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    KTM RC 160 Spied Testing – R15 Rival Could Launch In 2026

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    KTM RC 160 Spied TestingBajaj and KTM are stepping up their game in the premium 150cc to 160cc motorcycle segment. The company recently launched KTM 160 Duke to take on Yamaha MT-15, a premium 150cc liquid-cooled street fighter. Based on the same platform, KTM is now eyeing Yamaha R15 with a supersport version of 160 Duke which might be called RC 160. Let’s take a closer look.
    KTM RC 160 Spied Testing
    It was September 2025 when KTM launched 160 Duke in the country and it took on the premium street fighter segment where Yamaha MT-15 had dominance. Now, Bajaj and KTM are working on a new supersport motorcycle to rival Yamaha R15 and R15M, which has achieved cult status in India owing to its overall performance, styling and equipment.
    KTM had confirmed that there will be a supersport version of 160 Duke and it has spied testing on Indian roads in the form of KTM RC 160. In typical KTM fashion, the upcoming RC 160 bears similar design as its bigger RC brothers and in the company’s portfolio, it will be slotted below RC 200, where RC 125 used to be.
    KTM RC 160 Spied Testing
    Spy shots show a test mule donning a Black and Orange combination. USD forks and alloy wheels are finished in Black with this colourway. It gets a Trellis mainframe and a bolt-on rear subframe like its larger RC siblings. Clip-on handlebars, fairing-mounted ORVMs and sculpted fuel tank are other notable elements.
    The way rider is sitting, it looks like KTM RC 160 will command a committed riding posture with a lean on handlebars and rear-set footpegs. Cycle parts include USD telescopic front forks, rear mono-shock, 17-inch alloy wheels, fat tyres, large disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, a split seat and split rear grab rails are notable.
    What to expect?
    Features-wise, KTM RC 160 will get a 5-inch fully digital LCD instrument cluster with a host of attributes. It is also seen on 160 Duke and will support Bluetooth connection along with turn-by-turn navigation. Considering R15 offers one, KTM RC 160 might get a bi-directional quick-shifter as well.
    KTM RC 160 Spied Testing
    Powering this vehicle will be the same 164cc single-cylinder DOHC 4V/cyl liquid-cooled engine that is capable of generating 19 PS of peak power and 15.5 Nm of peak torque, mated to a slipper clutch and a 6-speed gearbox. Considering how production ready this test mule looks, KTM RC 160 is likely to launch early in 2026.
    Also read – KTM 390 Adventure, Adventure X price hiked
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      KTM 390 Adventure, Adventure X Price Hike Up To Rs 27k – GST Buffer Ends

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      New KTM 390 Adventure X
      KTM has officially increased prices for two of its popular ADV motorcycles — the 390 Adventure and the 390 Adventure X — after absorbing the GST-linked cost burden for the past couple of months. This comes following the implementation of GST 2.0, which raised the tax rate on motorcycles above 350cc from 31% to 40%.
      When GST 2.0 was rolled out, Bajaj Auto had announced that it would temporarily absorb the impact for all KTM and Triumph models above 350cc. That move helped KTM maintain aggressive pricing and deliver record sales last month. However, with the buffer period now over, revised prices have been rolled out.
      The revised pricing pushes both ADVs notably higher, widening the gap once again with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Over the last couple of months, the price difference had narrowed significantly thanks to KTM’s GST absorption.
      KTM 390 Adventure, Adventure X Price Hike
      Other KTM 390 Models Remain Unchanged — For Now
      As of today, the 390 Duke, RC 390, and the soon-to-launch 390 Enduro have not received a GST-driven price revision. However, industry expectations suggest that a hike is inevitable as KTM adjusts its portfolio to the new tax structure.
      Impact on KTM 390 Range Sales
      The KTM 390 lineup has been performing strongly, especially after the price stability KTM maintained during the GST transition. However, the latest hike may slow momentum in the short term. In a market as price-sensitive as India, a Rs 20,000–27,000 jump is substantial — particularly when rivals like the Himalayan 450 and Yezdi Adventure continue to operate in a relatively stable price band.
      390 Adventure range may still attract enthusiasts who prioritise performance and features, but casual buyers or first-time ADV seekers could now lean toward more affordable alternatives. If similar hikes follow for the 390 Duke and RC 390, overall volumes for the 390 platform could face pressure in the coming months. More

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      Bajaj KTM Acquisition Plan Approved By Austrian Takeover Commission

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      Bajaj KTM takeover Approved If you’re not living under a rock, you might be aware that KTM motorcycle brand’s parent company, Pierer Mobility AG, has been facing grave financial challenges. India’s homegrown Bajaj Auto, who owns 37.5% of KTM brand, proposed a systematic restructuring of the brand with an EUR 800 million (around Rs 7,770 […] More

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      Bajaj Absorbs GST Price Hike For 400cc Triumph, KTM Bikes

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      Triumph Thruxton 400 While GST on motorcycles up to 350cc has been reduced, the ones above 350cc will be taxed at a higher rate of 40% Recent GST rate cuts, including reduced 18% tax for up to 350cc capacity motorcycles, have brought huge cheer among consumers. However, folks eyeing bigger bikes are disappointed, since the […] More

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      New KTM Twin-Cylinder Duke, Adventure Bikes Spied Testing – 490cc Incoming?

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      New KTM Twin-Cylinder DukeBased on earlier plans revealed by KTM, it is likely that these new twin-cylinder KTM bikes will fall in the 500–700cc category
      To give enthusiasts more options, KTM appears to be working on new models. The middleweight segment holds strong potential and KTM seems to be actively focusing on it. Latest spy shots provide strong evidence, revealing all-new twin-cylinder KTM Duke and Adventure bikes. Let’s take a closer look at what KTM is planning.
      KTM new twin-cylinder bikes – What to expect?
      Looking at the spy shots, the test mules appear to be in the early- to mid-prototype testing stage. The engine looks production-spec, indicating that the platform is finalized and undergoing road validation. Bodywork is largely unfinished and makeshift panels are clearly evident. There are temporary components instead of production dashboards and switches, as commonly seen during the validation phase.
      In the present format, it may take anywhere between 12-18 months for these bikes to reach showrooms. While the engine appears to be a smaller capacity twin-cylinder, the exact displacement is not known. Some of the equipment will make it to production stage such as the large windscreen and wire-spoke wheels of the Adventure bike. It also has a rear top box rack.
      In comparison, the Duke has alloy wheels, a short tail section and split seats. While the Adventure bike has dual-purpose tyres, the Duke utilizes road-biased tyres. Wheels of the Adventure could be in the 21-18 or 19-17 combo. The Duke will likely have 17-inch wheels at both ends. Common features for both models include USD front forks, upswept exhaust and monoshock rear suspension.
      New KTM Twin-Cylinder Duke
      Displacement possibilities
      Both the Duke and the Adventure have a single disc at the front. This presents a strong possibility of a small-capacity twin-cylinder prototype. Over the years, KTM has been looking to bridge the gap between its 390 cc and 790 cc range. This segment represents a big opportunity and rivals like Honda and Aprilia already have dedicated products in this space. BMW, TVS and Norton will also be launching their respective 450cc twin-cylinder bikes.
      It remains to be seen whether KTM will directly target the displacement preferences of its rivals or carve out a more niche space for its new twin-cylinder bikes. For this segment, KTM’s plans have changed multiple times. For example, KTM CEO Stefan Pierer had said in 2019 that the brand is working on an all-new 490cc range of motorcycles. However, this plan was later permanently axed due to high development costs and low commercial potential.
      KTM then transitioned to the idea of developing an all-new 690cc range. These bikes were planned to be made in China by KTM’s partner CFMoto. But KTM changed its strategy again by rethinking a new twin-cylinder platform that would be manufactured in India. Bikes based on this platform are planned to target overseas markets such as Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
      Made-in-India strategy will work better for these markets in terms of pricing and logistics. Pierer had earlier also said that the first bike to be launched in this range will be a Duke. An Adventure and RC could be introduced at a later date.
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      KTM 160 Duke vs Rivals Compared – MT-15, Xtreme, Pulsar, Apache

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      KTM 160 Duke vs Rivals ComparedThe just launched KTM 160 Duke has landed hot into the highly competitive premium 160cc motorcycle segment. This is where we can see Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0, Hero Xtreme 160R 4V, Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. To keep this comparison uncluttered, we have only taken motorcycles with 4V head, leaving out Xtreme 160R 2V, Pulsar N160 and Apache RTR 160 2V.
      Also, we did not involve Honda SP160 into this as it leans more towards the commuter side. The recently launched CB125 Hornet is better-equipped than SP160. In this comparison, we will go through engine performance, dimensions, equipment and features of these premium 160cc motorcycles and see where the new KTM 160 Duke falls.
      KTM 160 Duke vs Rivals
      If we do an apples to apples comparison, only the Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 is a closest rival to KTM 160 Duke. Only these two have liquid-cooled engines, mated to a 6-speed gearbox and come with fat 140-section rear tyres. However, we have included Xtreme 160R 4V, Pulsar NS160 and Apache RTR 160 4V to make things interesting.
      Where performance metrics are concerned, KTM 160 Duke outshines the rivals on paper with its 18.7 bhp peak power, while Xtreme is the lowest at 16.7 bhp. MT-15 is only 0.5 bhp behind than 160 Duke, but takes the lead in power to weight ratio as it is the lightest at 141 kg and packs 129.1 bhp / tonnes, highest on this list. Torque is the highest on 160 Duke at 15.5 Nm. Only the MT-15 gets a DOHC 4V/cyl head in this list, while others including 160 Duke get SOHC setup.
      KTM 160 Duke vs Rivals Comparison
      Pulsar NS160 is the heaviest of this bunch at 152 kg and also packs the longest wheelbase at 1,372 mm. MT-15 has the shortest wheelbase at 1,325 mm, making it lively to tip it into corners. Ground clearance is the highest on Apache at 180 mm, whereas seat height is the lowest with Xtreme, making it the friendliest for short riders. 160 Duke has the highest seat height here.
      Best overall package?
      Only the 160 Duke and MT-15 gets a smaller 10L fuel tank, while others pack 12L tank. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is the only one on this list to offer skinnier tyres, rear drum brakes and RSU telescopic front forks with lower variants. With others, all premium goodies are standard. While headlights and tail lights are LEDs as standard in this list, Yamaha only offers LED indicators in higher variants whereas Apache completely misses out on it.
      KTM 160 Duke offers the largest brakes on this list, promising the sharpest response. All bikes in this comparison offer a fully digital instrument cluster. Only the Xtreme misses out on features like turn-by-turn navigation. Despite the higher price tag, KTM offers an LCD screen with 160 Duke, while Yamaha is the only one to offer a colour TFT screen with higher variants, while undercutting 160 Duke in prices.
      Where pricing is concerned, KTM 160 Duke is the priciest at Rs 1.85 lakh (Ex-sh), but it aims to offer the sportiest performance and experience. On paper, Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 appears to be a better product as it undercuts 160 Duke, while offering a DOHC engine head, TFT screen, Traction Control, lightest weight and others. In real world, however, things might change dramatically as we bring in personal preferences, real world performance, rider ergonomics, brand affiliation and other attributes. More

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      KTM RC 160 Announced Based On 160 Duke – Launch In Coming Weeks

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      KTM RC 200 Black – Image for reference onlyFor the very first time, KTM India has introduced a new 160cc motorcycle in its Indian portfolio. We’re talking about the just launched KTM 160 Duke for a price tag of Rs 1.85 lakh (Ex-sh). Now, the company has announced a fully faired version of 160 Duke as well, which will be called RC 160. Let’s take a look at further details.
      KTM RC 160 Announced
      If we take a look at KTM’s operations in India, the company has strived to carve out as many body styles as possible of a platform. In that regard, we had ‘Duke’ street fighter genre, ‘RC’ supersport genre, ‘Adventure’ adventure tourer genre and in 2025, we got ‘Enduro’ enduro genre of motorcycles and there might be the launch of ‘SMC’ supermoto genre bikes too.
      The just launched KTM 160 Duke is the spiritual successor of 125 Duke, which has been discontinued. However, KTM’s 125 Duke had a supersport counterpart as well, which has also been discontinued. We’re talking about KTM RC 125 and the company has announced RC 160 to fill the shoes of RC 125.
      KTM Duke 160 Specs
      Where powertrain is concerned, just launched 160cc engine is a significant upgrade. This new engine is capable of generating 18.7 bhp of peak power at 9500 RPM and 15.5 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 RPM, mated to a ride-by-wire throttle. It is also a single-cylinder liquid-cooled SOHC engine. In comparison, older 125cc engine packed only 14.5 bhp and 12 Nm.
      What to expect?
      When compared to 160 Duke, the soon to launch KTM RC 160 will get a full body fairing owing to its supersport genre. This fairing is likely to be the same one as seen on RC 200 and RC 390. We can expect it to have clip-on handlebars as opposed to the wide street style handlebars seen on 160 Duke.
      Equipment is likely to be mostly identical between just launched 160 Duke and soon to launch RC 160. These include the 320 mm front disc, 230 mm rear disc brakes with Bybre callipers, 110-section front and 140-section rear tyres, 17-inch alloy wheels, non adjustable WP APEX non-adjustable USD telescopic front forks, rear mono-shock and more.
      KTM Duke 160
      ‘In terms of features KTM RC 160 announced, will get LED headlights, LED tail lights, LED turn indicators, a fully digital 5-inch LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, KTM Connect, music control, turn-by-turn navigation and more. More

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      KTM Duke 160 Launch Price Rs 1.85 L – Specs, Features, Details

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      KTM Duke 160 LaunchTeam Orange is on the verge of expanding its portfolio in the lower-end of the price bracket. In that regard, KTM just launched the youngest sibling in Duke family in the form of 160 Duke. This has been one of India’s highly anticipated launches ever since rumours began and 125 Duke was discontinued.
      Wait is finally over and KTM India has just launched 160 Duke, which is a spiritual successor of 125 Duke in terms of product positioning. Price for KTM 160 Duke is Rs 1.85 lakh (Ex-sh), which puts it directly in the crosshairs of the premium and performant 150cc to 160cc street fighters like Yamaha MT-15 V2.0.
      KTM Duke 160 Launch
      KTM Duke 160 Launch
      The highly anticipated KTM 160 Duke launch has finally happened. Where pricing is concerned, KTM is offering 160 Duke for Rs 1.85 lakh (Ex-sh) and is offering attractive financing schemes to streamline purchasing experience to buyers as well. Also part of the package, is a 10 year extended warranty.
      Colour options include Electronic Orange, Atlantic Blue and Silver Metallic Matte. Bookings for KTM 160 Duke have commenced via official website and across all authorised dealerships. Deliveries of KTM 160 Duke will start soon.
      Most interesting part of this launch is the new engine powering KTM 160 Duke. This is a new single-cylinder liquid-cooled powerplant with an SOHC head, as opposed to DOHC head in 125 Duke. This engine is capable of delivering 18.7 bhp of peak power at 9500 RPM and 15.5 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 RPM, mated to a ride-by-wire throttle.
      KTM Duke 160 Launch
      Bringing some more metrics on to the paper, 160 Duke has a 1,357 mm long wheelbase, 138 mm and 161 mm suspension travel at the front and rear, respectively. Seat height is 815 mm, ground clearance is 174 mm and it weighs 147 kg. It packs 320 mm front and 230 mm rear disc brake setup with Brembo radial callipers, a Bosch EMS and more. As 160 Duke shares most of its styling and components with other Dukes, rider ergonomics should be somewhat similar.
      KTM Duke 160 Launch
      Specs & Features
      Like other Duke models in the company’s portfolio, KTM 160 Duke packs quite a lot of common equipment. Notable among these include LED headlights, LED tail lights, LED turn indicators, alloy wheels, tubeless tyres, WP Apex USD front forks and mono-shock rear suspension, dual channel ABS and dual channel Bluetooth, crawling feature, off-road ABS, KTM Connect, a steel trellis frame and more.
      With 160 Duke, KTM is offering 5-inch LCD instrument cluster that is capable of Bluetooth connectivity along with other smartphone-related connected features like call pick, music play and turn-by-turn navigation. It packs a 10.1 L fuel tank along with 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 110-section front and 140-section rear tyres. Within the company’s portfolio, KTM 160 Duke is positioned below 200 Duke, 250 Duke and 390 Duke.
      KTM Duke 160 Launch
      Manik Nangia, President – Probiking: “Inside every one of us is a racer. We all have that instinct to compete and push limits. For over a decade, KTM has given that instinct expression — defining India’s premium sport motorcycle category with an uncompromising ‘Ready to Race’ mindset and thrilling generations of young riders. With the new KTM 160 Duke, we’ve distilled KTM’s legendary DNA into performance motorcycles that are more accessible than ever — without sacrificing the performance, precision, and attitude that define every KTM.” More

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      KTM Teases New Motorcycle for India – Likely the Upcoming Duke 160

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      New KTM Teaser – Is it Duke 160?KTM India has dropped a new teaser on its official Instagram, hinting at the launch of an all-new motorcycle in the coming days. While the brand hasn’t officially confirmed the model name yet, the silhouette and previous developments suggest that this is likely the much-anticipated KTM Duke 160.
      This new teaser aligns with earlier reports that KTM plans to discontinue its 125cc lineup in India, including the 125 Duke and RC 125, and replace them with more powerful 160cc models. This strategy is clearly aimed at rivalling Yamaha’s hugely popular 155cc offerings — the R15 V4 and MT-15, which together sell about 15k-20k units a month.
      What to Expect from the KTM Duke 160
      From what we know so far, the Duke 160 will borrow much of its design and hardware from the 200 Duke. This means an aggressive streetfighter stance, trellis frame, 43mm USD front forks, monoshock suspension, dual-channel ABS, and a digital LCD instrument cluster.
      The engine will be an all-new 160cc unit, expected to be derived from the existing 200cc motor, tuned to deliver around 19-20 horsepower. That’s a significant upgrade over the outgoing 125 Duke, which made just 14.5 hp. It also gives KTM a clear power advantage over the Yamaha MT-15, which produces 18.4 hp from its 155cc engine.
      New KTM Teaser – Is it Duke 160?
      While KTM is also working on a faired RC 160 version, based on the RC 200/390 design language, this teaser appears to focus solely on the Duke 160. The RC 160 is expected to be launched shortly after the Duke variant, possibly closer to the festive season.
      Expected Price and Launch
      Given that the 125 Duke is already priced at Rs 1.81 lakh ex-showroom, the new 160 Duke is unlikely to be cheaper. It will likely be priced competitively against the Yamaha MT-15 (Rs 1.69 – 1.74 lakh) and is expected to launch in the coming weeks, potentially making it to showrooms ahead of the festive rush.
      Stay tuned for more updates as KTM reveals more details in the lead-up to the official launch. With the Duke 160, KTM seems set to shake up the premium 150-160cc segment once again. More