Tairong GP1 250R vs Yamaha R15 V3: Image Comparison

Two faired motorcycles catering to the same genre with different engine layouts, mechanicals and features 

Tairong Motor has introduced a 250cc twin-cylinder faired motorcycle called the Tairong GP1 250R in China. Its visual design and hardware may have you believe that it means business but in reality, it’s quite the opposite. We’ve matched it against the Yamaha YZF R15 V3 in the entry-level performance segment in order to paint a picture -- and we’ve done so through some detailed images.

At a glance, the GP1 250 looks like a large sub-400cc supersport. And why wouldn’t it, it has all the ingredients to do so -- a pronounced front fascia, angular lines, chunky tyres and sporty riding posture. The R15 V3, on the other hand, looks sleek, light and nimble. It takes its design cues from the litre-class Yamaha R1. 

The Tairong GP1 250R features split LED projector headlamps running LED DRLs while the R15 comes with split LED headlights. 

The tail light and turn indicators on the GP1 250R are LED units as well. It’s a similar case with the R15 which features an LED tail light but gets conventional bulb-type indicators.

Interestingly, Tairong offers the GP1 250R with a full-colour TFT instrument console. The R15, on the contrary, gets a monotone digital console.

Now, this is where things get really weird. The GP1 uses a 249.5cc parallel-twin motor which may lead you to believe that it'll decimate the R15 V3 in terms of performance. But that’s not the case. In fact, it just makes 16.99PS at 8500rpm and 16.5Nm at 6000rpm. To add to this, the bike has a claimed top speed of just 125kmph. 

If we were to draw a comparison, the R15 makes 1.61?PS more power. While it’s down on torque, the R15 V3 features VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) which offers better low-end grunt and top-end performance. 

To make up for the lack of power, the GP1 comes equipped with twin petal discs with radial calipers up front, a fat telescopic fork and a rear monoshock. In comparison, the R15 features a single disc at the front and rear clamped by sliding calipers. The suspension setup is pretty similar except for the fact that the R15’s fork is a lot slimmer.

Shorter riders would be more comfortable on the GP1 250R thanks to a relatively low seat height of 780mm. The seat height on the R15 measures in at 815mm.

The GP1 250R’s ergonomics aren’t too aggressive either thanks to raised clip-on handlebars and mid-set footpegs. The R15, on the other hand, offers an aggressive track-focused riding posture.

However, the R15 weighs in at just 142kg kerb, as opposed to the GP1 250R’s weight of 186kg (kerb).

The GP1 250R can accommodate 14 litres of fuel while the R15 V3 can hold up to 11 litres.

In terms of price, the Tairong GP1 250R with ABS will set you back by 16,980 Yuan (about Rs 1.81 lakh). That’s a little over Rs 34,000 more expensive than the Yamaha R15 V3, which retails at Rs 1,46,900 (ex-showroom).