The Yamaha R15 V3.0 directly competes with the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 and the KTM RC200 in India. However, the market did not have a worthy competitor in the 150cc segment. At the 2018 Auto Expo, Aprilia rained on the R15 V3.0’s parade with the RS150. So how do the bikes fare against each other on paper? We find out-
Design
Both manufacturers offer their small capacity bikes with bodywork similar to their flagship supersport offerings. This not only lends the bikes a premium appeal but also gives the consumer pride of ownership.
The aggressive design language of the Yamaha YZF-R1 and the YZF-R6 has trickled down to the YZF-R15 V3.0. The bike gets sharp styling through-out and the sleek twin LED headlamps only boost its appeal. The R15 V3.0 continues to get a split seat, although the rear section is thankfully not as high as the R15 V2. The rear section also incorporates the R1-like air ducts.
The Aprilia RS150 also borrows its styling from the bigger RSV4. While the RS150’s proportions seem a bit off, one would mistake it for the latter at first glance. It sports the trademark triple headlamp, edgy lines that flow throughout and the visually-uncomfortable triangular pillion seat. However, unlike the RSV4, the RS150 sports an underbelly exhaust.
Features, brakes and suspension
The Yamaha R15 V3.0 gets a fully-digital instrument cluster unlike the Aprilia RS150, which sports an analogue tachometer along with a digital unit. While braking on the R15 is done by a 282mm front disc and 220mm disc at the rear, the RS150 uses a 300mm and 218mm disc brake for the front and rear respectively.
Aprilia displayed the RS150 with ABS and upside down forks, although the manufacturer might not offer the same to maintain a competitive pricing. The Yamaha R15 V3.0 also does not get ABS and rides on conventional telescopic front forks. For the rear, both bikes use a monoshock.
Engine
Both the Aprilia RS150 and the Yamaha R15 V3.0 are built on a perimeter frame. Powering the R15 V3.0 is a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with Yamaha’s VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) technology that ensures top end grunt without sacrificing on low and mid-range power. This unit produces 18.70bhp and 15Nm of torque via a six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch.
The Aprilia RS150 on the other hand uses a 150cc single-cylinder that produces 18bhp and 14Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox. The manufacturer also says that it will provide a quickshifter as optional accessory, which should be priced around Rs 15,000- Rs 20,000.
Pricing
Yamaha has priced the YZF-R15 V3.0 at an attractive Rs 1.25 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). On the other hand, the Aprilia RS150 is still a concept and the manufacturer is evaluating the bike for the Indian market. While the bike gets features like the inverted forks and ABS that the R15 V3.0 misses out on, Aprilia might strip the RS150 of those for competitive pricing.
