KTM
KTM RC 160 specifications and features
Every figure from the manufacturer's sheet, plus what each feature actually does for you.
Engine and performance
The 164cc liquid-cooled engine makes 18.73 bhp and 15.5 Nm through a 6 Speed. With a kerb weight of 155 kg that is 121 bhp per tonne, 41th best power-to-weight of the 73 bikes in this class we have reviewed.
Peak power is high relative to torque, so this engine rewards revs: it feels ordinary below the mid-range and comes alive above it.
Full specification sheet
Engine
- Engine
- 164.2 cc
- Engine type
- 1 Cylinder, Liquid Cooled
- Power
- 18.7 bhp
- Torque
- 15.5 Nm
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Transmission
- 6 Speed
Electric
- Top speed
- 118 km/h
Dimensions
- Kerb weight
- 155 kg
- Fuel tank
- 13.7 L
- Seat height
- 830 mm
- Ground clearance
- 168 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1347 mm
- Length
- 1965 mm
- Width
- 701 mm
- Height
- 1150 mm
Brakes & suspension
- Front brake
- Disc, 320 mm, 2 piston caliper
- Rear brake
- Disc, 230 mm, 1 piston caliper
- ABS / CBS
- Dual Channel ABS
- Front suspension
- Inverted Telescopic Fork, 37mm dia
- Rear suspension
- Double rate, Canister Mono shox.- 6 steps (Adjuster Slots)
Tyres
- Front tyre
- 110/70-17
- Rear tyre
- 140/60-R17
Source: KTM official specifications. Figures can differ between variants; the table shows the range offered.
Dimensions in practice
The RC 160 weighs 155 kg with fluids, has an 830 mm seat, 168 mm of ground clearance, and rides on a 1347 mm wheelbase. Clearance is average for the class.
The fuel tank holds 13.7 litres.
Tyres are 110/70-17 front and 140/60-R17 rear, tubeless.
Features, and why each matters
Grouped by what they do for you. Underlined items link to a plain-English explainer.
Safety and braking
Stops both wheels from locking under panic braking. The single biggest safety upgrade on a two-wheeler.
Front disc brake
Sheds heat and works when wet. Worth the small premium over a drum on any commuter.
Rear disc brake
Adds feel and fade resistance at the back; matters more on heavier or faster bikes.
Tubeless tyres
A puncture deflates slowly instead of instantly, and roadside repair takes ten minutes.
Side-stand engine cut-off
Engine will not run with the stand down, which prevents a common low-speed crash.
Chassis
Alloy wheels
Lighter than spoked wheels and they allow tubeless tyres.
USD front forks
Stiffer than conventional forks, so the front feels planted under hard braking.
Rear monoshock
One central shock instead of twin units; usually better damping on broken roads.
Slipper clutch
Stops the rear wheel hopping on aggressive downshifts. Also makes the lever lighter.
Lighting
LED headlamp
Brighter, whiter and lasts the life of the bike. Halogens on rivals look yellow by comparison.
LED daytime running lamp
Makes you visible to cars in daylight, when most two-wheeler collisions happen.
LED tail lamp
Lights up instantly, which gives the vehicle behind a fraction more warning.
Console and connectivity
Digital console
Trip meters, real-time mileage and a gear indicator. The analogue dial is disappearing.
Bluetooth connectivity
Call and message alerts on the console so the phone stays in your pocket.
Turn-by-turn navigation
Directions on the console via the phone app. Saves mounting a phone on the bars.
Convenience
Engine kill switch
Switch the engine off from the right bar without reaching for the key.
Equipment against Gixxer SF 250, R2 and Gixxer SF 250 Flex Fuel
Against Gixxer SF 250, R2 or Gixxer SF 250 Flex Fuel, it gets usd front forks, slipper clutch and led daytime running lamp that most rivals skip.
What it lacks: hazard lamps, which rivals at this price offer. The safety items in that list matter more than the console.
Only the RC 160 has
- USD front forks
- Slipper clutch
- LED daytime running lamp
Rivals have, it lacks
- Hazard lamps
Colours
- Ceramic White Matte
- Electronic Orange Matte
- Black
RC 160 specs: questions people ask
- What is the engine capacity and power of the RC 160?
- It uses a 164cc engine producing 18.73 bhp and 15.5 Nm, with a 6 speed.
- Is the RC 160 suitable for short riders?
- It is on the tall side at 830 mm. Riders under 5'6" may be on tiptoe at stops and should try it before buying.
- Does the RC 160 have ABS?
- Yes, dual-channel ABS.
- What features does the RC 160 have?
- 16 items across 5 groups, including dual-channel abs, front disc brake, rear disc brake, tubeless tyres and alloy wheels. Some are variant-specific.
RC 160 from
₹2 Lakh