As we all know, 150 - 250cc platform is blooming up more and more in our country where recently some of the manufacturers have updated their existing products in this platform including the KTM RC and Yamaha R15. We have some other models in this platform where one of the most awaited motorbike that is the Pulsar 250 from Bajaj Auto is about to make its entrance in the upcoming weeks. Both the updated R15 & RC 200 stands down as a perfect entry level sports motorbike in our country. In this article, let's breakdown both the specs & features offered in both the models.
According to me, aerodynamic efficiency & power source of the motorbike plays an important in determining the output power and top end of the machine instead of the unwanted features. So let's first concentrate more on that. Both the motorbikes have been designed to incorporate the better aerodynamic efficiency. To be clear, the coefficient of aerodynamic drag in the 4th gen of R15 is reduced from 0.307 to 0.293 which means, now the motorbike's fuel consumption is better and can able to reach higher top speed compared to that of the version 3.
On the other hand, KTM has also updated its design elements of the motorbike in which the manufacturer claims that the design elements of the motorbike are inspired from their MotoGP machine in terms of both styling & ergonomics. I've driven a old RC 200 where more heat will be emitted at lower speeds which absolutely fries our legs at traffic conditions. Now, the fairings has been redesigned by improving the airflow throughout the engine. In this model, clip-ons are also adjustable for our need for more comfortable relaxed riding posture or for lowered aggressive riding posture.
Coming to the power plant, R15 V4 is powered by the 155cc, liquid cooled, 4 valve per cylinder, Single Over Head Cam motor producing about 18.4PS & 14.2Nm at 10,000 & 7,500rpm respectively. With the help of Variable Valve Actuation, we can experience some amount of boost as the RPM is closing to the redline. Compared to the third version, 0.2PS has gone down where torque is increased by 0.1Nm. Yamaha claims that the engine has been re-tuned to improve the riding performance inside the city.
Coming to the RC 200, it have a 199.5cc, liquid cooled, 6 speed motor producing about 25.8PS & 19.5Nm where both the parameters are improved compared to the previous model. It is mentioned that the motorbike is equipped with bigger airbox and the engine map has been revised to improve the torque figures. RC 200 also sheds much weight compared to that of the previous version with the help of new redesigned frame and 5 spoke alloys.
Other than that, R15 V4 is loaded with features such as traction control system, quickshifter (additional) and slipper clutch assist. The implementation of up-shift only quickshifter is vey much welcomed in my point of view but the traction control system is added unnecessarily I'd say in which it comes standard both in the normal and M variant. If the traction control system is aslo given as an accessory, then the price would've been even lowered making it more affordable. With all those VVA and quickshifter, we can able to experience the motorbike's true nature and power at the track. Not inside the city and in freeways.
RC 200's motor alone itself is capable of producing 25PS without the addition of any additional features. Other than that, RC200 misses out a connectivity feature which the R15 has got and both the models are equipped with best hardwares both in terms of suspension and braking system. I don't like any connectivity features in the motorbikes or scooters where I like to concentrate more on the road rather than on the instrument cluster. I think, the manufacturer should've given this connectivity feature also as optional. R15 is also integrated with 2 riding modes such as street and track.
Coming to the price, R15 V4 starts from Rs 1,69,339 ex-showroom Tamil Nadu for base variant and RC 200 starts from Rs 2,08,717 ex-showroom. Yeah.. RC 200 is over priced but produces decent amount of power at this price point. Each and everyone is customized differently..right? It's their own wish that whether to go for the RC or R15. But, generally what people's thought will be like, we can afford R15 instead of RC where it is equipped with more techs & features. It's not like that... Its their own interest and desire which decides which bike they have to go after. If you need to know about both the models, don't forget to go through the below mentioned links...
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