Spec Comparison: Yamaha R15 V4 VS Rivals

This on-paper spec comparison will help you choose your next budget faired bike

Small fairing on motorcycles has always attracted the attention of many young bike lovers. The smaller-faired bikes are inspired by more powerful sportsbikes, which everyone cannot afford.

To find out which one is the best investment, we have decided to put the Yamaha R15 V4, which enjoys supremacy in the 150cc segment, against some of its other potential rivals, the Bajaj Pulsar RS200, KTM RC 200, and the SuzukiGixxer SF 150.

Engine

The R15 V4 is also the most powerful motorcycle in the 150cc segment

The RC 200 offers the highest power and torque figures amongst its rivals here, although it still uses the same motor that powered the previous generation model. But, it misses out on a few of the modern technology that the Yamaha R15 V4 offers, including a slipper clutch and variable valve actuation (VVA).

The Pulsar RS 200 does not fail to impress in the power and department as it sits just below the RC200 when it comes to power and torque figures.

The fourth-generation R15 still uses the same 155cc, single pot motor with VVA technology which helps provide a linear power delivery throughout the rev-range. The peak power output has gone down by 0.2 PS, but the Yamaha R15 V4 is still the most powerful bike in the 150cc displacement.

The Suzuki Gixxer SF fails to impress in the power figures department, despite carrying the identical displacement as the R15. The Gixxer SF could be a well-suited bike for city stints as its peak torque kicks in at just 6,000 rpm.

Underpinnings

The motorcycle gets many class-leading features never seen before in a motorcycle of this segment

The new-gen KTM RC200 gets the most sophisticated hardware amongst its rivals here. It features a new split-trellis frame, a beefier 43mm telescopic suspension setup from WP Apex at the front, and a monoshock setup at the rear. A 320mm disc brake at the front and a 230 mm disc at the rear take care of the braking duties of the motorcycle. The RC200 is also the only motorcycle to get a switchable dual-channel ABS.

The YZF-R15 V4 does not disappoint either when it comes to comfort and suspension. The Japanese two-wheeler maker has finally decided to equip the fourth generation R15 with an upside-down suspension setup at the front while the rear profile gets a monoshock setup. The faired motorcycle continues to use a Deltabox frame. The braking duties of the bike are handled by a 282 mm disc brake at the front and a 220 mm disc brake at the rear. A dual-channel ABS comes as standard.

The Pulsar RS200 underpins the same perimeter frame as the NS200. But it still uses a conventional telescopic suspension setup at the front and a monoshock setup at the rear. The RS200 also features slimmer 130 section rear tyres which take some of its appeals away. The braking duties are taken care of by a 300 mm disc brake at the front and a 230 mm disc at the rear. Recently, Bajaj has added a dual-channel ABS setup on the RS200.

The Gixxer SF is not meant for spirited riding and thus gets a basic front telescopic suspension setup and a monoshock setup at the rear. The Gixxer SF is the only bike that offers a single-channel ABS.

Dimensions

We have decided to bring you a spec comparison article where we compare four of the leading budget faired motorcycles

The R15 V4 has the lower kerb weight and the shortest wheelbase, which adds an advantage while riding on twisties. Unfortunately, the R15 gets a slightly taller seat height of 815mm which can cause some problems for the short riders while manoeuvring the bike within the city. Moreover, the R15 V4 also has the smallest fuel tank compared to its rival.

The Suzuki Gixxer SF scores fairly when we talk about dimensions, it gets a decent 12-litre fuel tank, a low seat height of 795mm, and a second-lowest kerb weight of 148 kilograms.

The KTM RC200 will offer a decent range thanks to its upgraded 13.7 Litre fuel tank (the previous generation bike offered 9.5 litres). The new RC 200 has a kerb weight of 151 kilograms, making it almost 14 kilograms lighter than the Pulsar RS200. The Pulsar RS200 is the heaviest bike on this list.

Features

Yamaha launched the fourth generation YZF R15 in India recently

The Yamaha R15 V4 tops the list when it comes to features. It is the only bike in this segment to offer a quick-shifter and traction control. It even features an updated LCD instrument cluster with Y-Connect connected technology that offers ride statistics, last parking location, call alerts, and SMS/email notifications.

The new-gen RC200 gets a new LCD instrument cluster shared with the KTM 250 Adventure. This unit is larger than the ones found on the old bike but does not get a Bluetooth connectivity option. There are no riding modes offered on this bike.

The Suzuki Gixxer SF also features an LCD instrument cluster minus the connected tech feature. The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is the least loaded bike amongst its rivals. The RS200 even misses out on the fully digital console.

Price and verdict

If budget is not a concern, then the R15 V4 won’t disappoint you in terms of features and ride experience. The bike offers a good balance between performance and features. But, if budget is your concern and you want a commuter to use within city limits and occasional highway runs, then the Suzuki Gixxxer SF 150 offers the best value.

The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 looks ancient when we compare it with its rivals. The RC200 is a more expensive offering, but it does not bring anything new to the table.

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