Yamaha R15 V4 vs Other Faired Bikes - Specifications Compared

  • Oct 10, 2021
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Looking to buy a faired, sporty-looking motorcycle on a budget? Here’s an on-paper comparison of all the top players

Faired motorcycles are real heart-throbs, and the majority of motorcycle enthusiasts would probably agree. However, not everyone can afford sharp, sporty superbikes, and this is where small faired bikes come into the picture. And to find out which one of them is the best investment, we’re putting the Yamaha R15 V4, Bajaj Pulsar RS200, Hero Xtreme 200S, Suzuki Gixxer SF, and KTM RC 125 against each other.

Engine

Specifications

Yamaha R15 V4

Bajaj Pulsar RS200

Hero Xtreme 200S

Suzuki Gixxer SF

KTM RC 125

Engine

155cc, single-cylinder engine

199.5cc, single-cylinder engine

199.6cc, single-cylinder engine

155cc, single-cylinder engine

124.7cc, single-cylinder engine

Power

18.4PS @ 10,000rpm

24.5PS @ 9,750rpm

18.08PS @ 8,500rpm

13.6PS @ 8,000rpm

14.5PS @ 9,250rpm

Torque

14.2Nm @ 7,500rpm

18.7Nm @ 8,000rpm

16.5Nm @ 6,500rpm

13.8Nm @ 6,000rpm

12Nm @ 8,000rpm

Gearbox

6-speed

6-speed

5-speed

5-speed

6-speed

The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 proves there’s no replacement for displacement by offering the highest power and torque figures. However, this motor has remained unchanged for a long time now, missing out on modem tech like a slipper clutch or variable valve actuation, both of which are present on the Yamaha R15 V4.

For city stints, though, the Hero Xtreme 200S and the Suzuki Gixxer SF, with their peak torques kicking in at 6,500rpm and 6,000rpm (respectively), should be ideal. 

However, despite having a bigger engine, the Gixxer’s output is the least impressive as it even falls short of the smaller KTM RC 125, which is a bummer.

Underpinnings

Specifications

Yamaha R15 V4

Bajaj Pulsar RS200

Hero Xtreme 200S

Suzuki Gixxer SF

KTM RC 125

Frame

Deltabox

Perimeter

Diamond-type

-

Trellis

Front suspension

USD

Telescopic

Telescopic

Telescopic

USD

Rear suspension

Monoshock

Nitrox Monoshock

Monoshock

Monoshock

Monoshock

Front disc brake

282mm

300mm

276mm

-

300mm

Rear disc brake

220mm

230mm

220mm

-

230mm

Front tyre

100/80

100/80

100/80

110/70

110/70

Rear tyre

140/70

130/70

130/70

150/60

150/60

The baby KTM RC 125 has the most sophisticated package here, thanks to its beefy 43mm USD fork, big 300mm front disc, and wide tyres, all coupled to a proven trellis frame. Easy win, right? Well, not really. The baby RC is good, but it’s closely matched by the updated Yamaha R15 V4, which also uses a USD fork and a slightly smaller 282mm front disc. What will give the R15 a slight edge, though, are its slimmer tyres, reducing unsprung mass and friction, making it easier to maneuver. 

Coming in a close third is the RS200, which shares its disc size with the RC. But blame it on its 130-section slimmer tyres and a conventional telescopic fork, it doesn’t feel as premium as the RC or the R15.

The Suzuki Gixxer SF and Hero Xtreme 200S aren’t meant for spirited riding, and they feature fairly conventional suspension and braking setups. We’ll give this round to the Hero, considering it’ll be more easy-going in the city because of its slimmer tyres.

Dimensions

Specifications

Yamaha R15 V4

Bajaj Pulsar RS200

Hero Xtreme 200S

Suzuki Gixxer SF

KTM RC 125

Wheelbase

1325mm

1345mm

1338mm

1340mm

1341mm

Ground clearance

170mm

157mm

165mm

165mm

157mm

Fuel tank capacity

11-litres

13-litres

12.8-litres

12-litre

9.5-litre

Seat height

815mm

800mm

795mm

795mm

835mm

Kerb weight

142kg

166kg

154.5kg

148kg

154.2kg

The Suzuki Gixxer SF is the most well-rounded package for new riders, courtesy of its low seat height, a decent 12-litre fuel tank, and the second-lowest weight in the lot. However, the R15 V4 has the lowest kerb weight and the shortest wheelbase, giving it an advantage when navigating tight paths. However, with a seat height of 815mm and aggressive ergonomics, it isn’t ideal for shorter riders or city duties, for that matter.

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The Pulsar RS200 and Hero Xtreme 200S are closely matched. But the former is over 10kg heavier, has a longer wheelbase and a lower ground clearance, which gives the edge to the Hero.

Lastly, we have the KTM RC 125. With a seat height of 835mm and a kerb weight of over 150kg, it isn’t an easy-going bike, at least on paper. The puny 9.5-litre fuel tank (smallest of the lot) doesn’t help its case either.

Features

 

Yamaha R15 V4

Bajaj Pulsar RS200

Hero Xtreme 200S

Suzuki Gixxer SF

KTM RC 125

LCD console

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Bluetooth connectivity

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Slipper clutch

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

LED headlamp

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

USD fork

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

ABS

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

The new Yamaha R15 V4 is a no-brainer in terms of features. Some variants of the R15 even get segment-first quickshifter and traction control. In second place, we have the baby RC 125. It ticks all major boxes, only missing out on Bluetooth connectivity and an LED headlamp. 

In the third and fourth, we’d put the Hero Xtreme 200S and Suzuki Gixxer SF, respectively. While both pack mostly the same things, Hero offers connectivity features, which are missing on the Gixxer.

And as expected, the aged Pulsar RS200 rounds up the standings. It is by far the least feature-packed and the only motorcycle to miss out on a fully digital console. 

Price & Verdict

Yamaha R15 V4

Bajaj Pulsar RS200

Hero Xtreme 200S

Suzuki Gixxer SF

KTM RC 125

Rs 1,67,800

Rs 1,63,168

Rs 1,27,364

Rs 1,30,700

Rs 1,80,538

Judging from a price-to-feature ratio, the Hero Xtreme 200S offers the best value if you’re in the market for an easy-going, pocket-friendly faired bike. 

But if budget isn’t exactly a concern and riding experience is high in your checklist, we’d recommend the Yamaha R15 V4. Not only does the new R15 look smashing, but it has good performance on offer as well.

 

Yamaha R15 V4 Video Review

Yamaha R15 V4
Yamaha R15 V4
Rs. 1.82 Lakh
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