KTM RC 160 Spotted Outside Bajaj Plant: Spicy Tech, Yamaha R15 Performance

If you bleed orange, there’s good news emerging from Bajaj’s Chakan manufacturing plant. KTM hasn’t had the best of times in the recent past and hence, the Austrian motorcycle brand has been desperate for a hit recipe. Enter Bajaj and its expertise in the small displacement category of motorcycles into KTM’s troubled business and voila, a superhit formula is born (or at least that’s what it seems to be). The KTM RC 160 and 160 Duke are roaring towards showrooms!

Such is the eagerness of KTM that one of those RC 160 test mules was spotted outside Bajaj’s Chakan plant on the outskirts of Pune. Even though the photograph is blurry, as is the case with every leaked image of an undisguised prototype in the world, there’s enough data to comprehend that this motorcycle has been honed to take on the menacing Yamaha R15. 

But why is the KTM RC 160 happening? Why does KTM need to do a mid-capacity motorcycle in 2025, especially for a busy market like India that’s ruled by 150-160cc class commuters? 

KTM RC 160 spotted: What we know so far

A couple of days ago, we came across rumours talking about a new entry-level series of motorcycles from KTM. It was said that Bajaj is working with KTM to develop a new 160cc engine platform that will underpin the Austrian brand’s newest entry-level motorcycles. A 160 Duke and RC 160 are expected to reach the KTM dealerships by mid-2025. 

Thanks to a report from Thrust Zone, we were able to see the first look at a test mule of RC 160. Even though the photo is blurry, it is easy to see what we can expect from this motorcycle. The RC 160 features bodywork similar to the RC 200, save for a different colour scheme. Split seats, committed riding posture, rear wheel hugger, a slim vertically positioned taillamp and wide-angle rearview mirrors (an accessory that most KTM riders don’t use) – this RC 160 has got it all. 

That said, the engine is rumoured to be an all-new unit. Bajaj is rumoured to downscale the 200cc mill from the RC 200/200 Duke, which will allow the motorcycle to generate a lot more power and torque compared to other 160cc motorcycles. This 4-valve engine is expected to produce a peak power of 18-19 PS and coupled with liquid cooling, it should take care of overheating issues when pushed to the limit. 

Such kind of performance profile should help the RC 160 to rival the segment-leading Yamaha R15 V4, thus giving KTM another chance to vouch for dominating the entry-level sports bike segment. 

The test mule was also spotted with goodies like dual-channel ABS, USD forks, slipper clutch and TVS ProTorq Extreme tyres. 

Where will RC 160 and 160 Duke fit in?

With rumours of KTM discontinuing the 125cc models (thanks to no one spending a bomb on these entry-level motorcycles), the new RC 160 and 160 Duke will form KTM’s entry-level offerings for the masses. The prices are expected to be competitive to the R15 and MT-15, thus offering a tempting alternative to the segment benchmarks. 

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