ktm 200 RC || perfect track tool for beginners || review

Introduction

KTM RC 200 is an entry level performance machine from KTM which will a good option for beginning your racing career.I am not considering RC125 because its mainly based on aesthetics than performance and no one goes on track with 125cc bike will be struggling to reach 115 kmph. In 2012 Bajaj introduced ktm 200 and Duke 200 in India.Duke is a street bike while RC is a track machine.

Power-plant

The Indian auto market was shook when KTM announced the spec sheet, it produces 26bhp and 19 Nm of torque with a liquid cooled single cylinder engine DOHC engine.The main reason behind this tremendous power is the 14.5:1 compression ratio.I would say the main USP of this motorcycle is its engine, it is a rev happy engine which goes all up to 1000 rpm redline. The peak power comes at 10k rpm.It is basically a downsized 373.5cc KTM engine used on 390 series and all knows what a great engine it is and the 200 is even better because it has the same character being a smaller engine it doesn't heat up as elder sibling .

The fueling is being taken care by Bosch Electronic fuel Injection and it was on point, the fueling was instant without any delay. It was first to offer WP upside down forks and a mono-suspension on a bike which isn't heavy on pocket.It was supported through a visible orange steel trellis frame and aluminium swing-arm for rear.The chassis provided enough strength and agility to the motorcycle.

ktm RC 200

Motorcycle is equipped with a six speed sequential shift gearbox.The gear ratio are well spaced out according to track as there always ample amount of torque for the wheels to pickup that speed.And the speed is electronically limited to 148 kmph.
RC 200 returns a descent mileage of 30-35kmpl. The motorcycle featured a fatter 150 section metzeler rear tire and 110 front for adequate amount of grip through corners.Talking about brakes, it has front 320mm disc and 240mm rear disc with brembo calipers and these were very large to be ever on a 200cc motorcycle.

Handling

This is what KTM excels at after its engine.The feature loaded motorcycle just weighing around 152 kgs dry is just amazing.it is so agile and nimble that you will wheel its weight while changing the directions.The clip-ons are lower set and foot-pegs are rear set maintaining a perfect position to hide behind the windscreen and cut through all the wind moving at 148 kmph and does not hinder while cornering hard.

The only thing that restricts the lean angle is the belly pan due to underbelly exhaust. The motorcycle has a riding position which is perfect for track but will cause wrist and shoulder pain if ridden under traffic. The motorcycle featured 17 inch orange alloy wheels which not only looks funky but are also light weighted. Suspensions felt perfect for a new rider on track but are a little hard on Indian roads.

Aesthetics

In india ktm 200 has been around 6-7 years since KTM painted the country neon orange. RC200 looked exactly like it should be.A fully faired motorcycle with enough sharp lines.A muscular 12L fuel tank is even chiseled and had enough cuts to grip it through corners.The most exciting part is its rear section with a sharp tail.

The rear pillion seat is incorporated and looks like its a rear cowl but it is a comfy seat indeed.From the front it the looks are subjective but most of us like the minimalistic headlamp unit with twin halogen projectors and DRL below it,even the rear tail light looks sexy and those LED indicators are just slick. The front end is even sharper mainly for the aero's Motorcycle made impact on lots of young college boys and these are the major buyers because its powerful and looks good enough that it isn't any effort to make any female seated behind you hugging due to higher pillion seat.The motorcycle features a vertical instrument cluster with loads of information to display.

Conclusion

 The motorcycle is just perfect for anyone who wants to start his racing career or a college boy. KTMs were VFM motorcycles but as the time proceeded the price went from 1.50L to around 2 Lakhs in 2019. It has got a powerful engine some good looks and now also features dual channel ABS as standard due to safety norms.If you want to commute on this you can only you need to suffer the pain or join some gym to make your body fit for this.

All these above are my personal views on ktm 200 the ultimate track starter pack.

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