KTM RC200 ABS – What else can you buy?

KTM has updated its fully-faired 200cc offering, the RC200, with ABS. It has received a price hike of Rs 9,000 and now costs Rs 1.88 lakhs (ex-showroom). Bookings for the motorcycle have begun while deliveries are expected to commence next month. For those who are looking forward to buy it, here are the alternatives you should take a look at.

The KTM RC200 is the faired version of the 200 Duke featuring the same high-revving engine with sharp handling dynamics. However, if you want something on the affordable side, with slightly lesser power, the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3 retails at Rs 1.27 lakhs. Powered by a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, the R15 features VVA (variable valve actuation) tech and churns out 18.7bhp and 15Nm. Moreover, it gets a dual-channel ABS, as opposed to the RC200’s single-channel unit. 

Now, both these bikes possess a very aggressive riding stance. However, the Honda CBR250R offers more relaxed ergonomics while being a fully-faired sportsbike. For Rs 1.66 lakhs, the CBR250R offers a 249cc, liquid-cooled mill that is good for 25.7bhp and 22.9Nm. However, if you are ready to move on the premium side, the TVS Apache RR310 is a powerful, feature-packed sportsbike. Shell out Rs 25,000 more over the RC200’s price and you get a BMW-sourced 312cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that churns out a healthy 33bhp and 27.3Nm. For braking, it incorporates a dual-channel ABS setup.

Moving on to the streetfighter in this segment, KTM itself offers the 250 Duke. What you get is more engine capacity at a lesser price tag. However, the 250 Duke will soon receive ABS which will hike its price similar to the RC200. Currently, it costs Rs 1.80 lakhs and gets a 248cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill that makes 29.6bhp and 24Nm. At Rs 3000 more, the Mahindra Mojo XT300 gets a naked bike-like styling but is focused on touring. It is propelled by a 295cc mill that produces 26.45bhp and 30Nm of torque. 

Lastly, for those who are considering a completely different type of motorcycle, Royal Enfield has a lineup of models with a 500cc, 27bhp, 41Nm powerplant. These are all modern classics which are priced under-2 lakhs and the list includes Royal Enfield Bullet 500 standard, Classic 500 standard, Classic 500 Stealth Black, Classic Chrome, Thunderbird 500 and the more modern Thunderbird 500X. 

(all prices are ex-showroom)