The KTM RC 200 is one of the most popular and affordable sports bikes in India. It has been a favorite among young and enthusiastic riders who love its sharp and aggressive styling, powerful performance and agile handling. However, the bike remained largely unchanged since its launch in 2014 until KTM gave it a major facelift in 2022. The new generation RC 200 has a distinctive and unique design, a smoother and more controllable engine, a more comfortable riding position and some new features.
DESIGN
The new RC 200 gets a much bigger face and a more upright stance than the old bike. The front panel is dominated by a glass screen with a pentagonal LED faceplate, flanked by small turn signals and LED parking lights. The side guard is wider and layered, which gives the bike a better sense of presence. The fuel tank is molded and has a capacity of 13.7 liters, which is significantly larger than the 9.5 liters of the old bike. The rear is sleeker and longer with a completely different rear seat design and LED brake light. The bike also gets new folding mirrors, footpegs with folding ends and Duke-style grips.
The new RC 200 is available in two color options: black-orange and orange-gray. Both models look bold and striking, adding visual drama to the bike. The new design may not appeal to everyone, especially those who like the edgy and sharp look of the old bike, but it certainly stands out.
PERFORMANCE
The new RC 200 is powered by the same 199.5cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 25.4bhp and 19.5Nm of torque. However, KTM made some changes to the engine, such as a larger airbox and a curved radiator. These changes improved the smoothness and handling of the engine, making it easier to drive in slow traffic and higher speeds without stuttering. The engine also feels more refined and less sharp than before, although some vibrations still creep in at higher revs.
The acceleration of the new RC 200 is still fast and exciting, especially when the revolutions exceed 5500-6000 rpm. The bike easily reaches triple digit speeds, with a claimed top speed of 140 km/h. The six-speed gearbox is smooth and precise, and the slippers contribute to smooth gear changes. The new RC 200 also gets a larger 320mm disc brake at the front, which offers good stopping power but lacks initial bite. The rear disc brake is unchanged at 230 mm. The MRF Revz-C1 tires are also the weak link in the performance department, not offering enough grip and confidence to fulfill the bike’s potential.
HANDLING
The new RC 200 has always been known for its intuitive and attractive handling and the new model maintains that quality. Thanks to the lightweight trellis frame and WP suspension, the bike is easy to swing around corners, be it hairpins or turns. The bike feels more graceful and tough than the old model, which was more agile and faster. The riding position is also more comfortable than before, as the clamps are slightly higher, which reduces the strain on the wrists and back. However, if you want a firmer position, you can lower the clamps by 14.5mm using some spacers available from KTM service centers.
FEATURES
The new RC 200 gets new features that enhance its appeal and functionality. The most notable of these is the LCD screen that comes from the 250 Adventure. This screen is much larger than the old one and displays information such as speedometer, tachometer, odometer, odometer, fuel gauge, gear gauge, clock, average speed, average fuel consumption, distance to empty, service reminder, ABS status, etc. the screen is informative and easy to read.The new RC 200 also gets a full LED headlight that illuminates better than the old halogen unit. The headlight has two modes: low beam and high beam. A low beam only uses one side of the headlight, while a high beam uses both sides.
FUEL ECONOMY
Although the new RC 200 is a performance oriented bike, it is also surprisingly fuel efficient. Kilometers show that the bike gave a fuel economy of 43.5 kmpl in light to moderate traffic and some highway driving. This is commendable for a 200cc high speed machine. Thanks to the 13.7 liter fuel tank, the bike has a range of over 500 km on a full tank.
CONCLUSION
The new KTM RC 200 is a better bike than its predecessor in many ways. It has a unique and distinctive design, a smoother and more controllable engine, a more comfortable riding position and some new features. It also retains its strengths: quick acceleration, intuitive handling and impressive fuel economy. The bike is priced at Rs 2.08 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), which is Rs 9,000 more than the old model. However, given the improvements and additions, we think it’s worth the premium. The new RC 200 is a bike that will appeal to both enthusiasts and commuters who want a sporty and practical machine.