KTM India has just launched their most affordable supersport motorcycle in the form of RC 160. Based on 160 Duke, this new motorcycle is priced at Rs 1.85 lakh (Ex-sh) and it currently lacks a TFT screen variant, which was recently launched with its street naked sibling. At that displacement class, RC 160 primarily rivals Yamaha R15.
However, at the launch price of Rs 1.85 lakh, RC 160 falls in the ring with Hero’s Karizma XMR 210. Karizma also comes with similar supersport ethos, premium cycle parts and modern technology and caters to ‘no replacement for displacement’ audience. In this thorough comparison, here’s how KTM RC 160 fares against the other two.
KTM RC 160 vs Rivals Compared
Starting with their prices, KTM RC 160 is the most expensive, while R15 has base variants without LED blinkers, TFT screen and quickshifter starting from Rs 1.66 lakh (Ex-sh). R15M with these attributes start from Rs 1.81 lakh (Ex-sh). Karizma XMR 210 offers USD forks, TFT screen, LED lighting and other attributes for Rs 1.84 lakh (Ex-sh) while packing a larger engine.
Speaking of engine, Karizma has the largest at 210cc and it offers the highest performance at 25.15 bhp and 20.4 Nm, followed by RC 160 and R15. Also, Karizma is the only one with the more sophisticated DOHC setup, while RC 160 and R15 get simpler and more cost effective SOHC setup. All are liquid-cooled mated to a slipper clutch and a 6-speed gearbox.
Only R15M gets slipper clutch, while other two completely miss out on it completely. Karizma is the only one to get adaptive headlights and a tiny adjustment for the windscreen. It even has the longest wheelbase, but lowest ground clearance. Highest ground clearance is R15, but it weighs the least at 141 kg, where RC 160 weighs 155 kg and Karizma at 163.5 kg.
Which is the best-equipped?
Despite the heft, Karizma XMR 210 packs the highest power-to-weight ratio at 153.8 bhp/ton, followed by R15 at 128.36 bhp/ton and finally RC 160 with 120.64 bhp/ton. RC 160 has the largest fuel tank, which buyers will appreciate and it also gets widest front tyre at 110-section and the largest brakes.
All three bikes get USD telescopic front forks as standard fitment and rear mono-shock. At this price point, adjustable suspension is not offered with any supersport offering in India. Only the R15 still offers halogen indicators and LCD cluster as standard while LED blinkers and TFT cluster is part of R15M. Karizma XMR offers both as standard, while RC 160 currently misses out on a TFT cluster completely. All three vehicles get Bluetooth connectivity along with turn-by-turn navigation. Only Karizma offers a USB port, albeit a Type-A one.
