Next-gen KTM RC 200 to get fresh styling

A spy shot of what appears to be the 2021 KTM RC 200 has surfaced online, and the picture reveals quite a bit of what has changed with its appearance and mechanicals. Read on to find out all that’s new with the 2021 iteration of KTM’s fully-faired 200. 

• New KTM RC 200 spied testing

• Gets major revisions on the styling and ergonomics front

• Will likely receive no updates to the powertrain

2021 KTM RC 200 design: Old vs new

The most significant – and obvious – update is to the KTM RC 200’s design. KTM has replaced the RC 200’s sharp, sleek front-end with a slightly more bulbous and curvy main fairing. It features another notable update in the form of a halogen headlamp borrowed from the KTM 250 Adventure. We suspect the next-gen KTM RC 390 will feature a more complex headlight unit to differentiate it from its smaller siblings, as is the case with the current lot of KTM Duke models. Turn indicators are now integrated into the fairing and are no longer housed within the mirror casings. 

The rear end of the 2021 KTM RC 200 sports some big changes as well. Most importantly, the RC has a new pillion seat design - the cowl-shaped unit has been replaced with a more traditional split-seat design, similar to the arrangement on the Yamaha R15 V3.0.

2021 KTM RC 200 chassis: Old vs new

Design revisions aside, there are some key changes to the chassis and ergonomics as well. For starters, the 2021 RC 200 will have a more comfortable riding triangle. This became evident when a shot of the upcoming RC 390 being tested in Europe surfaced online. From the looks of it, the rider had a more upright stance thanks to the handlebar being closer. 

Lastly, the five-spoke alloy wheels are new, and it appears the front disc brake is mounted differently as well. However, the powertrain is expected to be carried over unchanged from the current RC 200.

2021 KTM RC 200 price and launch details

KTM is yet to share any information on the 2021 RC 200. However, this latest spy shot shows the bike on a production line at what could only be the Bajaj (and KTM) plant in Chakan, Pune. This leads us to believe the bike will soon be launched, and while we don’t know if the 2021 KTM RC 200 will offer much more than the current model, a notable hike in price – up from the current Rs 2.01 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) – is a given.

Think the design changes and chassis revisions will make the 2021 KTM RC 200 more appealing? Let us know in the comments.

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