The Yamaha R15 continues to be a popular choice for Indian riders, celebrated for its sports bike design, and the performance derived from its liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine. Its appeal lies in providing a true sports bike experience at an accessible price. Although its 18.4 PS at 10,000 rpm may not seem substantial, the bike’s superior chassis and well-tuned suspension translate into excellent handling, particularly for experienced riders. The VVA system enhances the performance across the rev range. However, there are other options available for riders that are leaning towards a streetfighter style.
The Yamaha MT-15, which features an almost identical engine to 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 offers the same performance package as the R15 at Rs 1,69,550 ex-showroom. The Bajaj NS 160 is another compelling option, featuring a 160.3 cc single-cylinder engine that generates 17.03 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 14.6 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. Handling is managed by upside-down forks and a Nitrox monoshock. This bike offers a budget-friendly performance upgrade to your daily commute. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7 cc single-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It produces 17.31 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 14.73 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. The bike comes with telescopic suspension at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Available in various configurations, including single and dual-disc ABS versions, the top-of-the-line variant is available at a competitive price.
KTM has introduced a new 160cc model, replacing its 125cc sports bikes. This new model appears to be inspired by the 200 Duke, with its engine design producing roughly 19 bhp. Furthermore, a new RC version of the bike could be on the horizon. The comparison table offers an overview of the 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 like engine, performance, suspension, rider aids, and ex-showroom prices.