KTM 160 Duke, RC 160 to be launched in India soon

- New KTM RC 160, 160 Duke to be launched

- Will replace RC 125, 125 Duke

- Pricier than Yamaha R15, MT 15

A few days ago, we told you about two KTM bikes—the RC 125 and the 125 Duke—being discontinued from the Indian market. However, the company has readied their alternatives to compete with its rivals.

Bajaj, which manufactures and handles KTM operations in the country, will launch the 160 Duke and the RC 160 in India. These new motorcycles will help the brand take on its two biggest rivals—the Yamaha R15 V4 and the Yamaha MT 15, which dominate the 150cc-160cc space in India.

As of now, there aren’t details on the new KTMs, but these bikes are likely to resemble the 125cc motorcycles and carry similar features. However, a lot of changes will be made to the engine, and it appears the company would tap on the Duke 200 and RC 200’s engine for this purpose. The power and torque figures will be much higher than the outgoing models, but it will be interesting to see if they will exceed those of their Japanese rivals.

The official launch of the KTM RC 160 and the 160 Duke is likely to take place around June-July, so that the bikes will be ready for deliveries in the festive season that begins in August. There could be a marginal hike for the new 160s, making the Yamaha models more affordable by comparison.