KTM is planning to replace the existing RC 125 and Duke 125 with new 160 versions of the RC and Duke in the Indian market
KTM India had recently discontinued the RC 125 and Duke 125 in the country due to poor sales. In fact, the upcoming OBD-2B emission norms was also one of the most prominent reasons behind axing the 125cc duo as the company didn’t intend to incur extra costs by updating these models. Now, it has been learnt that the brand will replace them with new 160cc bikes, i.e. RC 160 and Duke 160. Recently, our friends at Thrustzone captured a new RC motorcycle on camera during its rest runs and it is claimed to be the new RC 160.
KTM RC 125 and Duke 125 were positioned against the mighty duo of Yamaha R15 and MT 15 in the Indian market. While the Yamaha bikes are an absolute winner in this segment with average monthly sales of 20k+ units, the KTM bikes never really impressed the buyers due to their exorbitant price tag of Rs 1.81 lakh (Duke 125) and Rs 1.92 lakh (RC 125). Hence, the European two-wheeler is planning to introduce more powerful and potent 160cc motorcycles within the same price range.
A few days back, reportedly the all-new KTM RC 160 was spied in production-ready form with no camouflage whatsoever. The bike appeared almost launch-ready with graphics and other miscellaneous stuff, strengthening the claim that KTM is indeed ready with the replacement of RC 125 and Duke 125 in our country.
The spied unit flaunted a new multi-colored paint scheme with White at front and Black at rear while riding on Orange alloy wheels. Just so you know, the aforementioned unique colourway is not available with any RC bike in India – be it the RC 125, be it the RC 250 or be it the range-topping RC 390. In fact, a sticker reading ‘RC 160’ was embossed on the fairing of the spotted unit.
The new KTM 160 duo is expected to get a host of premium features in the form of USD front suspension, rear monoshock absorbers, twin disc brakes, dual-channel ABS, wider tyres and a quickshifter. The company could also equip the motorcycles with a slipper & assist clutch, traction control and a large TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity.
As far as mechanicals are concerned, both the Duke 160 and RC 160 could be offered with a new 160cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled petrol engine which could be developed using the 200cc engine. The max power output could be around 18 bhp while linked to a 6-speed transmission. Though Bajaj and KTM are yet to confirm this development.
