The Yamaha R15 V3 and the KTM RC 200 have always been neck-to-neck rivals. The two fully-faired draw inspiration from race motorcycles and boast of engines and components to match. Here we compare the specs and features of the RC 200 and R15 V3 to see how they fare against each other.
Styling
The Yamaha R15 V3 is built around the manufacturer’s famed Deltabox frame. This frame holds aggressively-styled bodywork that has taken inspiration from the flagship YZF-R1. Moreover, the R15 V3’s distinctive split headlamp setup with full-LED lighting and the aerodynamically designed tail section adds to its visual appeal. Yamaha is offering the motorcycle in three, dual-tone colour schemes of red, blue and black.
On the other hand, the KTM RC 200 also bears a sharp and edgy styling that incorporates a sculpted fuel tank, twin LED projectors with LED DRL and a cowl-like pillion seat at the rear. However, the RC 200’s bodywork is the same as the RC 125 and RC 390 which lowers its points in terms of uniqueness. However, to distinguish the RC 200 from its siblings, KTM has adorned the motorcycle with bold graphics on the black and orange paint scheme.
Features
Apart from the LED projectors and LED DRLs, the KTM RC 200 also gets an LED tail lamp. The R15 V3 also gets LED lighting for the headlamp and tail lamp. However, it uses conventionally-lit turn signals against the KTM’s LED turn signals.
Nonetheless, the Yamaha R15 V3 features a white backlit LCD instrument display. The KTM RC 200 also gets an LCD instrument cluster with orange backlit illumination. Both units display speed, odometer, tachometer, gear shift indicator, clock as well as a fuel gauge and average fuel consumption. Yamaha and KTM have equipped the respective motorcycles with a dual-channel ABS as standard.
Engine
The Yamaha R15 V3 uses a 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). This motor churns out 18.3bhp of power and 14.1Nm of torque. On the other hand, The KTM RC200 is powered by a 199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor that produces 24.6bhp and 19.2Nm of torque.
While both motorcycles come equipped with a six-speed gearbox, the R15 V3 additionally also sports a slipper clutch.
Cycle Parts
Now, KTM has equipped the RC 200 with inverted forks up front and a mono-shock at the rear, both WP units. In addition to that, braking up front is done by a 300mm disc with a four-piston radial caliper and a 230mm disc with a single-piston floating caliper for the rear.
Meanwhile, the R15 V3 comes equipped with telescopic forks for the front and a mono-shock for the rear. Braking is done by a 282mm disc with a two-piston floating caliper and a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. Both motorcycles ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, but with different tyre sizes. The KTM RC 200 comes shod with 110/70 (front) and 150/60 (rear) section tyres which are slightly wider than the R15’s 100/80 (front) and 140/70 (rear) section tyres.
Pricing
Yamaha has priced the R15 V3’s Red and Racing Blue options at Rs 1.45 lakh. Meanwhile, the Dark Night colour costs Rs 1.47 lakh. And priced at Rs 1.96 lakh, the KTM RC 200 costs nearly Rs 51,000 over the R15 V3. Nevertheless, for the extra premium, it offers a more powerful engine and higher-spec components as compared to the latter. (all prices, ex-showroom)
