New Delhi: The RC 200 iteration for 2023 has been unveiled by KTM in India. The motorcycle is now the most expensive supersport model available in the 200cc segment, retailing for Rs. 2.17 lakh (ex-showroom).

Its closest rival, the Bajaj RS200, is regarded by critics as an all-around package and provides an enjoyable riding experience as well. Is the Indian brawler superior to the Austrian fighter? Let's investigate.

The price of cars and motorcycles has increased significantly since the stricter BS6 Phase 2 norms were put into effect in India.

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Just to remain competitive in the Indian market, many bike manufacturers unveiled their updated models.

With its OBD-2-compliant lineup, which includes its well-known track-focused models like the RC 200 and RC 390, KTM has now jumped on board.

A hefty fuel tank, clip-on handlebars, split-style seats, an underbelly exhaust, a raised windscreen, a backlit LCD instrument cluster, a halogen headlamp, and a thin LED taillamp are all features of the KTM RC 200.

The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 features side-mounted exhaust, a boomerang-shaped LED taillamp, a clip-on handlebar, an upright windscreen, full fairing, and dual projector headlights with DRLs that resemble eyebrows. There are 17-inch alloy wheels on both bikes.

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The KTM RC 200 has a seat height of 835mm, 158mm of ground clearance, a 1,341mm wheelbase, and a 160kg kerb weight. The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 weighs 166kg and has a saddle height of 810mm, 157mm of ground clearance, and a 1,345mm wheelbase.

The KTM RC 200 and Bajaj Pulsar RS200 have dual-channel ABS for better ride and handling, as well as disc brakes on the front and rear wheels for the rider's safety.

While the latter has telescopic forks on the front, the former has 43mm WP Apex inverted forks. At the back of each motorcycle is a mono-shock unit.

The 199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that powers the KTM RC 200 produces a maximum output of 25.4hp and a maximum torque of 19.5Nm.

A 199.5cc, DTS-i, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine powers the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 and produces 18.7Nm of peak torque and 24.2hp of maximum power. The 6-speed gearbox on both supersport models handles the transmission duties.

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The 2023 KTM RC 200 now costs Rs. 2.17 lakh in India, compared to the Bajaj Pulsar RS200's sticker price of Rs. 1.71 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom).

Even though the Pulsar RS200 is reasonably priced, we prefer the RC 200 due to its racing-inspired design, improved suspension, and superior engine.