The Yamaha R15 is a well-established favorite in India’s motorcycle market due to its sports bike chassis and potent liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine. Its appeal stems from offering a pure sports bike experience at a competitive price point. Despite its 18.4 PS output at 10,000 rpm, the R15 excels due to its superior chassis and suspension, providing an engaging ride, especially for seasoned riders. The bike’s VVA system also contributes to enhanced performance in higher rev ranges. For riders looking for alternatives, especially those preferring streetfighter-style bikes, several options exist.
The Yamaha MT-15 is powered by the same engine as the R15, a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve single-cylinder engine that produces 18.45 PS of power at 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 14.1 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The MT-15 provides the same performance as the R15 at Rs 1,69,550 ex-showroom. The Bajaj NS 160 is another contender, boasting a 160.3 cc single-cylinder engine that delivers 17.03 bhp at 9,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 14.6 Nm at 7,250 rpm. Equipped with upside-down forks and Nitrox monoshock absorbers, the NS 160 provides budget-conscious performance. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7 cc single-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It puts out 17.31 bhp at 9,250 rpm and a max torque output of 14.73 Nm at 7,250 rpm. The bike has telescopic suspension at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Available in a variety of trims, including single-disc ABS and dual-disc ABS options, the top-of-the-line version is priced competitively.
KTM has introduced a 160cc model to replace its 125cc sports bikes. The new model leverages the design of the 200 Duke, with its engine expected to generate about 19 bhp. There are also indications that an RC version of this bike may soon be released. The comparison table presents a detailed specification overview. It compares the KTM Duke/RC 160, Yamaha R15, MT-05, Bajaj Pulsar NS160, Yamaha Fz/F1/V4 160, and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V across various parameters including engine, performance, suspension, rider aids, and ex-showroom prices.