Yamaha has launched the MT-15 in India at an ex-showroom Delhi price tag of INR 1.36 lakh, which is a bit premium than what most had expected. Another surprise element is the fitment of a single-channel ABS, as its fully faired sibling, the YZF-R15 V3.0, which costs INR 1.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), features a dual-channel unit.
Also read: Yamaha MT-15 vs YZF-R15 V3.0 - Differences and similarities listed
In terms of performance and pricing, Yamaha’s naked roadster occupies the space between the KTM 125 Duke and the 200 Duke. Apart from the Austrian pocket rockets, the MT-15 could also face some rivalry from the likes of TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 that deliver marginally better performance, while retailing at a much affordable price tag. Therefore, we compare the technical specifications and prices of the five motorcycles to get you a detailed on-paper comparison.
| Specification | Yamaha MT-15 | KTM 125 Duke | KTM 200 Duke | TVS Apache RTR 200 4V | Bajaj Pulsar NS200 |
| Engine and performance | |||||
| Displacement | 155 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-valve with Variable Valve Actuation | 124.71 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve | 199.5 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve | 197.75 cc, air/oil-cooled, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-valve | 199.5 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-valve, triple-spark |
| Power | 19.3 PS @ 10,000 rpm | 15.2 PS @ 9,250 rpm | 25 PS @ 10,000 RPM | 20.5 PS @ 8500 rpm | 23.5 PS @ 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 14.7 Nm @ 8,500 rpm | 12 Nm @ 8,000 rpm | 19.2 Nm @ 8,000 rpm | 18.1 Nm @ 7,000 rpm | 18.3 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with Assist & Slipper Clutch | 6-speed | 6-speed | 5-speed with Slipper Clutch | 6-speed |
| Brakes | |||||
| Front | 282 mm | 300 mm | 300 mm | 270 mm | 300 mm |
| Rear | 220 mm | 230 mm | 230 mm | 240 mm | 230 mm |
| ABS | Single-channel | Single-channel | Single-channel | Dual-channel | Single-channel |
| Suspension | |||||
| Front | Telescopic forks | Upside-down forks | Upside-down forks | Telescopic forks | Telescopic forks |
| Rear | Monoshock | Monoshock | Monoshock | Monoshock | Monoshock |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length | 2,020 mm | 1,993 mm | 2,002 mm | 2,050 mm | 2,017 mm |
| Width | 800 mm | 789 mm | 873 mm | 790 mm | 804 mm |
| Height | 1,070 mm | 1,083 mm | 1,274 mm | 1,105 mm | 1,075 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,335 mm | 1,366 mm | 1,367 mm | 1,353 mm | 1,363 mm |
| Seat height | 810 mm | 818 mm | 810 mm | 800 mm | 805 mm |
| Ground clearance | 155 mm | 175 mm | 170 mm | 180 mm | 169 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 10 litres | 10.2 litres | 10.2 litre | 12-litre | 12-litre |
| Kerb weight | 138 kg | 148 kg | 148 kg | 149 kg | 154 kg |
| Tyres | |||||
| Front | 100/80-17 | 110/70-17 | 110/70-17 | 90/90-17 | 100/80-17 |
| Rear | 140/70-17 | 150/60-17 | 150/60-17 | 130/70-17 | 130/70-17 |
| Prices (ex-showroom) Delhi | |||||
| Price | INR 1.36 lakh | INR 1.18 lakh | INR 1.60 lakh | INR 1.11 lakh | INR 1.12 lakh |
Considering the on-paper comparison, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V comes across as the most value for money package. The Apache RTR 200 4V is the only motorcycle in its segment to feature a dual-channel ABS. Its rivals have opted for a more affordable, single-channel unit to keep the costs low. The Apache RTR 200 4V also benefits from a slipper clutch, and yet, TVS has been able to price the motorcycle competitively at INR 1.11 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Similarly, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 also packs more power and has a much affordable price tag than the MT-15.
The Yamaha MT-15 has the upper hand in the visual department, and the projector headlight with LED DRLs adds a hooligan look to the package. The healthy performance numbers from the motor and the addition of Variable Valve Actuation work in its favour. A pair of upside-down forks, which are seen on the international-spec model, would have made the MT-15 look beefier and more appealing.
The international-spec KTM 125 Duke benefits from the latest generation 390 Duke inspired visual cues, although the Indian variant continues to feature styling from the previous generation model. Thus, the motorcycle misses on full LED headlight and Bluetooth enabled TFT display. However, it packs premium hardware such as upside down forks, DOHC motor and a fully digital display. The DOHC 4-valve motor helps the 125 Duke deliver a good power output (15.2 PS), but it still isn't enough to catch up the Yamaha MT-15's 19.3 PS. What works in its favour is the competitive price tag that's approximately INR 18,000 lower than the MT-15.
Also read: Hero Xtreme 200R vs. Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V - Spec comparo
The 200 Duke, on the other hand, packs the most number of horses but it also retails at an ex-showroom price tag of INR 1.60 lakh, which is INR 24,000 more than the MT-15, putting it in a higher price bracket than other motorcycles listed in this technical specification comparison. The bike was added to the list because the MT-15 sits between the 125 Duke and the 200 Duke.
