KTM RC 200 (2016-2021)

Having visually similar engine, chassis and other components of its elder sibling RC 390, the RC 200 has its own distinct flavour. The colour scheme of the new RC 200 is quite attractive. The white/orange scheme in combination with the spoked orange alloy wheels makes this bike standout and most definitely tops the charts of consideration for buyers looking to buy an entry-level sports bike in India. The list of features that it embraces is more than desirable. The offerings list include twin projector headlamps, LED turn indicators, Automatic Headlamp On (AHO) and a fully digital instrument console and low clip-on handlebars. However, there is no ABS still not even as an option, which we think KTM should consider in the future revisions. Talking about the performance, KTM RC 200 has it all to impress the petrol heads. It has a refined engine that makes it for a smooth riding experience. An added advantage now is that the engine is BS-IV compliant, which means while you take the little monster down the road you don’t really harm the environment as earlier. Unlike its sibling RC 390, which is more of a torque performer, the RC 200 is a smooth build up of power. This makes revving it up much more pleasant. KTM RC 200 offers a smooth experience not only on straight sprints but when you push it around the corners. Due to its lightweight, it responds much more quickly that makes the rider feel confident about the ride. You need to shell out INR 1.76 Lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi) in order to own this amazing sports bike from one of the most loved motorcycle manufacturers of the country.

KTM RC 200 is a fully faired sports bike with an uncanny appeal. Cosmetically, the bike has received few alterations that are more than capable of turning heads. Unlike earlier when RC 200 was offered with the matte black paint job, it now comes with orange/white paint scheme which strikes viewers’ mind at once. The fairing embraces fresh graphics that are enticing to make buyers fond of this bike. The multi-spoke orange alloy wheels, wider mirrors, twin-projector headlamps, raked up rear sub-frame, clip-ons and new plastic bodywork contribute to RC 200’s sporty avatar. There is a fully digital instrument console for displaying useful information for the rider. The instrument cluster is adequately lit so that rider doesn’t struggle while reading the required meter readings. The chunkier and the bigger graphics adorned by the bike are simply alluring. With the objective to impress the youth and offer amateur riders a significant motorcycle, KTM did handsomely well to append its fleet of bikes in India with KTM RC 200. The extra seat padding of 12mm makes rider comfortable and ride the bike for long hours without getting tired. Dimensionally RC 200 measures 1978mm long, 688mm wide and 1098mm high. Ground clearance stands at 178.5mm, wheelbase is around 1340mm and the saddle height is 820mm.

KTM RC 200 is powered by a 199.5cc liquid cooled fuel-injected single cylinder engine that puts out a max power of 25PS at 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 19.2Nm at 8,000 rpm. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, the bike can hit a top speed of 140kmph and comes with a claimed mileage of 30kmpl. The bike is a smooth build-up of power and gets punchy at low power range, which makes it an ideal ride for the city. However, on highways, you can clearly feel the missing element. Since it is not an all torque bike, you need to rev the bike in the middle to extract full performance. The bike is quick to accelerate, thanks to its aerodynamic structure.

Like its sibling RC 390, the RC 200 has received certain chassis updates. There is a new kicked up Steel Trellis Frame and a tighter steering angle, which makes the rider feel more confident when the bike is pushed around the corners. Due to less power, the bike gets adequate spread of power which makes the ride smooth and stress-free. The suspension assembly comprises of WP Upside-Down 43mm forks at the front and WP mono-shock at the rear. The bike gets 17-inch alloys wheels with disc brakes and tubeless MRF tyres that provide significant brake force and grip. However, the bike still does not have ABS variant.

Talking about safety, RC 200 is equipped with the braking mechanism that works in tandem with radial tubeless MRF tyres offering much better grip and braking force. There is Automatic Headlamp On (AHO) that illuminates road regardless of the type of weather and light conditions. The RC 200 sports tubeless tyres that do not deflate at once in case of a puncture adding to the stability quotient big time. However, the company has still not considered ABS which is a highly desired safety feature in the Indian market especially for a sports bike like the RC 200.