After the launch of ABS variants of both the motorcycles, we put Yamaha R15 V3 ABS against KTM Duke 200 ABS, based on the specifications.
Yamaha has introduced a dual-channel ABS unit in the R15 V3. The safety feature was much awaited on this performance bike. Along with it,
Back in November, KTM introduced ABS on its best-selling motorcycle, Duke 200. KTM Duke 200 also gets a dual-channel ABS unit.
You might wonder, why are we putting a sportsbike in comparison with a naked bike? The answer is that the price difference between both the motorcycles is now less and the difference between the power figures is also not that much.
Also Read: Yamaha R15 V3 Review – An affordable everyday sportsbike
So, let’s check out the specification comparison story on Yamaha R15 V3 ABS Vs KTM Duke 200.
Yamaha R15 V3 ABS Vs KTM Duke 200 ABS – Prices
| Yamaha R15 V3 ABS | KTM Duke 200 ABS | |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 1.41 Lakhs | Rs 1.60 Lakhs |
R15 V3 ABS is priced at Rs 1.41 Lakhs for the new Dark Knight colour. The regular Racing Blue and Thunder Grey colours are priced at Rs 1.39 Lakhs. The ABS variant sees a hike of Rs 14,000.
Duke 200 ABS is priced at Rs 1.60 Lakhs. It is priced around Rs 20,000 more than R15 V3. The non-ABS variant continues at Rs 1.51 Lakhs.
Also Read: KTM Duke 125 vs Yamaha R15 V3: Specification Comparison
Yamaha R15 V3 ABS Vs KTM Duke 200 ABS – Engine
| Yamaha R15 V3 ABS | KTM Duke 200 ABS | |
| Engine | 155cc liquid-cooled VVA | 199.5cc liquid-cooled |
| Power | 19.1 BHP | 24 BHP |
| Torque | 14.7 Nm | 19.2 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed |
R15 V3 gets a 155cc liquid-cooled engine that runs with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) system, for better performance. The engine produces 19.1 BHP and 14.7 Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Duke 200 gets a 199.5cc liquid-cooled engine, putting out 24 BHP and 19.2 Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed slip and assist clutch.
The power figures of Duke 200 are definitely more than R15. But a difference of 5 BHP and 5 Nm does matter a lot?
Also Read: Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs KTM Duke 200 [COMPARED!]
Yamaha R15 V3 ABS Vs KTM Duke 200 ABS – Mileage and Top Speed
| Yamaha R15 V3 ABS | KTM Duke 200 | |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11 Litres | 12.5 Litres |
| Mileage (claimed) | 50 kmpl | 40 kmpl |
| Riding Range | 550 kms | 500 kms |
| Top-Speed | 133 km/hr | 140 km/hr |
In terms of mileage, R15 is the undisputed king here. It achieved a mileage figure of 50 kmpl on our test, which is better than many 150cc commuter motorcycles.
R15 comes with a fuel tank capacity of 11 Litres, which offers an approximate riding range of 550 kms. It records a top speed of 133 km/hr.
Duke 200, because of its weak low-end torque generation, delivers a mileage of around 40 kmpl.
With a fuel tank of 12.5 Litres, it delivers somewhere around 500 kms on tops. The top speed achievable on Duke is 150 km/hr.
Also Read: Yamaha MT-15 naked bike might be launched in January – Report
Yamaha R15 V3 ABS Vs KTM Duke 200 ABS – Riding Style
As we all know, Yamaha R15 V3 is a fully faired sportsbike. So, clip-on handlebars are a must. Specially, in the case of V3, the clip-on handlebars have been further lowered.
Now, the R15 offers a dedicated riding position, with the rider crouching on the fuel tank and foot pegs set in a racing manner. If you try sitting upright for a long time, you might experience pain in the wrist.
On the other hand, Duke 200 is a naked street bike. It offers a relaxed upright position, but the handlebar and footpegs are set as per a performance bike.
For cornering, you will have to crouch to the fuel tank to stabilize the motorcycle. However, both the bikes are performance oriented. keeping in mind that the rider has some racing DNA in his body.
Also Read: KTM Duke 125 Price, Specifications, Features and Colours
Yamaha R15 V3 ABS Vs KTM Duke 200 ABS – Features
Yamaha R15 V3 gets premium features, somewhat better than the last-generation. Following are the features of the bike:
- Split LED headlamps
- LED tail lights
- Fully Digital Instrument Cluster
- Split Seat
- Lowered Clip-on Handlebars
Duke 200 also does not fall behind in this category. KTM has given it enough features to maintain its stand in the market. Following are the features:
- A fully digital instrument cluster
- Gear indicator
- Split seats
- LED DRLs and halogen headlamps
- Upright Sitting Position
Yamaha R15 V3 ABS Vs KTM Duke 200 ABS – Dimensions
| Yamaha R15 V3 ABS | KTM Duke 200 | |
| Length | 1990mm | 2050mm |
| Width | 725mm | 730mm |
| Height | 1135mm | 1100mm |
| Ground Clearance | 155mm | 170mm |
| Wheelbase | 1325mm | 1356mm |
| Weight | 137 KGS | 148 kgs |
| Seat Height | 815mm | 810mm |
R15 V3 is 1990mm long, 725mm wide and 1135mm tall. It gets a ground clearance of 155mm and a wheelbase of 1325 mm. The kerb weight of the bike is around 137 kgs. The seat height is considerably taller at 815mm.
Duke is longer at 2050mm, wider at 730mm, but shorter at 1130mm. The ground clearance is better at 170m. Since the bike is longer, it gets a bigger wheelbase of 1356mm. The kerb weight of the bike is heavier at 148 kgs. The seat height is lower than R15 at 810mm.
Also Read: KTM Duke 250 Price, Top Speed, Mileage, Specifications And Features
Yamaha R15 V3 ABS Vs KTM Duke 200 ABS – Suspension and Brakes
| Yamaha R15 V3 ABS | KTM Duke 200 | |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks | WP Upside Down Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Link Monoshock | WP Monoshock |
| Brakes | Front and Rear Disc with ABS | Front and Rear Disc with ABS |
R15 V3 uses conventional telescopic forks at the front and a link monoshock setup at the back. Duke 200, on the other hand, uses premium WP 43mm Upside Down Forks and adjustable WP Monoshock at the back.
For braking purposes, both the motorcycles use front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS unit.
Yamaha R15 V3 ABS Vs KTM Duke 200 ABS – Verdict
Based on the specification, we definitely say that Duke 200 is more powerful than R15. On the other hand, R15 is cheaper by Rs 20,000 than Duke.
First, it depends upon the riding style of the buyer. If the buyer is ready for a dedicated riding position then R15, otherwise Duke 200.
Based on the public and ownership review, Duke 200 stalls too much at the lower gears. Probably, the engine has not been tuned properly for the low-end ratios.
Yamaha R15 is the complete opposite and is a charm in the traffic. With the help of the VVA system, one valve provides torque while going from low-range to mid-range. As of which, the bike can take low speeds at high gears.
So, what do you think about both the bikes? Which one will make it your garage?
