KTM RC 160 spied testing in India; expected to launch in 2026 as a strong rival to Yamaha R15. KTM RC 160 will use the same 164cc engine from 160 Duke with premium features and supersport styling.
KTM RC 160 to Challenge R15 in 2026
Bajaj and KTM are increasing their competition in the high end 150 to 160 motorcycle category. Recently, the company has introduced KTM 160 Duke to compete with Yamaha MT-15, which is an expensive 150cc liquid-cooled street fighter. According to the same platform, KTM is currently targeting Yamaha R15 with a supersport version of 160 Duke that could be termed as RC 160. Let’s take a closer look
KTM RC 160 Spied Testing Details
KTM RC 160 Spied Testing It is because in September 2025, it was KTM that introduced 160 Duke in the country and has entered the premium street fighter segment where Yamaha MT-15 was leading. Currently Bajaj and KTM are planning to build new supersport motorcycle to compete with Yamaha R15 and R15M that has already become a cult in India due to its overall performance, styling and equipments. KTM had already indicated that there will be a supersport version of 160 Duke and it has been spotted testing in Indian roads in the shape of KTM RC 160. As usual, the new RC 160 follows the same design as the larger RCs and it will be placed lower in the company range of product than the RC 200, which replaces RC 125.
Design, Hardware & Riding Position of KTM RC 160
Spy shots depict a test mule being clad in a Black and Orange mixture. This colourway is USD forks and alloy wheels finished in Black. It receives a Trellis mainframe and bolt-on rear subframe as with its larger RC siblings. Other striking features are clip-on handlebars, fairing-mounted ORVMs and sculptured fuel tank. The sitting position of the rider, KTM RC 160 seems to take a committed riding position with lean on handle bars and rear-set footpegs. Some of the cycle parts are USD telescopic front forks, rear mono-shock, alloy 17 inch alloy wheels, fat tyres, large disc brakes at both ends which has the dual channel anti-braking system, split seat, split rear grab rails. What to expect? In terms of features, KTM RC 160 will receive a 5-inch fully digital LCD instrument cluster that has numerous features. One can also find it on 160 Duke and will help to connect via Bluetooth and have a turn-by-turn navigation. KTM RC 160 could also have a bi-directional quick-shifter considering that R15 has one.
Engine Specs & Expected Launch Timeline
This vehicle will be powered by the same 164cc single-cylinder DOHC 4V/cyl liquid-cooled engine with the capacity to produce 19 PS of maximum power and 15.5 Nm of maximum torque and powered by a slipper clutch and a 6-speed gearbox. Taking into account the appearance of production of this test mule, KTM RC 160 will probably be released at the beginning of 2026.
