KTM RC 160 vs Yamaha R15: Comparison of engine specs, features and more

KTM has expanded its RC line-up with the launch of the new RC 160, bringing it head-to-head with the long-standing Yamaha R15 in the entry-level fully-faired segment. Take a quick look at how these motorcycles stack up against each other when it comes to engines, hardware and features.

ktm rc 160 vs Yamaha R15: Engine

Starting with the powertrain, the Yamaha R15 is powered by a 155 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a 4-stroke, SOHC and 4-valve setup. The engine produces around 18.4 hp and 14.2 Nm of torque and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox.On the other hand, the KTM RC 160 uses a larger 164.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder SOHC engine. It gives 19 hp and 15.5 Nm torque. It gets a 6-speed gearbox, which is supported by assist and slipper clutch.

KTM RC 160 vs Yamaha R15: Hardware

In terms of cycle parts, the RC 160 is built around a trellis frame and gets a 37mm USD front fork with a monoshock at the rear. Braking hardware includes a 320 mm disc at the front and a 230 mm disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tires and also gets a 13.75-litre fuel tank.The Yamaha R15M uses a diamond-type frame and is also equipped with a 37mm inverted front fork and a monoshock at the rear. It also has 17-inch alloy wheels, but the braking setup is slightly smaller, with a 282 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc. Like the KTM, the R15M also comes with dual-channel ABS as standard.

KTM RC 160 vs Yamaha R15: Features

When it comes to features, both the bikes offer a list of modern equipment, albeit with different focuses. The KTM RC 160 gets full LED lighting, electronic fuel injection, CAN-enabled electronic systems and navigation support in select variants. It uses an LCD instrument console, which is functional but relatively basic in appearance. The Yamaha R15M counters this with a more advanced TFT instrument cluster. It offers features like traction control, track and street riding modes, a quick shifter, calls through the digital console and Bluetooth connectivity with SMS alerts and LED lighting.Price is another area where the two remain close. The KTM RC 160 is priced at Rs 1.85 lakh, ex-showroom, while the Yamaha R15M is priced at Rs 1.81 lakh, ex-showroom.