KTM's RC 200: A Refreshed Entry-Level Sportbike

KTM has always been known for its "Ready To Race" motto, whether it's on the road or off-road. The company has a wide range of enduro and motocross bikes that are highly regarded on trails and tracks. Additionally, its street-focused lineup, which includes models ranging from 125 to 1390, has always been at the forefront of technology and performance in their respective segments.

When it comes to sportbikes, KTM's RC series is the go-to choice. While the brand offers a variety of displacements, from 125 in Europe to 890 in the track-only RC 8C, the RC 200 is the entry-level option, particularly popular in Asia. For the 2024 model year, the RC 200 has received a refresh.

In many ways, the RC 200 is a smaller version of the popular RC 390, which is available in the global market. It shares the same frame, suspension, wheels, and overall styling as its larger sibling, but is powered by a smaller single-cylinder engine. The RC 200 is one of the many models produced by Bajaj in India, as KTM and the Indian manufacturer have been collaborating for over a decade to produce small-displacement motorcycles.

For the 2024 model year, the KTM RC 200 is available in two new color schemes: blue with orange accents and a black and white scheme inspired by the RC 8C. It features the same updated fairing and bodywork as the RC 390, and is known for its aggressive ergonomics and performance in its class, thanks to its low-slung clip-on bars and high rearsets. The RC 200 also boasts premium components, including WP inverted forks, radially-mounted brakes from Bybre, and full-LED lighting.

In terms of performance, the RC 200 is equipped with a 199cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine that delivers 25 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 19 Nm (14.06 pound-feet) of torque at 8,000 rpm. This makes it one of the most powerful bikes in the sub-200cc category. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a six-speed manual transmission.

Pricing and availability information for the 2024 RC 200 has not been confirmed by KTM at the time of writing. However, it is expected to be released in the Indian market first in the coming weeks, followed by other Southeast Asian markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.