Shootout: Yamaha R15 V3 vs Bajaj Pulsar RS 200
Shootout No. 190
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 1,45,656/- (Yamaha R15 V3), Rs. 1,44,171/- (Bajaj Pulsar RS 200)
The Yamaha R15 V3 is a race-ready road motorcycle while the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 is a comfortable street bike for the youth
Since the Yamaha R15 V3 road test review went online, everyone started asking us to compare it with some bike. The best option we picked up was the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200. Both the motorcycle come at the same price range. And even with a difference in power, the age group of people buying both of them is the same. It took some time but we got both the R15 V3 and the Pulsar RS 200 in a head-to-head battle. Which one do you think would win?
Motor Quest: Yamaha has been updating the R15 with different variants while the V3 has seen the maximum number of changes. The flagship Pulsar from the Bajaj line-up has been the RS 200. The recent changes the RS 200 has gone through include AHO with BS4 and a new colour/sticker scheme.
The R15 has a sharper front while RS 200 has a completely vivid design
Styling – The Yamaha R15 in its V3 avatar has had the maximum changes so far. From the V1 and V2, the design language is now sharper and aggressive. The colour and the plastics feel like they have dropped quality but the R15 is way more attractive now. The Pulsar RS 200, on the other hand, has had no changes in the design department right from its launch. Although in the BS4 version, the colour scheme and graphics have become simpler and more likeable now. In a head to head comparison, the Yamaha R15 looks fresher and more attractive than the Pulsar RS 200.
The R15 is the better looker at the rear, no contest here
The sheer road presence of the Yamaha R15 is supreme while the Pulsar RS 200 looks under-rated in comparison
The Pulsar RS 200, however, is an eye candy for a few as the dual projector headlamps look really good. They actually do a better job than the LEDs on the R15. The Pulsar RS 200 does not inspire its design from anyone specific, unlike the R15. The Yamaha R15 V3 has its rear tail matched with its elder siblings, the Yamaha R1 and the R6.
Fully digital instrument cluster looks premium on the R15
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The instrument cluster on the Yamaha R15 is now completely digital whereas the one on the RS 200 has been the same analogue-digital unit. The cluster on the R15 is rectangular in shape and smaller in size than the RS 200. The numbers are, however, easily readable on the R15 whereas the cluster feels too cluttered on the RS 200. Yamaha’s console is more feature rich as it shows a lot of information including fuel consumption and gear position which is missing on the Bajaj.
The same cluster which does job on quite a few Bajaj bikes, looks dated
Both the clusters feature a shift light but the one on the Pulsar is more prominent. The R15 gets a white shift light which goes unnoticed in bright daylight. The instrument cluster on the R15 looks neat while the one on the Pulsar suits its character. Where the Pulsar excels is the backlight switchgear. Even though the switchgear on the R15 is taken from the FZ25, the one on the RS 200 for a change feels better in quality and looks modern too.
The Yamaha R15 has a higher seat height than the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200
Ergonomics – The Yamaha R15 and the Pulsar RS 200 have very different ergonomics. The R15 has a very aggressive riding posture whereas the RS 200 has a more comfortable yet committed posture. The seat height of the R15 is 815 mm while the Pulsar sits slightly lower at 810 mm. The cushioning is more comfortable on the RS 200 than the R15. The footpegs on the R15 are more rear-set than the RS 200. Ergonomically, the RS 200 stays committed as well as comfortable. But the R15 has the better-suited ergonomics for a track day getaway. A pillion would prefer the RS 200 over the R15 as the seat is easily accessible on the Pulsar.
The Pulsar has better power and torque figures than the R15
Performance – On paper, the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 is the winner and it’s the same case on the road as well. The Yamaha R15, however, being almost 5 BHP less, keeps up with the RS 200 if we put them in a drag race. Both the engines are rev-friendly and the power kicks in very late. However, the 155cc Yamaha motor has a better and a punchy low-end when compared to Bajaj’s 200cc motor. This gives the R15 a great initial advantage and hence the Yamaha is quite city friendly too. The Pulsar’s engine comes alive only after 7000 RPM and then gaining speed is just a matter of rider’s quick shifts.
Yamaha has a better engine which is more suited for the city too
Throaty exhaust note from both the motorcycles comes in at the top-end, Bajaj is louder than the Yamaha
Both the motorcycles come with a 6-speed gearbox, the Yamaha gets a slipper clutch making it light and more rider friendly. However, on the Pulsar, the clutch feels slightly heavy. The gear shifter feels a little hard and few incorrect shifts are more prominent on the Bajaj. NVH levels on the Yamaha R15 are far superior to the Pulsar RS 200. There’s no harshness as such and the Yamaha motor has the least vibrations compared to the Bajaj, where it creeps in very early.
Rider comfort on the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 is much better
Riding Dynamics – The ergonomics and the riding posture of both the Yamaha R15 and the Pulsar RS 200 is very different. To find a comfortable spot, the RS 200 is easy as you ride sitting upright. It gets tricky with the R15 as the riding posture is committed. Once you are used to the committed riding posture, the R15 feels very nimble and it can change direction like no one else. The Deltabox frame does come into play in city, highway and track riding. The Pulsar gets a perimeter frame which is just as similar but due to the different riding position, the rider doesn’t feel as confident on the RS 200.
R15 is more suited for committed riding and mostly track duties
Pulsar RS 200 stays comfortable and fast, Yamaha R15 stays sharp and flickable
For long distance riding, the R15 isn’t the best bet while the Pulsar makes a perfect solution. In the braking department, the Pulsar might have an upper hand with ABS as an option but it’s a single-channel unit. But both the test bikes here are without ABS and the Yamaha R15’s sharp brakes come in very handy. The braking feedback on the Yamaha R15 is much better than the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200. Tyres on the RS 200 are MRFs both at the front and the rear, however, the R15 gets Metzeler as an option at the rear. Our test bike had Metzeler rubber and the grip was just fabulous.
Picking one from the duo is only a matter of priorities
Verdict – Both the Yamaha R15 V3.0 and the Pulsar RS 200 have been positioned towards the youth in India. Both have good hardware underneath, both bikes look good in person and with little differences, both are very appealing. The Yamaha R15 V3 is a fresher motorcycle here with some extra hardware like a slipper clutch and a fully digital instrument cluster. The Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 isn’t as fresh but has performance and comfort right in the bag. The Yamaha R15 V3 is a motorcycle for an individual who has smaller commutes and prefers to go for some track riding. However, if commuting with decent performance is a priority then the person is better off with the Pulsar RS 200.
Even with the differences, both these motorcycles are fun to ride
Testers’ Note:
Further Reading –
Yamaha R15 Review
Yamaha R15 Video Review
Yamaha R15 V3 – Pros & Cons
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 Review
2017 Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 Video Review
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 Long Term Review