2021 KTM RC 200 vs Yamaha R15 V3: Photo Comparison

Does the updated RC 200 have the edge over the YZF R15 V3?

[UPDATE: KTM has launched the 2021 RC 125 and RC 200 in India from Rs 1.82 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. For more details about availability, specifications and other details, read this story]

The supersport segment in India has gotten quite competitive over the years. Manufacturers roll out regular updates to stay abreast of their rivals, and the latest one to have done just that is KTM. The Austrian bike maker has updated its RC lineup and will likely launch it soon. 

Of the three models from the KTM supersport range, let’s compare the 2021 RC 200 to the Yamaha YZF R15 V3, and see which one comes out on top (on paper, of course). 

The Yamaha R15 has had a series of updates over the years, with the V3 looking the most aggressive. Its split-LED headlight is distinctive, and the front fascia is proportionate to the overall design. On the other hand, the 2021 KTM RC 200’s styling is polarising, really. The refreshed fascia seems meek, while the projector lights have made way for the new LED light setup. However, the India-spec model will feature conventional lighting to keep costs in check. 

The R15 V3 has a compact rider triangle certain to get your attention. In contrast, KTM seems to have made the 2021 RC 200 roomier with more relaxed ergonomics than before. This is courtesy of the new triple-clamp. 

Yamaha’s only supersport in India is powered by a liquid-cooled 4-valve 155cc motor with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation). It belts out 18.6PS and 14.1Nm. Meanwhile, Team Orange will likely power its steed with the same liquid-cooled 200cc motor generating 25PS and 19Nm. Both bikes get a 6-speed gearbox, but the Yamaha YZF R15 uses a slipper clutch as well. 

Now to the features. The baby Yamaha gets an LCD. The 2021 KTM RC 200 is equipped with a TFT screen with connectivity provisions, borrowed from the current-gen 390 Duke. However, that’ll be limited to international models only, whereas we’ll get the bike with an LCD, and the UI would be similar to the Adventure 250. 

The Yammie’s motor is housed inside a deltabox frame, whereas the 2021 RC 200 gets a new bolt-on subframe. The latter is not only easy to repair but it’s also affordable. 

The suspension setup for the Yamaha YZF R15 V3 includes a conventional fork and a linked-type monoshock. On the other hand, the RC 200 is suspended on a premium WP USD fork and a monoshock. 

In the YZF R15 V3, braking is thanks to its 282mm front and 220mm rear disc with single-channel ABS. The 2021 KTM RC 200 takes the lead here as well, with a 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear unit. It gets dual-channel ABS as standard. 

The Yamaha YZF R15 V3 rolls on 17-inch wheels wrapped in MRF rubber. Whereas the 2021 KTM RC 200 seems to have got the new and lighter bionic wheels covered in Continental ContiRoad sport-touring tyres. 

The Japanese supersport gets a claimed 11-litre fuel tank capacity, while the Austrian is said to have a larger 13.7-litre unit. 

Yamaha offers the YZF R15 V3 from Rs 1,56,600. The 2021 KTM RC 200 is expected to cost a few thousand rupees more than the current model, which is priced at Rs 2,08,602 (both, ex-showroom Delhi).