 200 has also become more expensive, although its hike is considerably smaller at Rs 7,411.
There are no mechanical changes associated with this price revision. The RC 160 continues with the same 164.2 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 19 PS at 9,500 rpm and 15.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. A six-speed gearbox continues to handle transmission duties.
Model | Old Price | New Price | Price Hike |
| KTM RC 160 | Rs 1,84,998 | Rs 2,00,311 | Rs 15,313 |
| KTM RC 200 | Rs 2,24,267 | Rs 2,31,678 | Rs 7,411 |
The hardware remains one of the RC 160’s stronger points. It gets 37 mm inverted front forks, a rear monoshock, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc, along with dual-channel ABS. There is also a Supermoto mode, assist and slipper clutch, full-LED lighting and a 13.75-litre fuel tank. The RC 160 also gets KTM’s familiar aggressive styling, closely resembling its larger RC siblings. The motorcycle weighs 155 kg, while KTM claims a top speed of 118 kmph. Depending on the version, navigation support is also available.
KTM had introduced two additional colour options for the RC 160 in February, Electronic Orange Matte and Ceramic White Matte without increasing the price at the time. At the new price, however, the RC 160 enters a slightly awkward territory. It now costs more than Rs 2 lakh ex-showroom, while the motorcycle continues to use the same engine and equipment package. The Yamaha R15 V4, one of its primary competitors, starts at a lower price point, while KTM’s own RC 200 is now only about Rs 31,000 more expensive.
This is probably the biggest problem with the hike. The RC 160 was interesting because KTM managed to bring its aggressive RC styling and proper hardware to a price below Rs 2 lakh. At Rs 2.00 lakh-plus, that value proposition isn’t quite as strong anymore. The motorcycle itself hasn’t become any worse, but the price gap between it and the more powerful RC 200 has certainly become harder to ignore.
