Yamaha R15V4

Depending on your usage and the look of the bike you prefer, either of the bikes you are looking at will be a great fit for you. The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is a great entry-level performance naked bike and will be far more comfortable to use daily due to its upright ergonomics. However, if ridden enthusiastically, fuel economy will take a hit. 

The Yamaha R15 M is the top model in the lineup, and its ex-showroom price is above Rs 1.80 lakh, which means it is quite a bit above your budget. If you do decide to stretch for the R15 M, you will have one of the sweetest, most capable beginner sportbikes around with a great look and feel. However, the latest R15 models are very committed in terms of their riding position. So, if you are going to use it regularly, you will need to put up with a seriously uncomfortable riding position. 

Instead, if you want similar performance, fuel economy and reliability with a good dose of daily practicality and a much lower price tag, check out the Yamaha XSR155. This is essentially an upright, neo-retro version of the R15 and will serve you just as well. 

A test ride of these 3 should help you determine which is the right machine for your needs.

Since this is your first bike, you should ask yourself what sort of rider you are and then pick the machine accordingly. If you feel you enjoy speed and want a sporty, engaging machine, then something like a KTM 160 / 200 Duke, Yamaha YZF R15 V4 / MT-15 and XSR155 will be good options to consider. 

If you want to have a relaxed riding experience and want something stylish, then a Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or TVS Ronin would be a good starting point. Lastly, if you want a single 'standard' bike that can do most daily things, then something like a Honda CB300F would be a good option. 

If you want something that prioritises fuel efficiency, a 160cc commuter from Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Hero or Yamaha would be the way to go. 

Take thorough test rides of each machine you consider before making up your mind up. 

All the options you're looking at are really credible ones, but between them all, the Yamaha XSR155 makes the most sense. Since you have had little experience riding a geared motorcycle, something light, friendly, and easy to manage, like the XSR, is a safe choice.

 And because it shares a lot of its hardware with the proven Yamaha YZF R15 V4 and Yamaha MT-15 V2, it is bound to be reliable like its sportier siblings. 

While riding carefully will definitely help prolong the life of your bike, it won’t make a huge difference in terms of savings.

Modern bikes are built to handle quite a bit of stress, and in the case of the Yamaha YZF R15 V4, you can expect it to last a long time without costing too much to maintain.

Routine parts like tyres, brake pads, fluids, and valve clearances will need replacement regardless of how carefully you ride. However, riding gently can help extend the life of some running components.

For exact maintenance costs, it’s best to visit your nearest Yamaha dealer or service centre and speak to a trained official.

If you’re looking for a true-blue sportbike experience in an approachable package, the Yamaha YZF R15 V4 is one of the purest examples in its class.

However, since you prefer comfort and mostly ride within the city, we would recommend the Suzuki Gixxer SF instead. The Yamaha is a no-holds-barred sportbike; its rider's triangle is very committed and its suspension is on the stiffer side. In comparison, the Suzuki feels more amenable. 

That said, we’d suggest taking a test ride of both before deciding. A sportbike isn’t always a logical purchase. It’s one you buy because you love those racy looks and the thrill that comes with it. Happy riding!