The departure of the 125 cc Duke as well as the RC led the hardcore fans of KTM into a gloomy state. Being receptive to it the brand has now shared the plans to resurrect the beginner bike segment with the addition of new 160cc new bikes. Since the 125 cc were directed towards the beginner’s the new 160cc bikes would be too.
As per a exclusive by Autocar the brand has been planning to develop new 160cc bikes that can easily replace the outgoing models. KTM does not have any other 160cc bike in the segment in the international markets. Hence these new bikes would be specifically designed for the Indian Market.
While the 125 cc RC as well as Duke were inspired by the rightful need of new beginner riders the bikes were overshadowed by the presence of much more powerful and better performing R15. The formidable Cult following of the R15 moniker led the KTM’s to follow up behind.
New Duke and RC 160- What to Expect
As per the exclusive by Auto Car it has become apparent that the new 160c bike would be based on the existing 200c chassis, and would provide the users with a much more affordable companion than the superior 200 or 250 cc segment bikes.
Being based on the same design the bike would be using a similar trellis frame chassis as that of the 200cc variant and beyond that the suspension set up would be similar to. The new bikes would most probably have a pair of upside down forks with a rear monoshock at the rear.
KTM 160 Duke And RC 160 Engine Details
Since the 200 cc superior would be the blueprint for the new bike it has become apparent that the new bike would be using 200 Duke’s engines design and as per the brand it seems that the engine would produce around 19-20 Bhp. This would be significant step up from the current KTM 125 cc motor which only makes 14.5 BHP. This would help the new bike be much more powerful than that of the R15’s 18.4 Bhp power figure.
The Duke And Rc 160 Against Its Competitors
| Comparison | KTM Duke /RC 160 | Yamaha R15 150 | MT-05 | Bajaj Pulsar NS160 | Yamaha Fz, F1, V4 160 | TVS Apache Rtr 160 4v |
| Engine | Na | 155cc Single Cylinder Engine | 155 cc Single Cylinder Engine | 164.82 CC Single cylinder engine | 149cc, Single Cylinder Engine | 159.7 CC Single Cylinder Engine |
| Performance | Around 18.4 Bhp Expected | 18.1 Bhp@ 10,000 Rpm/ 14.2 Nm Peak Torque @7500 Rpm | 18.1 Bhp@ 10,000 Rpm/ 14.2 Nm Peak Torque @7500 Rpm | 16.68 BHP @8750 Rpm, 14.6 Nm @ 6750 RPM | 12.2 bhp @ 7250 Rpm and 13.3 Nm @ 5500 Rpm | 17.31 Bhp @ 9250 Rpm And 14.73 Nm @ 7250 Rpm |
| Suspension | Upside down forks with A Monoshock at the rear – Expected | Upside Down Forks, (Rear)Linked Type Monocross Suspension | Upside Down Forks, (Rear)Linked Type Monocross Suspension | Telescopic, 31mm ( rear) Monoshock With Nitrox | Telescopic Fork, (Rear) 7 step Adjustable Monocross Suspension | Telescoipc Suspension upfront and Monoshcok Suspension at the rear |
| Rider Aids | Dual Channel ABS- With | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS |
| Price -Ex Showroom | Rs- 1,84,459 | Rs 1, 70,086 | Rs- 1,22,972 | Rs 1,23,484 | Rs 1,23,669 |
The New 160 cc versions could be launched before the festive season.
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