KTM RC 200

The KTM RC 200 is a fully faired sport bike in the 200cc space from the Austrian manufacturer. It shares the 199cc engine from the KTM Duke 200. The bike features the same sporty design and bodywork as the KTM RC 390 and KTM RC 125. Let’s find out how it performs in the real world:

The KTM RC 200 is a fully faired sportbike with the same aggressive and sharp design as the RC 390. It features an LED headlight, DRL (daytime running lights) and boomerang-shaped indicators, which are integrated into the fairing. The RC 200 has a large windscreen which helps in the aerodynamics of the bike. The big fuel tank is inspired by KTM’s Moto 3 race bike but the fuel tank on the RC 200 is finished in a single colour, unlike that of the RC 390 and RC 125 which feature the dual-tone tank shades. 

Apart from that, it has a sharp and aerodynamic fairing that gets slimmer going down and exposes the engine. The RC 200 features an underbelly exhaust and an orange sub-frame that enhances its sporty appeal and differentiates it from its siblings. It comes with a split seat setup and a two-piece grabrail. The tail section looks sleek and tidy and features a vertically placed LED taillight and a slim number plate holder. The 2024 KTM RC 200 is available in two colour options: Black and Blue. Yes, none of them are dominantly orange but both feature orange highlights all around.

The KTM RC 200 shares its 199.5cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with the Duke 200. It delivers a peak output of 25PS @ 10,000rpm and 19.2Nm @ 8000rpm. The bike comes paired with a 6-speed gearbox. It has a 13.7-litre fuel tank and delivers an ARAI-claimed mileage of 43.5kmpl.

KTM has always impressed us with its impressive performance and the RC 200 does that too. The engine is powerful and lively, and quickly reaches triple-digit speeds. The new RC 200 still produces the same power as the previous model, but now there is much more torque available throughout the rev range, thanks to the 40 percent larger air box. 

The engine is more tractable and easier to handle at lower speeds than before, making it more enjoyable around the corners. Whether it's twisty mountain roads or a racetrack, the RC 200 will impress you with its performance, handling and rideability. The bike is more forgiving than before and even if you go into corners at a higher gear, you can still maintain a good speed when exiting the turn because of its tractable nature. With its easygoing nature, both experienced riders and beginners can extract more performance from the new RC 200.

The KTM RC 200 impresses us with its handling. It is lightweight and changes directions quickly. The handlebar steers nicely and reacts to every small input. At 160kg, it weighs the same as before, but that is even after getting a bigger fuel tank, split seats, grab rail, and a new – and longer – sub-frame. The RC 200 has lost weight in key areas where it counts, especially in reducing unsprung mass. The new wheels are lighter and stronger, the front brake rotor is bigger but lighter, and even the rear sprocket has been made lighter.

The suspension setup works decently in absorbing the smaller bumps and potholes. However, being a sportbike, it can make the rider really uncomfortable when ridden over bigger potholes. Moreover, you can adjust the 10-step preload-adjustable monoshock to your liking and choose the firmer setting for the track and the softer one for the road. 

The bike comes with 110-section front and 150-section rear MRF Revz-C tyres, which are decent for daily riding. However, shortcomings become noticeable when you push them too hard or lean further around the corners. While they were okay on the old RC 200, they feel less reliable on this new one, especially when leaning into sharper corners. The brakes offer good bite, but the lever feels a bit spongy and requires you to squeeze really hard if you want to stop quickly.

The RC 200 now has a more spacious and flatter rider seat, it is also better cushioned than before. The pillion also gets a flatter seat, thanks to the bolt-on sub-frame that is designed to provide more room to the pillion and the rider. Pillion comfort is enhanced by the split grabrails, which weren’t present on the previous model. The clip-on handlebars are also placed higher and are wider than before, providing a more comfortable riding posture to the rider.

The seat height at 835mm is suitable for riders with average to tall heights, and may not be that comfortable for the shorter riders, who may have to tip-toe to place their feet on the ground.

The KTM RC 200 comes equipped with all-LED lighting. The daytime running lights (DRLs) and front turn indicators are seamlessly integrated into the front fairing, giving it a sleek appearance. Its monochrome LCD console is similar to the one found on the 250 Adventure. While it may not be as advanced as the colour TFT display on the 390 Duke, the large white backlit console is well-organised and easier to read than the smaller orange display on the previous model. Apart from the basic info like speedometer, odometer, tachometer, tripmeter and other telltale lights, the console also includes a gear position indicator, distance-to-empty, clock, and real-time fuel efficiency.

The new KTM RC 200 has evolved for the better, becoming more user-friendly and practical for everyday use. And yet, it doesn't compromise on its track performance either. In fact, it is more enjoyable to ride around the track than ever before. The new design may not be as sharp as on the previous model, but it looks a lot better in person and grows on you over time. While the design may look like a major change, it's the smaller improvements that have truly enhanced the RC's riding experience.