Yamaha finally launched the YZF-R15 V3.0 in India at the 2018 Auto Expo. The R15 V3.0 faces direct competition from the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 and the KTM RC200. How does the R15 V3.0 fare against its biggest rivals? We find out in this competition check-
Design
While all bikes in this list sport a full-fairing, split seats and an aggressive look to follow the design language of this segment; each of them have a different approach to their styling.
The Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 sports sharp styling cues derived from its bigger supersport siblings, the YZF-R6 and the YZF-R1 and gets twin LED headlamps. The KTM RC200 too sports a sharp design that can be distinguished by its unique-looking dual projector headlamps with LED DRLs. KTM offers only one colour scheme for the RC200 which consists of white, black and orange.
On the other hand, the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 sports a slightly upright riding position and a busy design thanks to the edgy lines that run all through the bike. It also gets dual projector headlamps and a distinctive LED tail lamp.
Features
The YZF-R15 V3.0 as well as the KTM RC200 sports an LCD instrument cluster that displays gear position indicator, average speed among the basic information. Meanwhile, the Pulsar RS200 makes do a semi-digital instrument console with an analogue tachometer.
The Yamaha R15 V3.0 rides on conventional telescopic forks to keep costs in check unlike the international model, which gets inverted forks. The Pulsar RS200 too rides on conventionally mounted forks. The RC200 makes an exception with inverted forks up front. All bikes here get a dual disc brake setup. However, the Pulsar RS200 is the only bike here which offers single-channel ABS as an option.
Engine
The Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 is powered by a 155cc single-cylinder, VVA engine that produces 19bhp and 14.7Nm of torque via a six-speed gearbox. While the bike is not the most powerful, it is the only bike in this list to offer a slipper clutch.
The Pulsar RS200 is powered by same 199cc engine that powers the naked Pulsar NS200. However, this engine puts out 24.5bhp at and 18.6Nm of torque via a six-speed gearbox.
The KTM RC200 is the most powerful bike of the lot. It uses a 199cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 25.10bhp and 19Nm of torque. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox.
Pricing
The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is the most affordable bike with a price tag of Rs 1.23 lakhs for the standard version. However, the ABS variant costs Rs 1.35 lakhs. Yamaha has priced the YZF-R15 V3.0 at Rs 1.25 lakhs. Meanwhile, the KTM RC200 is the most expensive bike here at Rs 1.76 lakhs.
All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.
