KTM RC160 Confirmed For India: Yamaha R15 Challenger Launching Soon
KTM has officially confirmed the launch of its all-new RC160, marking its entry into the competitive 160cc sports bike category. Scheduled to debut in October 2025, the RC160 reflects a significant change in strategy for the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer. Until now, KTM has stayed out of this volume-heavy segment, focusing on higher-displacement motorcycles. With the RC160, the company is set to take on popular offerings like the Yamaha R15 V4, and Suzuki Gixxer SF.
The RC160 replaces KTM's struggling 125cc offerings - the RC125 and Duke 125 - which were phased out earlier in 2025. Sales of these entry-level models had sharply declined, with just over 1,000 units sold in a ten-month span. The move to a larger 160cc platform addresses long-standing performance gaps, particularly when compared to rivals that offered more power at similar price points.
Market expectations suggest that the RC160 will generate between 19 and 20 horsepower, giving it a noticeable edge over the Yamaha R15 V4’s 18.4 hp. This power hike is expected to be one of the key draws for buyers seeking a fast, nimble, and accessible sports bike.
Underpinnings Borrowed From RC200
The RC160 shares much of its understructure with the existing RC200, helping KTM keep development and manufacturing costs under control. A steel trellis frame, 17-inch alloys, and WP suspension components - upside-down forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear - carry over to the new model. These shared elements allow KTM to maintain the sporty ride and handling characteristics its bikes are known for.
At the heart of the RC160 is a downsized version of the 200cc single-cylinder engine seen in the RC200. While liquid-cooling and fuel injection are retained, the engine has been reworked to bring down displacement to around 160cc. Engineers have reportedly focused on retaining the high-revving nature of the larger engine while ensuring better torque delivery suited to stop-and-go urban traffic.
The RC160 also receives braking hardware suitable for a performance bike in this class. It comes with disc brakes at both ends [320mm at the front and 230mm at the rear] supported by dual-channel ABS. This setup ensures reliable stopping power while keeping rider safety in focus.
Design, Features, And Pricing
Visually, the RC160 fits neatly into KTM's sports bike family, with its sharp, angular fairing, LED headlamp setup, and aggressive riding posture. The design shares cues with the RC200 and RC390, maintaining brand continuity. The ergonomics appear to prioritise a sporty stance while still being manageable for daily use.
KTM is expected to keep the pricing in the ₹1.8 to ₹1.9 lakh range (ex-showroom), placing the RC160 right in the mix with its Japanese and Indian competitors. The brand is also leveraging its existing RC200 production line in India to manufacture the RC160, helping it achieve cost efficiencies and potentially more aggressive pricing than rivals.
The company has been preparing its dealer network ahead of launch with training sessions and marketing support. Pre-launch bookings are set to begin in September, which gives KTM a chance to assess interest and adjust production targets accordingly.
Timing And Competition
Launching the RC160 during the festive season is a calculated move. Motorcycle sales traditionally peak around this time in India, and KTM is clearly positioning the RC160 to capture a share of that demand.
The entry of the RC160 also aligns with KTM’s broader strategy to consolidate its position in lower-displacement, high-volume categories, especially after the underwhelming performance of its 125cc line-up. The king of this segment - Yamaha R15 - is KTM's target!
Spyshots suggest that the RC160 delivers the sporty character KTM fans expect while improving on areas like daily usability and value. If the final production model stays true to these previews, the RC160 could find strong appeal among younger riders seeking a performance-focused but manageable motorcycle.