KTM RC 200 vs Keeway K300 R: Performance Numbers Compared

The KTM RC 200 has been the go-to bike for track riders who wanted a bit more ‘oomph’ than what the Yamaha R15 offers, but hadn’t yet skilled up to larger, more powerful bikes like the KTM RC 390. Hence, for close to a decade, the RC 200 went virtually unchallenged. But now the ‘Hungarian’ Keeway K300 R believes it has what it takes. But does it? Let’s find out, with proof.

Engine and specifications

The KTM RC 200 makes do with the same 199.5cc liquid-cooled mill it’s had since day one, though its latest iteration has a larger airbox for a more even spread of torque. The Keeway, meanwhile, seems a bit pale at first glance, as its specs hardly emphasise the larger displacement.  

Acceleration

Despite the wider spread of drive, the KTM’s cubic capacity deficiency isn’t enough to overcome the K 300 R in a sprint. The availability of extra torque, at lower revs, makes matters quite simple for the Keeway.

Roll-on acceleration

The RC 200 claws back some ground in the in-gear acceleration stakes. The Keeway may be the faster bike here, but its actual advantage is between a tenth, to about two-tenths of a second. So, both bikes will be equally easy to ride in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Fuel efficiency

With the smaller engine and marginally less performance, the RC 200 squarely beats the K300 R, eking out 10 more kilometres per litre in the city, and five more on the highway. Moreover, the 1.7-litre larger fuel tank means the RC rider will need to stop less frequently to refuel. The KTM is also a relatively less vibey motor among the two, so riding spiritedly doesn’t cause much discomfort either.

Verdict

The Keeway K300 R might mislead you into thinking it is capable of going up against the likes of the TVS Apache RR310, but in reality it is marginally better than the best 200cc supersport in the country. And considering its more favourable day-to-day usage aspects (read: fuel efficiency) as well as the significantly lower asking price, the KTM RC 200 is still our pick.