KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- With prices starting at Rs 1,82,600, the Yamaha R15 V4 is more expensive than both Hero Karizma XMR and Bajaj Pulsar RS 200.
- The R15 has the smallest engine with the least power and torque outputs, but it is the only engine to get variable valve actuation technology.
- Also the only motorcycle in this comparison with an upside-down front fork, a linked-type mono-shock, and the widest tyres with radial rear tyres.
In its fourth-generation avatar, the Yamaha R15 has continued the YZF-R legacy in a much more affordable and trickled-down sub-250cc category. The R15 V4 has already set high benchmarks in performance and riding dynamics, which are now being challenged by Hero MotoCorp's first fully-faired motorcycle in recent times, the new Karizma XMR. Considering the popular old Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 in comparison with the Karizma XMR, is the Yamaha R15 V4 the easiest sports bike to recommend for beginners? Let's take a look, meanwhile do join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to never miss out on automotive updates.
Also Read: Yamaha R15 V4: Pros And Cons - The Best Entry-Level Sports Bike?
Yamaha R15 V4 vs Rivals: Price
Despite having the smallest engine in this competition, the Yamaha R15 V4 is the most expensive. With a starting price of Rs 1,82,600, it is dearer than the Karizma XMR by Rs 2,700 and dearer than the Pulsar RS 200 by Rs 8,750. The higher-spec R15M is even more expensive.
| Model | Yamaha R15 V4 | Hero Karizma XMR | Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 1,82,600 Rs 1,97,700 | Rs 1,79,900 | Rs 1,73,850 |
Yamaha R15 V4 vs Rivals: Engine
There is no replacement for displacement, which is clearly proved by comparing the engines of these three motorcycles. The Yamaha R15 V4 has the smallest engine in this comparison, with its 155cc engine claiming lesser power and torque outputs than the 200cc-odd engines of the Karizma XMR and Pulsar RS 200. The engines of all these three motorcycles are liquid-cooled, with the R15 V4 offering the exclusive variable valve actuation technology and the Pulsar RS 200 here being the only one with three spark plugs for better combustion.
| Model | Yamaha R15 V4 | Hero Karizma XMR | Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 |
| Engine | Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 155cc | Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 210cc | Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 199.5cc |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Maximum power | 18.4PS @ 10,000 rpm | 25.5PS @ 9,250 rpm | 24.5PS @ 9,250 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 14.2Nm @ 7,500 rpm | 20.4Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 18.7Nm @ 7,250 rpm |
Yamaha R15 V4 vs Rivals: Hardware
Besides its engine's variable valve actuation technology, the R15 also claims supremacy in the rest of the hardware setup compared to the Hero Karizma XMR and Bajaj Pulsar RS 200. Based on a Deltabox frame inspired by that of the flagship R1, this is the only motorcycle here to have an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a linked-type mono-shock at the rear. This superior sport-tuned suspension setup and race-derived frame are the reasons behind its sporty handling, staying true to the YZF lineage.
Also has the widest front and rear tyres in this comparison, and it is the only motorcycle among the three to have a radial rear tyre. However, the R15 V4 is also the only motorcycle in this company without petal disc brakes, and the disc sizes are also smaller than those of the Karizma XMR and Pulsar RS 200.
| Dimensions | Yamaha R15 V4 | Hero Karizma XMR | Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 |
| Frame | Deltabox | Steel trellis | Pressed steel perimeter |
| Front suspension | Upside-down telescopic | Telescopic | Telescopic |
| Rear suspension | Linked-type mono-shock | Gas-charged mono-shock | Gas-charged mono-shock |
| Front brake | 282mm disc | 300mm petal disc | 300mm petal disc |
| Rear brake | 220mm disc | 230mm petal disc | 230mm petal disc |
| Front tyre | 100/80-17 | 100/80-17 | 100/80-17 |
| Rear tyre | 140/70-R17 | 140/70-17 | 130/70-17 |
Yamaha R15 V4 vs Rivals: Features
Regarding features, Yamaha again hints at why it is the most expensive of the pack. It is the only motorcycle with traction control and a quick-shifter, which, along with the assist and slipper clutch, aid in its overall excellent handling characteristics. It also has the best instrument console in the top-spec R15M version, with an all-LED setup for its lights. The Karizma XMR, however, is the only motorcycle with an adjustable windshield that restricts windblasts better at higher speeds.
| Dimensions | Yamaha R15 V4 | Hero Karizma XMR | Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 |
| Headlamps | LED projector with LED DRLs | LED projectors with LED DRLs | Halogen projectors with LED position lights |
| Tail lamps | LED | LED | LED |
| Turn indicators | Halogen (Standard) / LED (R15 M) | LED | LED |
| Instrument console | Full-LCD (Standard) / Coloured TFT (R15 M) | Colour LCD | Part-digital |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Yes | Yes | No |
| Adjustable windshield | No | Yes | No |
| USB charger | Yes | Yes | No |
| Clip-on handlebars | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Split seats | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Assist & slipper clutch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Traction control | Yes | No | No |
| Quick-shifter | Yes | No | No |
Also Read: Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Pros and Cons: The Best Pulsar Of All Time?
Verdict
Compared to the stellar value-for-money packaging of the Hero Karizma XMR and the slightly 'too long in the tooth' Bajaj Pulsar RS 200, the Yamaha R15 might initially seem an expensive proposition. While it has the smallest engine and brakes in this comparison, the Yamaha R15 justifies its premium positioning over the two with its premium, segment-exclusive elements like variable valve actuation technology for its engine, upside-down telescopic fork at the front and riding aids like traction control and quick-shifter.
The Yamaha R15 V4 also has the most reliable, refined and efficient engine compared to the Karizma XMR and Pulsar RS 200, which makes it a better-engineered engine despite having the least power and torque outputs. However, for those who crave outright power, the Karizma XMR makes more sense for having the most powerful engine in this bunch.
