TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Fi vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Carb vs Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs Yamaha FZ25 vs KTM 250 Duke: Real World City Mileage Compared

Are these entry-level performers pocket-friendly enough for daily city commutes? We pit them against each other in the real world to find out which one is the most fuel-efficient of the lot

Most 200–250cc bikes in the country today offer a fair balance between mileage and performance, along with various features and trendy styling. However, for many buyers in India, fuel efficiency takes priority as it reduces the overall cost of ownership. To help you choose, we put these bikes through grueling everyday city traffic to find out which one’s the most fuel efficient.

Bajaj Pulsar NS200 -

The Pulsar NS200 is a good balance of performance and practicality. A refined engine, well balanced ergos and plenty of fun on the highways and the twisties as well. It is powered by a 199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor which makes 23.52PS at 9500rpm and 18.3Nm of torque at 8000rpm. It comes mated to a slick 6-speed gearbox. Its peppy engine however is rather thirsty in the city, which gives it last place in this comparison.

City: 36.1kmpl

STD: Rs 99,411

ABS: Rs 1.11 lakh

KTM 250 Duke -

The 250 Duke bridges the gap between the 200 Duke and the 390 Duke. The 250 Duke is the most refined Duke of the lot. It makes a strong case for itself if you are looking for a premium, comfortable and dynamic motorcycle on a budget under Rs 2 lakh. Propelling the bike is a 249cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder mill that churns out 29.91PS at 9000 rpm and has a peak torque of 24Nm @ 7500 rpm. Being the sportiest of the lot, the Austrian kid manages to claim the 3rd last spot in our city fuel efficiency comparison.

City: 41kmpl

Price: Rs. 1.78 lakh

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V (Fi & Carb) -

Both the TVS Apache RTR 200’s – Fi and Carb versions – are very similar to each other when it comes to riding dynamics, and are more suited to handle city duties than doing long distances. The carburetted version is the one to go for if performance is your criteria. However, the Fi version offers better top speed, refinement and fuel efficiency. Plus the RTR 200 is now offered with an ABS variant, which is a big plus in terms of safety. Its 198cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder and 4-valve motor churns out 21PS at 9000rpm and 17.5Nm of peak torque at 7000rpm.

City (Fi): 44.1kmpl

Carb: 40.2kmpl

Price (Carb): Rs 95,685

Price (Fi): Rs. 1.08

Price: ABS Rs. 1.09 lakh

Yamaha FZ 25 -

Yamaha introduced the FZ 25 with the intent of offering a motorcycle that's relatively affordable for commuters moving up from the realm of 150cc bikes. It offers a good balance of style, practicality and performance. The 249cc, fuel-injected, air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder motor pumps out 20.9PS at 8000rpm, while 20Nm of peak torque is produced at 8000rpm. The Yamaha FZ 25 leads the way with the best mileage recorded in our extensive city rides.

City: 45.6kmpl

Price: Rs. 1.18 lakh (all prices given here are ex-showroom, Delhi)