The Yamaha R15 has earned its place in the Indian biking community. The bike’s sports bike chassis, and liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine create an accessible, pure sports bike experience. It is a popular choice for riders seeking performance and style at a reasonable price. While the 18.4 PS power output at 10,000 rpm might seem modest, the R15’s chassis and suspension contribute to track-worthy handling, especially for experienced riders. The new VVA system is designed to improve performance across the rev range. However, several other options are worth considering, particularly for those favoring streetfighter-style bikes.
The Yamaha MT-15, using nearly 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 package as the R15 at Rs 1,69,550 ex-showroom. The Bajaj NS 160 is another potential choice with a 160.3 cc single-cylinder engine, which generates 17.03 bhp at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 14.6 Nm at 7,250 rpm. Equipped with upside-down forks and Nitrox monoshock absorbers, the NS 160 delivers accessible performance. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7 cc single-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox, which generates 17.31 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 14.73 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. The bike has telescopic suspension at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The TVS RTR 4V comes in several variants, including single and dual-disc ABS options. The top-of-the-line variant is priced at Rs 1,65,527 ex-showroom.
KTM is introducing a 160cc model to replace its 125cc sports bikes. This new model seems to borrow design elements from the 200 Duke. The engine is expected to generate around 19 bhp, and there are indications that an RC version may be released soon. The comparison table provides a detailed look at specifications. 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.