Yamaha R15 V4 vs KTM RC 160: 2 Excellent Starter Points

The Yamaha R15 V4 has gained quite a cult status in the entry level sportbike for quite a while now and it’s for a good reason. In its fourth generation now, Yamaha has refined the bike to a point that it has features that we don’t see on bikes carrying double the price tag! 

And to have a share of that very pie, KTM has come up with the new RC 160, something that KTM hopes will be able to do what the RC 125 couldn’t: take on the R15 V4 and do it well. So if the launch of the KTM sportbike has confused you, worry not. Here we will help you decide which of the 2 bikes is the one for you:

Price & Variants

• The R15 has become quite an expensive bike over the years but somehow, it’s still a lot less expensive than the RC 160. And that’s because the RC 160 carries quite an expensive price tag, for what is still a humble 160cc, at the end of the day. So if you are on a tighter budget, the Yamaha bike is something you should be thinking about first. 

• What the R15 also has, is greater variety, when it comes to colourways. If you like darker colours, Dark Knight looks stunning. And if you like brighter-looking bikes, the matte pearl white looks incredible. 

• The RC 160, on the other hand, is available in 3 colours - black, electronic orange and ceramic white. These are the standard colours we’ve come to expect from KTM, so there’s nothing that really stands out. 

Dimensions & Design 

• Both bikes are compact and quite approachable, but what immediately stands out is the 14kg weight difference. It is quite something and the difference will be felt. 

• It’s not that the RC 160 is a heavy bike, mind you. But it’s just that the R15 feels like such an incredibly lightweight bike, it makes others feel not as nimble. Be it changing directions at low speeds or high speeds, the R15 feels incredibly agile and eager to dart around. 

• Design-wise, the R15 V4 is a traditionally good-looking motorcycle. Yes, it’s still sharp and modern, but the lines are clean and the visual appeal of an aerodynamic, clean sportbike is definitely present. 

• The RC 160, meanwhile, still polarises people. This design language has polarised people ever since it was first introduced with the RC 390 and while it has grown on people a bit more, over the years, it’s still not as traditionally good looking as the R15 V4. 

• So once again, it’s the Yamaha bike that wins the round. 

Features & Safety

• The RC 160 is a bike with a fairly comprehensive features list, but again it’s the R15 V4 that really steals the show. 

• Apart from the basics, the bike boasts of traction control and even an optional quickshifter, something we’ve never really seen in these segments. And the best part is that the quickshifter genuinely works very well and it’s not just a gimmick. And that’s one of the most impressive things about the bike: its features are actually quite sophisticated and work well, and don’t look like they’ve been given just to make the brochure list fatter. 

• So for the third time in a row, the Yamaha R15 V4 has won the segment. 

Engines

• Yes, the RC 160 has a larger engine but it’s a minimal amount and it’s not that the KTM bike boasts of significantly bigger power and torque figures. Both the power and torque figures are up by a little amount. 

• Both engines perform the absolute best when they’re wound up and being revved out. In that matter, we think the R15 V4 feels a little bit more exciting when being held at higher revs. The R15 also has the Variable Actuation System, which makes it feel a bit more exciting at high revs.

• The RC 160, on the other hand, compensates by having a slightly better bottom end punch, something that the R15 misses out on. The R15 V4 still needs to be revved out and ridden hard for you to really have fun on it. 

Verdict 

This has been a good battle, for both bikes are genuinely good entry-level sportbikes. Buy either of them and you will be happy with something that’ll keep you excited and have the latitude for you to make mistakes and learn during your initial years of riding. That said, if we had to pick 1, it has to be the Yamaha R15 V4. At a much lower price, the bike brings in a lot more features and has a slightly more exciting engine. All of us in the office love hopping onto the little Yamaha sportbike and that charm is just unmatched. 

But if you think you want something a bit more exclusive or are a KTM fanboy/fangirl, even the RC 160 makes for a lovely bike, as long as you’re fine putting down the extra money for it. 

Rivals: 

Yamaha R15 vs Suzuki Gixxer SF 150: Spec Comparison - The Gixxer 150 hasn’t been given a proper update in quite a while. The R15 is the better bike. 

Yamaha R15 vs Bajaj Pulsar RS200: Spec Comparison - Want something more upright and comfortable? Get the RS200. Want something more committed and exciting? Get the R15.

Yamaha R15: Same Price Other Options - Here are 5 two-wheelers you can buy instead of the Yamaha R15 V4