Review: Pulsar RS 200 vs Yamaha R15

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Playing a big gamble then, Yamaha India launched the R15 in 2008 as the country's first mass market full faired motorcycle that not only offered superlative performance but was reasonably priced as well. Over the years, the YZF-R15 has transformed into a legend with a cult following and is the ideal bike for everyone from the poser to the track enthusiast. Seven years and a major update later, the Yamaha R15 has been challenged by Bajaj Auto's latest offering the Pulsar Race Sport 200 that promises similar hardware, newer gadgetry, better performance levels and a lot of practicality while keeping the prices lower than the Japanese offering. Will it annihilate the R15 or do they continue to exist in the same universe? MotorBeam finds out.

Save for the full fairing, there isn't really any angle where the Pulsar RS 200 and YZF-R15 hold any similarities. Yamaha introduced the R15 V2.0 back in 2011 and the bike has been the same ever since, sporting dual headlamps and the R6 inspired tail-section with a neatly done LED tail lamp. The Yamaha looks extremely sporty and offers a bigger bike feel with its looks. In comparison, the RS 200 is anything but subtle. The bike sports dual projector lights, LED turn indicators and LED daytime look-alike parking lights. The fairing has a multitude of cuts and creases that seem overdone while the LED tail light is better left unseen. Both the bikes get a side mounted exhaust and split seats for the ultimate sporty look; however, it is the R15 that manages to be the best looking bike here with a nearly timeless design.

Both the bikes get a semi-digital instrument cluster sporting an analog tachometer. That said, the RS 200 gets a loaded console showing a host of information including low battery indicator, service due reminder, side stand warning and shift light. In terms of switchgear, Bajaj has used good quality switches on the RS 200 which are also backlit, but the overall fit and finish and plastic quality on the R15 will leave you impressed. The Yamaha does feel it will last longer in comparison to the Bajaj offering.

The ergonomics on the R15 and the Pulsar RS 200 are as different as it gets. The R15 comes with a dedicated riding position that is outright sporty and will optimise your performance on the track. But take the bike out for long rides and the rider is sure to get uncomfortable with the back and wrists taking a toll. In contrast, the rider sits more upright on the Pulsar RS 200 which though sporty does not feel pressurising over long journeys. In fact, tourers will appreciate the RS 200 that also accommodates the pillion more easily over the R15. The seating position is also tall on the RS 200 which makes it a bit of a hassle for short riders whereas the R15 is the exact opposite making it better suited for short riders.

Both bikes use a single-cylinder, 4-valve, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine, but that are the only similarities found. Compared to the Yamaha's 149.8cc motor, the RS 200 uses a 199.5cc unit that also comes with three spark plugs. With the larger cubic capacity, the new Pulsar emits more power producing 24.5 PS and 18.6 Nm of torque, whereas the R15 is propelled by a distant 17 PS and 15 Nm of torque. Both the bikes come paired to a 6-speed gearbox, but the one offered by Yamaha has better gear shifts. In terms of straight line performance, the RS 200 is simply unmatchable by the Japanese, doing the 0-100 km/hr run in 10.12 seconds while the R15 does the same in 12.78 seconds (as per VBOX tests). Nonetheless, the Yamaha has lesser vibrations while NVH levels are superior as well. Both the bikes have a pleasant aural note while the smaller engine on the R15 is naturally more fuel efficient returning around 38 km/l. The RS 200 being heavier and with a bigger capacity motor returns around 35 km/l.

Both the Pulsar RS 200 and R15 use a perimeter frame underneath while suspension duties too are the same, performed by telescopic front forks and a monoshock setup at the rear. In terms of weight though, the RS 200 is 29 kgs heavier than the R15 at 165 kgs. Nonetheless, the impressive power output hardly makes the weight felt on the Pulsar and the bike handles and attacks corners with confidence. But compare it to the R15 and the shortfalls are evident. The Yamaha is extremely agile around corners, courtesy of the quicker steering and dedicated sporty riding position. Both the bikes offer excellent ride quality, even though the R15 is just better and more stable at high speeds. Braking performance is good with front and rear discs on both bikes, although the RS 200 excels here with the addition of a front-channel ABS available as an option.

Without a second thought, the Yamaha YZF-R15 is the supremely engineered motorcycle here. In fact, the baby R1 boasts of a better ride quality, high-speed stability and better braking performance over the Pulsar RS 200. It is the ideal beginners bike if you plan to hit the track more often and also looks more stunning when compared to the RS 200's 'in your face' design language. What it does lack is power and equipment over the RS 200 along with practicality. The Race Sport Pulsar offers better city and highway performance, better comfort levels and accommodates the pillion with ease. It is also the more value for money product and certainly the best Pulsar ever built, which tramples the salient points of the R15, making it the winner in this comparison.

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