KTM 160 Duke & RC 160 India Launch:
KTM will be on the verge of launching the all-new 160 Duke and RC 160 in India. These models are supposed to be new replacements for the present 125cc offering and will thus have greater power and configurations. The tentative time for the launch appears to be mid-2025, almost certainly ahead of the festive season.
Design and Features
The new KTM 160 Duke shall carry forward the styling cues of the second-generation Duke series having a resemblance from the 200 Duke. The RC 160, on the other hand, will carry the looks right from the RC 200 and RC 390. New body graphics and new options of colors will be introduced to set these two bikes apart from their elder siblings.
Engine and Performance
The imminent KTM160s will be powered by a single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine adapted from the 200cc platform. The probable power rating would be around 19-20 hp, thereby placing these motorcycles between the outgoing 125cc (14.5 hp) and present 200cc (25 hp) models. Hence, this configuration will thus make the KTM 160 with more power than Yamahas 155cc bikes rated at 18.4 hp.
Chassis and Hardware
Both motorcycles will have a steel trellis frame with:
43mm USD front forks
Rear mono-shock suspension
Standard Dual-channel ABS
LCD information centre
Pricing and Competition
What you should expect is that KTM 160 will go squarely against Yamaha’s MT-15 and R15 V4. Pricing is expected between Rs. 1.69 lakh to Rs. 2.1 lakh (ex-showroom). Given the premium positioning, KTM 160 Duke and RC 160 prices will not see the undercuts against its Yamaha counterparts.
Launch Timeline
KTM is likely to begin first with 160 Duke, with RC 160 coming next. It is also possible albeit remote that both models would be launched together.
