Yamaha has just launched the YZF-R2, making their supersport line-up become plural once again. Although they sound closer to each other, the established YZF-R15 and its new big brother are further apart than you might think. So how does Yamaha’s new entry on the 200cc class compare to the tried and tested KTM RC 200? Let’s find out.
All prices mentioned here are ex-showroom, Delhi.
Yamaha YZF-R2 vs KTM RC 200: Engine and output
The Yamaha makes marginally more power and torque
From the get go, the Yamaha pulls ahead by making 1.5hp more power than the KTM with a 0.1Nm less torque; both bikes deliver peak power and torque at the exact same range in the revs. However, the R2’s biggest advantage is in its 149kg kerb weight, made evident in its noticeably higher power-to-weight ratio. More on that in the next section.
Yamaha YZF-R2 vs KTM RC 200: Dimensions and weight
Yamaha continues to increase the gap
As we said, Yamaha’s biggest advantage comes with its 149kg, a whopping 11kg less than the KTM. That gap only increases with other dimensions, well, except for the fuel tank capacity. The R2 has a smaller fuel tank, but the KTM’s 1.7-litre larger fuel tank only justifies about 1.25kg of its added heft. In return, the R2 gives you more usable seat height and ground clearance.
Yamaha YZF-R2 vs KTM RC 200: Tyres, brakes, and suspension
KTM has (almost) all the advantage
In the handling package, the KTM pulls its trump cards. It gets bigger tyres, brakes, as well as a larger front fork. Both brands use the tried and tested radially mounted caliper at the front, with a floating caliper handling the rear stopping duties. The R2 does offer preload adjustability on both ends on the top M variant. On the RC, that’s only available at the rear.
Yamaha YZF-R2 vs KTM RC 200: Features
Yamaha offers a host of extra features
Being the newer motorcycle, it’s not a surprise that the R2 has more features but Yamaha, almost uncharacteristically, have pulled out all the stops on this front. Do note that to get the full suite, you’d have to spring for the R2 M which is currently Rs 21,000 more expensive than the RC 200. If you do, you get three ride modes (Rain, Street, Sport), a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster, assist and slipper clutch, traction control, a bi-directional quickshifter, keyless system, adjustable footpegs, and adjustable levers. The first four are standard on all three variants, with the middle variant offering the quick shifter, and the M giving you the rest. There are other cosmetic differences between the three variants as well.
On the other side, the KTM gives you a 5-inch TFT cluster, the ability to turn off rear ABS, and… that’s it. To get even close to the R2’s feature set, you’d have to look at the bigger KTM Supersport, the RC 390. Both motorcycles have the ability to connect your smartphone to unlock functionalities like call alerts, music control, and turn-by-turn navigation.
Yamaha YZF-R2 vs KTM RC 200: Price
Yamaha offers more value than the KTM
Yamaha has priced the R2’s base variant lower than the RC 200’s one and only variant. Even then, the R2 is ahead in terms of the features and the overall value. The KTM’s case only gets weaker from there. It’s worth mentioning here that the KTM RC series have not been updated to the third generation yet, which is perhaps why the feature set hasn’t caught up. Last we checked, the next major refresh for the RC series is at least a year away.
Vishal Venugopal
Rishaad Mody
Dinshaw Magol
