Yamaha YZF-R15 V4 vs Bajaj Pulsar RS200: Specification Comparison

  • Oct 7, 2021
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Sometimes, there is replacement to engine displacement

The Yamaha R15 introduced the idea of affordable supersports to Indian enthusiasts. Over the years, competition grew, yet the Japanese supersport continued building a stronger fanbase. Now, in its fourth-generation avatar, the Yamaha YZF-R15 is more expensive than the Bajaj Pulsar RS200. So, should you really pick a 155cc motorcycle when you could get a more powerful alternative at the same price? Let’s find out.

Engine

Specifications Yamaha R15 V4 Bajaj Pulsar RS200
Engine 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine 200cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine
Power 18.4PS @ 10,000rpm 24.5PS @ 9750rpm
Torque 14.2Nm @ 7500rpm 18.7Nm @ 8000rpm
Gearbox 6-speed 6-speed

Both bikes use 4-valve, liquid-cooled engines, and thanks to the 45cc advantage, the Pulsar develops 6.1PS and 4.5Nm more. While Yamaha’s engine is smaller, it packs more equipment than the Bajaj. For starters, it gets variable valve actuation (VVA), meaning the low-end grunt doesn’t come at the cost of top-end performance. Furthermore, the 6-speed gearbox on the R15 is paired with a slip-assist clutch so that clutch action lighter and aggressive downshifts don’t throw you off-guard.

Underpinnings

Specifications Yamaha R15 V4 Bajaj Pulsar RS200
Frame Deltabox Perimeter
Front suspension USD fork Telescopic fork
Rear suspension Link-type monoshock Gas-charged monoshock
Front brake 282mm disc 300mm disc
Rear brake 220mm disc 230mm disc
Front tyre 100/80-17 100/80-17
Rear tyre 140/70-R17 130/70-17

Yamaha has retained the fabled Deltabox (perimeter) frame. But the big news comes in the form of the USD fork, which is a first for an India-spec model. At the rear, it gets a link-type monoshock good at soaking minor undulations. On the other hand, the PulsarRS200 relies on a regular telescopic fork and a gas-charged monoshock. Though the latter is swingarm-mounted, the gas canister aids damping, which should result in a smoother ride.

The braking setup on both bikes is similar -- discs at both ends paired with axial calipers at the front. Dual-channel ABS comes as standard on both. However, the RS200 gets bigger discs considering the more performance generated and its extra heft.

Like the previous-generation model, Yamaha chose to equip the V4 with a bias-ply front tyre and a radial rear tyre, a set up that has its limitations. Bias-ply tyres tend to heat more and wear out faster than radial units, and even have slightly poor traction levels. The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 not only has bias-ply tyres at both ends but also a slimmer rear tyre, limiting cornering angle.

Dimensions

Specifications Yamaha R15 V4 Bajaj Pulsar RS200
Wheelbase 1,325mm 1,345mm
Ground clearance 170mm 157mm
Fuel tank capacity 11-litres 13-litres
Seat height 815mm -
Kerb weight 142kg 166kg

If it's cornering we are talking about, the R15 V4 takes the win. In addition to being lighter by 24kg, the taut 1325mm wheelbase makes the bike super agile in the corners. Also, the 815mm seat height makes the bike manageable for riders of all sizes.

The Bajaj Pulsar is slightly different, maintaining that balance between everyday useability and outright sportiness. That said, the 157mm ground clearance might be problematic when encountering big speed bumps on your commutes.

Features

  Yamaha R15 V4 Bajaj Pulsar RS200
Digital Console Yes Yes
Display modes Yes No
Navigation No No
Traction Control Yes No
Quickshifter Yes No
Navigation Yes No
Caller ID/SMS, Email alert Yes No
Last Parking Location Yes No
Gear-position indicator Yes No
Real-time mileage Yes No
Average fuel efficiency Yes No
Distance-to-empty Yes No
LED headlamp Yes No

Yamaha has gone all guns blazing with the YZF-R15 V4, introducing segment-first features like a quickshifter and traction control. Also, thanks to the new Bluetooth-enabled instrument console, the bike gets improved functionality. On the other hand, the Pulsar comes with a part-digital instrument console with limited functionality.

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Price And Verdict

Yamaha R15 V4 Bajaj Pulsar RS200
R15 Metallic Red Rs 1,67,800 Rs 1,63,168
R15 Dark Knight Rs 1,68,800  
R15 Racing Blue Rs 1,72,800  
R15M Rs 1,77,800  
R15 Monster Energy Rs 1,79,800

Now doesn’t the Yamaha YZF-R15 justify its price tag? Sure, it is more expensive than the Bajaj Pulsar RS200, but for that, Yamaha is offering better hardware and a host of features, including segment-first additions. When compared to the R15, the Pulsar RS200 certainly feels dated and is best suited for someone looking for a bike to commute and go on occasional weekend jaunts.

Yamaha R15 V4 Video Review

Yamaha R15 V4
Yamaha R15 V4
Rs. 1.82 Lakh
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