KTM Duke 200 vs Yamaha R15 V3 : MotorBhai

Yamaha R15 V3 vs KTM Duke 200

The Yamaha R15 V3 and KTM Duke 200 have both been iconic bikes in their respective segments and have been hugely successful as well. Although both are quite close when it comes to pricing, it has always been a tough decision to choose between the two when it comes to buying, because they are quite different from each other as well. Well, to solve the same problem we would be comparing them today, and let you know, which would suit you better, according to your needs.

The KTM Duke 200 comes in a single variant whereas the Yamaha R15 V3 comes in 4 variants to choose from.

So, without further wasting anytime let us start with the comparison, and we would be dividing this comparison on the following criteria:

• Body Style, looks
• Engine Specs
• Braking System
• Mileage
• Maintenance
• Lighting
• Safety features offered.
• Price

Looks

Although looks are subjective depending on the individual to individual, but in today’s comparison, both the bikes are absolute head turners. The KTM Duke 200 is an all-naked sports bike, whereas the Yamaha R15 v3 gets a full fairing sports bike look. So, it is quite difficult to decide here, who wins this title, as many people would have different opinions and choices regarding these two. Which one among the two do you like more, let us know in the comments below!

Engine specs.

The KTM gets a BS-VI compliant single-cylinder 4 valve 199.5cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine which produces max power of 25.4 BHP @ 10,000 RPM and max torque of 19.5 Nm @ 8,000 RPM which is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The engine is extremely punchy here but tends to heat up a little in traffic conditions. Apart from that, add the extremely great handling nature of this bike, it is just a joy to ride!

The 199.5cc liquid cooled engine powering the KTM

Talking about the Yamaha R15 V3, it gets a single-cylinder BS-VI 155cc liquid-cooled SOHC engine which produces max power of 18.37 bhp @ 10,000 rpm and max torque of 14.1 Nm @ 8,500 rpm which is also mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The engine is very potent and high revving as Yamaha has been known for, and the R15 also packs some great handling characteristics and can prove to be a great track machine along with being a daily rider, except if you are comfortable with riding position which could be a problem for few riders.

Yamaha’s 155cc liquid-cooled SOHC engine.

One feature which sets the R15 apart is the Variable Valve Actuation technology. What it does is, it allows a low lift cam and lower revs and when the bike crosses higher RPMs like 7400 RPM, it allows high lift cams to kick in through a solenoid actuator. This makes the motorcycle very linear to drive and gives the bike good tractability at lower RPMs and that high torque rush in higher revs.

Although the R15 is a great bike, but in terms of engine specs it is the KTM here with a bigger displacement engine and better power figures which wins it here.

Braking System

The braking performance of these powerful two-wheelers is equally important as the engine performance. Both the bikes get dual-channel ABS along with rear and front disc brakes. The Yamaha gets a 282mm front disc and 220 mm rear disc. The front suspension is a Telescopic fork whereas the rear suspension is Swingarm (link suspension).

R15 ‘s Dual disc set up.

The KTM Duke 200 gets a 300mm front disc and 230mm rear disc along with WP-USD, AER 43, Ø 43 mm front suspension whereas WP mono-shock rear suspension. Both the bikes have a great braking system without a doubt.

Mileage

Talking about the mileage of both the vehicle, the R15 can return you 50 km/liter plus if driven sedately whereas KTM claims a mileage of 35 Km/litre on the Duke 200. Well, the reason for low mileage on the KTM is primarily its bigger displacement engine which puts out more power also. KTM has a fuel tank capacity of 13.5 liters whereas R15 has a fuel tank capacity of 11 liters.

Pre-facelift KTM Duke 200

Maintenance

The first service of KTM Duke 200 (BS-VI) will cost you around ₹ 1700 whereas the first service of Yamaha R15 V3 will cost you ₹ 850 only, which is actually the half cost of the KTM, which shows that the Yamaha is a more pocket-friendly bike of the two. Remember that the service also depends on the need for spares and the condition of the bike.

Lighting

The KTM gets a halogen headlamp, with LED DRLs along with LED turn indicators and tail-lights. Whereas in the Yamaha you get to see LED headlamp and tail-light but the indicators are normal bulb units. Both offer decent throw and many modifications are available in the market for the lights.

Safety features

The Yamaha R15 has safety features like a side-stand engine cut-off switch, dual-tone horn, disc brakes at both ends, and now also comes with dual-channel ABS as standard equipment.
Talking of the KTM duke 200, it also gets a dual-channel ABS, front and rear disc brakes, dual-tone horn, among others.

Comparison on various aspects.

Price

Now one of the most important deciding factors is the pricing of both these bikes, The Yamaha R15 V3 has four variants on offer whose price have been stated as below:

• YZF R15 V3 Dual Channel ABS – BS VI: ₹ 1,52,863
• YZF R15 V3 Metallic Red – BS VI: ₹1,52,887
• YZF R15 V3 Racing Blue – ABS BS VI: ₹1,53,963
• YZF R15 V3 Dark Night – ABS BS VI: ₹1,54,967

The KTM Duke 200 is available in a single variant which is priced at ₹ 1,83,284. So, as we can see that the Yamaha is a more pocket-friendly bike as compared to the Duke 200. And even has a lesser maintenance cost.

Also, do note that these prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

Verdict

The KTM Duke 200 is a great street bike that will give great performance both on and off-road and is the more powerful bike here without a doubt, but you should decide for yourself if you need that extra amount of power of the KTM as compared to R15, after paying an extra amount for the KTM.

The R15 V3 may be the less powerful motorcycle here with a smaller engine, but thanks to its valve actuation technology, which makes it more linear to drive and that means it can be used for daily riding as well whereas you can also use it occasional track days as it can perform extremely when pushed hard, and thanks to its great-handling which makes it a joy to ride. Moreover, it is lighter on the pocket too.

So, in the end, we would suggest you save that extra amount of money and go with the Yamaha R15 V3. Or, if you need the more powerful machine of the two, you can definitely go with the KTM 200.

With this we would like to end this article here, we hope this article would have helped you decide between the two, do let us know in the comments section below, which one would be your pick and why. Also do not forget to check out MotorBhai for the best deals on second-hand two-wheelers. You can read more of our informative blogs here.

We hope to see you very soon in yet another informative article, till then stay home stay safe!