Yamaha MT-15 Vs KTM 125 Duke Vs Bajaj NS 200: Spec Comparison

How does the Yamaha MT-15 fare against its rivals? We find out 

By now, you may be well aware that Yamaha is going to launch its naked streetfighter, the MT-15, in India on March 15. The naked streetfighter was recently spotted in India wearing a matte blue shade and you can read all about it here. Similar to the India-spec R15 V3.0, the India-spec MT-15 will undergo a few changes to make it more affordable. Although the bookings for the naked streetfighter have already begun, its prices are yet to be revealed. We expect it to cost around Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom). This will put it up against the KTM 125 Duke and the Bajaj NS 200. Before we get to compare these motorcycles on the road, here’s how they stack up on paper. 

Design and features:
Simply put, when it arrives, the MT-15 will be the meanest looking naked streetfighter in the 150cc segment. The Transformer-styled front end looks sharper than its rivals. But the bike heading to India will miss out those striking neon green-coloured alloy wheels. Also, the India-spec model will get a saree guard and a tyre hugger to meet Indian regulations. KTM has played it safe when it comes to the design aspect of the 125 Duke and has given it the same styling cues as the 200 Duke. Honestly, we would have loved it if KTM had followed the same design language we have seen on the 125 Duke that is sold internationally. The Pulsar NS 200, on the other hand, received a mid-life updated in 2017 and rather than changing its whole persona, Bajaj has just updated its design. While the bike still looks decent, the styling has started to age and we hope the bike receives a complete overhaul with respect to styling. 

In terms of features, the India-spec MT-15 will get all-LED DRLs and a fully-digital instrument cluster. The entry-level Duke gets a digital instrument cluster but misses out LED DRLs. When it comes to features, the NS 200 is the most primitive motorcycle in this comparison. The only feature it gets is a semi-digital instrument cluster. 

Engine: 
The MT-15 will be powered by the same 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that we have seen on its fully-faired cousin, the R15 V3.0. The engine produces 19.3PS of power and 14.7Nm of max torque. Although the 125 Duke is powered by a small 124.7cc motor, it produces 14.5PS of power. Just to put things into perspective, Yamaha FZ S FI’s 150cc motor produces 13PS. Powering the NS 200 is a 199.5cc, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 23.5PS of power at 9500rpm and 18.3Nm at 8000rpm. All these bikes come equipped with a 6-speed transmission. 

Brakes and suspension: 
The braking hardware on the MT-15 will be the same as seen on the R15 V3.0 - a 282mm disc at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear. But unlike the international model, the India-spec MT-15 will be equipped with dual-channel ABS. Even the suspension setup and the swingarm differ on both the models. While the international model comes equipped with USD forks and a cast aluminium swingarm, we will get conventional telescopic forks and a box-type swingarm to keep costs in check.

The baby-Duke, on the other hand, consists of a 300mm disc at the front with twin-pot radial calipers and a 230mm disc at the rear with a single-pot caliper. However, the 125 Duke only gets a  single-channel ABS as standard. It also has the most advanced suspension setup in the 125cc segment and also in this comparison - 43mm upside down forks at the front and a preload adjustable monoshock at the rear. The Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 features a pair of hydraulic forks at the front and an adjustable gas-charged monoshock at the rear. Stopping power comes from a 300mm disc up front and a 230mm disc at the rear and it is also available with a single-channel ABS.

Price:
As far as prices are concerned, the MT-15 is expected to be priced at Rs 1.2 lakh, which will make it almost Rs 20,000 more affordable than the R15 V3.0. The 125 Duke has a price tag of Rs 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), while the ABS variant of the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 costs Rs 1.12 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), making it the most affordable motorcycle in this lot.