We’ve just ridden the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 and Yamaha’s YZF-R15, back-to-back over the past two days and although this may seem like a classic case of ‘faster the machine, more tempting the choice,’ eventually one does need to consider a maturely taken decision after evenly weighing all pros and cons. We’ve not compared two large, fire-breathing bikes here, and these are not even quarter-litre motorcycles. They still do attract a large number of new riders who wish to make the most out of their motorcycles. So let’s take a look.

Picture perfect

The YZF-R15 has been around for six years on Indian roads and Yamaha even gave its mini-sportsbike an extensive makeover three years ago. Intentionally or not, the Japanese motorcycle specialist has not yet offered a larger capacity motor for enthusiasts. So, moving at steady pace, Bajaj has swooped in and introduced the RS 200, a machine that imparts freshness in every respect. Ironically, Yamaha’s R15 V2.0 looks every bit the same when viewed upfront as its predecessor, the YZF-R15.

However, when viewed closely, the new fairing does look more aggressive, with the same twin headlights borrowed from the previous gen YZF-R1.

Bajaj has made the most of every bit of space on its bike body to offer a young, surely slightly over-the-top for some design on the RS 200. The twin projector headlamps do a fine job of lighting up the road ahead at night, but those looking for clean styling might just find the front fascia a bit too busy. The Yamaha still looks every bit as attractive as the first time we laid eyes on it, but bits like the instruments are now dated. It lacks features such as a clock and rev-limiter lights, all thoughtfully in place on Bajaj’s RS 200.

Switchgear is smart on both bikes and work precisely; Bajaj ups the game here by providing blue back-lit control switches. Grips and levers on both bikes feel good to touch and feel. Mirrors on the Bajaj are not as wide as the ones on the Yamaha, which sometimes call for a quick shift of elbow on the RS 200 to allow fair rear view.

When viewed from behind, Bajaj’s RS 200 looks every bit as futuristic as from ahead. Bajaj provides inset grab handles and a well-contoured split saddle for the rider and pillion. The slim 10-spoke alloy wheels are an extension of the bike’s sporty design. A stubby exhaust is seen, with a hooked outlet.

The Yamaha looks sporty viewed from the rear. Yamaha has smartly provided it with a tall tail panel, which looks just fine, but it is a really tall proposition for the pillion when seated. The protective yet ugly mud guard unit completely robs the bike of its alreadysubstantial underbody area. The Yamaha has a stylishly long exhaust that looks nice even today.
Overall quality, fit-finish and attention-to-detail are top drawer, with Bajaj steadily improving on these fronts. Yamaha, on the other hand, has always provided this and remains at the top of its segments on quality.