Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0: Same Price, Other Options

The YZF-R15 V3.0 seems like a tempting buy, but what else could you buy for around the same price?

After high anticipation, Yamaha finally launched the YZF-R15 V3.0 at the Auto Expo 2018. But that was almost a year and a half ago. At Rs 1.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) is the R15 V3.0 does offer good value but what about other options? What other bikes can you buy for that kind of money? We’ve compiled a list of 6 different motorcycles, in the same price range to find out.

Also Read - 2018 Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 Road Test Review

(all prices, ex-showroom Delhi)

1) Bajaj RS 200 (Rs 1.39 lakh
The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is priced similar to the Yamaha R15 V3.0, but makes more power and torque. All 24.5PS and 18.6Nm of it. The bike gets a perimeter frame, which offers sportiy handling dynamics. However, it has relaxed ergonomics.  The RS 200 is a good bike for touring, something which cannot be said about the R15 v3.0. However, the Pulsar does feel dated in the features department. It gets a semi-digital instrument console and projector headlamps in place of LED units that come on most modern bikes. The headlamps though offer fantastic illumination. It also gets a single channel ABS unit instead of a dual-channel one on the R15. Buy the RS 200 for its touring abilities.

Also Read - Bajaj Pulsar RS200: First Ride

2) Yamaha MT-15 (Rs 1.36 lakh)
If you like the R15 but do not want that committed riding position, the MT-15 just might do it for you. The MT-15 is essentially the R15 V3.0 without the fairing and with a relaxed riding position. It gets an aggressive street naked design which looks like nothing else on the road. The underpinnings and motor are the same as the R15 V3.0. Even the output figures are the same the MT-15 gets a larger sprocket for better low-end punch. The MT-15 though misses out on the dual-channel ABS unit, that the R15 comes equipped with and instead gets a single channel ABS.

Also Read - Yamaha MT-15: Track Ride Review

3) Yamaha FZ-25 (Rs 1.33 lakh)
Looking for a larger bike on a budget? The Yamaha FZ-25 is exactly that. It gets a 250cc powerplant but is Rs 6,000 more affordable than the R15 V3.0. The bike gets a muscular design and its larger 249cc single-cylinder motor makes 20.9PS and 20Nm, which is more than the R15. It also gets dual channel ABS. The catch: It misses out on top end performance and dynamics the R15 comes with. 

4) KTM 125 Duke (Rs 1.30 lakh)
For Rs 9,000 less you now have the option to own a KTM! The entry-level 125 Duke serves as the perfect beginner’s bike for anyone who is just getting started. It isn’t as intimidating as its older sibling and essentially offers similar razor-sharp handling dynamics. Yes, on paper, the 124.7cc motor produces just 14.5PS and 12Nm. However, you do get premium components here in the form of premium WP USD forks, aluminium swingarm, radial tyres and radially mounted caliper. 

Also Read - KTM 125 Duke: Road Test Review

5) KTM RC 125 (Rs 1.47 lakh)
The RC is another faired alternative to the R15 and matches it in the dynamics department. It also gets better spec suspension components like a trellis frame, aluminium swingarm, upside down forks, radial tyres, WP upside-down forks and WP monoshock, and ByBre radial caliper. The downside is the underpowered 124,7cc motor that produces 14.5PS and 12Nm of torque, far less than the Yamaha. That being said, the RC is still a good learners track bike. 

Also read: KTM RC 125: Track Ride Review

6) Royal Enfield Bullet 350 ES ( Rs 1.34 lakh)
This might be a completely different departure from a sporty faired bike to a laid-back retro motorcycle. For Rs 5,000 less you can opt for the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 ES. Underneath the retro design, you have a torquey 346cc single-cylinder motor that delivers 20PS and 28Nm. You miss out on modern features such as a fully-digital instrument console, LED lights and a dual-channel ABS setup. However, the Bullet has charm, and offers a very unique experience of motorcycling.