Yamaha R15 has been a stalwart in the Indian biking community, its profound ability to provide the riders with a impeccable sports bike chassis along with the performance of a Liquid Cooled Single Overhead camshaft Fuel Injected engine makes; it the go to choice for many who seek a pure thoroughbred sports bike at a affordable price point. The years updates and its pristine style has further made it a fan favorite.
While the 18.4 Ps Power at /10,000 rpm might seem low, but with a high class chassis and tought suspension the bike a true track weapon in the hands of seasoned riders. Plus the new VVA actuation further allows the bike to offer better performance response in the higher rev range. Although the bike could be perfect choice for any one who seeks a sports bike, here are a few other alternatives that you can choose from if you seek a streetfighter style bike.
Yamaha Mt-15
Powered by almost the same engine as that of the R15 a Liquid-Cooled 4 Stroke , SOHC 4 Valve single cylinder which produces 18.45Ps of power at 10,000 RPM and a peak Torque of 14.1Nm @ 7500 RPM. The MT-15 offers exactly the same performance package as that of the R15 at Rs 1,69,550 ex showroom.
Bajaj Ns 160
Another top competitor if going for a fully faired sports bike is not your thing. Powered by a 160.3 cc single cylinder engine that delivers 17.03 bhp @ 9000 rpm and a max torque output of 14.6Nm @ 7250 rpm. The Handling is taken care of by Upside down forks and itrax Monoshock Absorbers. If you want a budget machine with a performance output that can turn your everyday commute into a hoot this bike could be another top machine that you can go for.
TVS Apache RTR 160 -4V
The RTR 4V has been powered by a 159.7 cc single cylinder engine with a 5 speed manual gearbox that churns out 17.31 bhp of power @ 9250 rpm and a max Torque output of 14.73 Nm @ 7250. The bike further has telescopic suspension at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The TVS RTr 4v is available in a slew of variants that have a single Disc ABS as well as Dual Disc ABS. The Top of the line variant with all the bells and whistles has been priced at Rs 1,65,527 ex showroom.
New KTM 150-160cc competitors To arrive Soon
KTM has also showcased interest in changing the 125cc sports bikes with 150-160cc new models’. The brand would be developing them based on the 200 cc superior bike. It has become apparent that the new bike would be using 200 Duke’s engines design and as per the brand it seems that the engine would produce around 19-20 Bhp. This would be significant step up from the current KTM 125 cc motor which only makes 14.5 BHP. This would help the new bike be much more powerful than that of the R15’s 18.4 Bhp power figure.
Yamaha R15 Competitors
| Comparison | KTM Duke /RC 160 | Yamaha R15 150 | MT-05 | Bajaj Pulsar NS160 | Yamaha Fz, F1, V4 160 | TVS Apache Rtr 160 4v |
| Engine | Na | 155cc Single Cylinder Engine | 155 cc Single Cylinder Engine | 164.82 CC Single cylinder engine | 149cc, Single Cylinder Engine | 159.7 CC Single Cylinder Engine |
| Performance | Around 18.4 Bhp Expected | 18.1 Bhp@ 10,000 Rpm/ 14.2 Nm Peak Torque @7500 Rpm | 18.1 Bhp@ 10,000 Rpm/ 14.2 Nm Peak Torque @7500 Rpm | 16.68 BHP @8750 Rpm, 14.6 Nm @ 6750 RPM | 12.2 bhp @ 7250 Rpm and 13.3 Nm @ 5500 Rpm | 17.31 Bhp @ 9250 Rpm And 14.73 Nm @ 7250 Rpm |
| Suspension | Upside down forks with A Monoshock at the rear – Expected | Upside Down Forks, (Rear)Linked Type Monocross Suspension | Upside Down Forks, (Rear)Linked Type Monocross Suspension | Telescopic, 31mm ( rear) Monoshock With Nitrox | Telescopic Fork, (Rear) 7 step Adjustable Monocross Suspension | Telescoipc Suspension upfront and Monoshcok Suspension at the rear |
| Rider Aids | Dual Channel ABS- With | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS |
| Price -Ex Showroom | Rs- 1,84,459 | Rs 1, 70,086 | Rs- 1,22,972 | Rs 1,23,484 | Rs 1,23,669 |
No tentative launch date has been revealed by the brand, as of yet. The brand has been through profound financial troubles in the past. Beyond that the brand ran into jeopardy with its fans as its high compression engine above 700 cc showcased regular signs of bent camshafts. This led to a mushrooming of communities whose main purpose was to gain a recognition for the issue. But the long term goals of offering more affordable beginner bikes in India might help the brand survive.
Also Read: Suzuki To Launch A New 5 Seater SUV! 7 Seater SUV Plans Shelved? New Sonet Competitor In the Making?
