The Yamaha R15 has been a stalwart in the Indian biking community; its profound ability to provide riders with an 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 an affordable price point. Years of updates and its pristine style have further made it a fan favorite.
While the 18.4 PS power at 10,000 rpm might seem low, with a high-class chassis and thoughtful suspension, the bike is 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 the perfect choice for anyone who seeks a sports bike, here are a few other alternatives you can choose from if you prefer a streetfighter-style bike.
Yamaha MT-15
Powered by almost the same engine as the R15—a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve single-cylinder engine that produces 18.45 PS of power at 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 14.1 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The MT-15 offers exactly the same performance package as the R15 at Rs 1,69,550 ex-showroom.
Bajaj NS 160
Another top competitor if a fully faired sports bike is not your thing. Powered by a 160.3 cc single-cylinder engine that delivers 17.03 bhp at 9,000 rpm and a max torque output of 14.6 Nm at 7,250 rpm. Handling is taken care of by upside-down forks and Nitrox 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 you can go for.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
The RTR 4V is powered by a 159.7 cc single-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox that churns out 17.31 bhp of power at 9,250 rpm and a max torque output of 14.73 Nm at 7,250 rpm. The bike features telescopic suspension at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The TVS RTR 4V is available in a slew of variants with single-disc ABS as well as dual-disc ABS. The top-of-the-line variant with all the bells and whistles is priced at Rs 1,65,527 ex-showroom.
New KTM Duke 160
KTM has replaced its 125cc sports bikes with a new 160cc model. The brand has developed the bike based on the 200 cc superbike. It has become apparent that the new bike uses the 200 Duke’s engine design, and according to the brand, and the engine produces around 19 bhp. The power figures are very similar to the R15 and going by teh details revealed by the brand, an all-new RC version of the bike might be revealed soon as well.
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 | Liquid Cooled, 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC, Internal Combustion Engine Power (PS) 19 Ps @ 9500 rpm | 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 19 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 | Telescopic Fork, (Rear) 7-step Adjustable Monocross Suspension |
| Rider Aids | Dual Channel ABS- With | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS |
| Price -Ex Showroom | 1,84,998 | Rs- 1,84,459 | Rs 1, 70,086 | Rs- 1,22,972 | Rs 1,23,484 | Rs 1,23,669 |
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