The other motorcycles that are mentioned here include the Yamaha MT-15, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Keeway SR250 and Bajaj Dominar 250.

BHPian Omkar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250

What you'll like:

• Well-rounded, good-looking sporty commuter package packed with features and practicality
• Nicely priced. Undercuts most rivals in the segment
• Addresses almost all the weak points of its predecessor, while still retaining the solid fundamentals such as the engine and chassis characteristics
• Packed with features such as slip-and-assist clutch, upside-down fork suspension, digital instrument cluster, turn-by-turn navigation, LED projector headlight, switchable traction control, ABS modes, integrated USB charger, etc.
• Tractable engine with oodles of low-end torque coupled with good gearing and very light clutch makes riding effortless and adaptable to varied usage
• Refined engine with NVH levels rivaling Japanese 250cc commuters
• Deep and bassy exhaust note
• Mature suspension behaviour offers a nice balance between ride quality and handling

What you won't:

• Front brake feels wooden and lacks progressive feedback. Rear brakes are devoid of any bite
• Some quirks in the ergonomics department, including placement of rear view mirrors, handlebar & side-stand lever
• Windblast and buffeting even at moderate speeds
• Sporty only within urban confines. Not very composed at highway speeds or during fast cornering
• 2-valve engine runs out of breath with climbing revs. Lack of sixth gear reduces the fun factor on highway rides
• Quality of plastics and decals, although better than before, has room for improvement
• Bajaj bikes are not known to age very well and it remains to be seen how long-lasting the refinement levels and plastic quality will prove to be over a few years of usage

Review Link

Bajaj Pulsar NS200

Ownership Review

Yamaha MT-15

Launch Discussion

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

Ownership Review

Suzuki Gixxer 250

Ownership Review Link

Keeway SR250

Launch Discussion

Bajaj Dominar 250

Launch Discussion

Here's what BHPian vattyboy had to say about the matter:

I have a favourite among all these bikes, and it's the N250. Whenever I'm riding my bike on the road, this particular bike always catches my attention with its stunning looks.

It is a complete package, and the exhaust note is quite impressive too. Also, it comes at a reasonable price point.

My second choice is Gixxer 250, but it needs an update on looks quickly.

Here's what BHPian Sudarshan42 had to say about the matter:

I don't think I can look at any of these as viable options when the NS400Z exists for a tiny premium. So I vote for Others.

That said, if you're hell-bent on staying under 300cc and want an air-cooled engine for simplicity, I'd take a look at the CB300F.

Here's what BHPian AulusGabinius had to say about the matter:

I guess I'd have to pick the Gixxer 250 because it might be the most powerful, the most friendly, and the most reliable. I know it's dated, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The closest competitors would be the Pulsar N250 for the VFM, and the MT-15, despite the smaller figures, for the Yamaha brand and its design.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The announcement of the launch of the Moto GP-inspired livery comes just days ahead of the Bharat GP.

Yamaha has launched its 2023 Monster Energy Moto GP Edition models in India. The announcement comes just days ahead of the Bharat GP.

The Monster Energy Moto GP Editions come in a special livery inspired by Yamaha's Moto GP team colours. It includes a black and blue theme with the Monster Energy logo on the tank shrouds and fairings. It is available on the YZF-R15M, MT-15 V2.0 and the Ray ZR 125 Fi Hybrid models.

Yamaha hasn't made any mechanical changes to the Moto GP Editions. The R15 and MT-15 use the same 155cc single-cylinder engine that puts out 18.1 BHP and 14.2 Nm.

The Ray ZR is powered by a 125cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 8 BHP @ 6,500 rpm and 10.3 Nm @ 5,000 rpm. It is equipped with a Smart Motor Generator (SMG), which functions as an electric motor to provide a power boost under acceleration.

2023 Monster Energy Yamaha Moto GP Edition ex-showroom prices:

• YZF-R15M – Rs 1,97,200
• MT-15 V2.0 – Rs 1,72,700
• Ray ZR 125 Fi Hybrid – Rs 92,330

OBD-II system is now standard across all Yamaha motorcycles.

Yamaha has introduced its updated range of bikes for the 2023 model year. Besides the R15, the line-up includes the FZ, FZ-X and MT-15.

The 2023 Yamaha FZ S Fi V4 is priced at Rs 1,27,400 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The bike comes with an LCD instrument console with smartphone connectivity, an LED headlamp and LED turn indicators

The FZ S is powered by the same 149cc, single-cylinder engine. It produces 12.2 BHP and 13.3 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The bike is equipped with ABS and traction control.

The 2023 FZ-X is priced at Rs 1,36,900 and the MT-15 V2 costs Rs 1,68,400 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Both bikes get traction control. The MT-15 V2 comes with dual-channel ABS, while the FZ-S FI Deluxe now gets Bluetooth connectivity. OBD-II system is now standard across all Yamaha motorcycles.

The MT-15 V2.0 now comes with an upside-down fork suspension and LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth.

Yamaha has launched the MT-15 V2.0 priced at Rs. 1,59,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

While the design of the bike remains largely the same, the 2022 MT-15 V2.0 gets a few welcome additions. The bike now comes with an upside-down fork suspension and a new aluminium rear swingarm.

The MT-15 V2.0 also gets an LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, replete with features like phone battery status, malfunction notifications, last parked location and phone call, SMS and email alerts.

Powering the 2022 MT-15 V2.0 is a 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 18.4 BHP and 14.1 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch. Braking duties are handled by a 282 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc brake with dual-channel ABS.

The Yamaha MT-15 V2.0 is likely to be powered by the same 155cc engine as the R15 V4.0.

According to a media report, Yamaha is likely to launch the MT-15 V2.0 later this month. It is said that the bike could be launched at a dealer event on April 11 or on the next day.

Reports also suggest that select Yamaha dealerships have started accepting pre-bookings for the MT-15 V2.0 for a token amount of Rs 1,000.

The MT-15 V2.0 is expected to come equipped with upside-down fork suspension at the front and dual-channel ABS. It is likely to borrow the instrument cluster from the R15 V4.0 offering Bluetooth connectivity.

The Yamaha MT-15 V2.0 could be powered by a 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine producing 18.2 BHP and 13.9 Nm. It is said that this model might miss out on features like traction control and quick-shifter.

Source: Zigwheels

The 2022 Yamaha MT-15 will rival the likes of the Suzuki Gixxer 155, KTM Duke 200 and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.

Yamaha is said to have temporarily discontinued its MT-15 streetfighter motorcycle in the Indian market. As per reports, the company is expected to introduce a newer version of the motorcycle soon, featuring plenty of updates.

Some of the new updates include the addition of upside-down front forks, dual-channel ABS, traction control and maybe even a quick-shifter. The 2022 MT-15 could also feature a new instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity.

While the overall design of the 2022 MT-15 is expected to remain unchanged, it will receive subtle updates, along with new body graphics and colour schemes.

Powering the 2022 Yamaha MT-15 will be the same 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, which also powers the fully-faired YZF R15 V4.0. The engine produces 18.1 BHP @ 10,000 rpm and 14.2 Nm @ 7,500 rpm and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox.

Yamaha is yet to announce the launch dates for the 2022 MT-15 motorcycle, although, it is expected to arrive in the market sometime in April. Once launched, the 2022 Yamaha MT-15 will rival the likes of the Suzuki Gixxer 155, KTM Duke 200 and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.

The MT is great to ride in the city and acceptable in short highway stints but seriously lacking when it comes to longer journeys.

BHPian neshga recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello, I've been riding my 1.5 year MT-15 BS VI around the state and feel like it's time to get something with more oomph for long highway journeys. I'm planning on keeping the MT for local commute and using the new bike for touring on weekends (300-500 km per day trips, maybe more).

The MT is great to ride in the city and acceptable in short highway stints but seriously lacking when it comes to longer journeys. The top speed took a hit from the smaller driven sprocket, 120 kmph being pretty stable and maxing out at about 130. The other big issue is comfort at those speeds, affected by poor seat comfort, riding position for my height (just under 6 feet) and importantly, wind force.

The bike gets super light at the front end when riding through crosswinds or passing large vehicles. It also sways unpredictably sometimes because of aforementioned conditions. The force on your body and helmet also gets to you after a while. I have tried windscreens and riding in a committed position but the ergonomics just don't work and my head becomes the leading edge of the front.

I plan on upgrading by the second half of this year or early next year, so unreleased motorcycles are also in the cards. All my friends own similar capacity bikes or just drive cars so I am looking for advice on a good stepping stone for a more powerful motorcycle. I'm comfortable with speed and riding\driving in a safe manner on the road but not with fast maneuvers on bikes (I have a lot more mileage cars than bikes).

Here are my requirements:

• Price: Under 5 lakh rupees and preferably around 3L.
• Power: Something around 50 bhp give or take.
• Features: Good dynamics, ABS at the front at least, slipper clutch, luggage capacity, exceptional brakes and a nice engine note would be appreciated.
• I'm okay with not having a pillion seat or a poor one and also harsher ride quality at low speeds.

Some help would be appreciated, thanks.

Here's what BHPian swiftnfurious had to say on the matter:

You seem to be keen only on a brand new bike. The only bikes I recollect close to 50 ps under 5L are R3 & Ninja 400, out of which Ninja is already discontinued.

If you look at pre-owned, am sure few options will pop up, Ninja 650 being a top contender. All 150cc+ bikes come with ABS as standard and at 5L, anyone better give a dual channel one. For dynamics, KTM still rule, least comfy probably amongst all.

Since you are not too worried about pillion, fared bikes are good options.

Here's what BHPian TorqueMonster had to say on the matter:

I think you should go the used route for a well maintained Ninja 650. A good and recent example can be found for 5 lakhs easily, with availability also being high. For new bikes, the RE Twins are almost 50 hp, but are ergonomically not the best, and need a few changes for them to be better for a long ride. As for the KTM, it is one beast of a vehicle, its the most powerful vehicle I have personally experienced and it is excellent, except for comfort, engine note and luggage capacity. You can try getting the Adventure 390 if you are okay with touring bikes if possible.

But based on your requirements, I think the best bet is a Ninja 650. Also, see if the Honda CBR 650 is within your budget too.

Here's what BHPian neil.jericho had to say on the matter:

So many bikes suit your wide use case:

• Around Rs 5 L : Honda CBR650F *
• Rs 4 - 5 L : Kawasaki Z650 * / Kawasaki Ninja 650 * / KTM Adv 390.
• Rs 3 - 4 L : KTM Duke 390 / Royal Enfield 650 twins.
• Below Rs 3 L : Kawasaki Ninja 300 * / Yamaha R3 * / KTM RC 390 *

* denotes preowned

Go take test rides of these bikes and see what you like. The Interceptor 650 is a pretty popular choice on this forum though you can't go wrong with any of these bikes.

Here's what BHPian GreasyCarb55 had to say on the matter:

If you absolutely want a brand new bike:

• KTM Duke 390 Adventure - If highway touring is what you want, good in the city as well, it can go off-road but it's not a full on off-roader like the Himalayan or XPulse. Pretty popular model so aftermarket should be good. Around 3.8 lakh on-road Chennai.
• KTM Duke 390 - Not as much as tourer as it's Adventure cousin but still a fantastic bike all things considered, whack on a windshield and you should be good to go. IMO The craziest bike brand new bike under 5L. Great international and domestic seller for KTM, aftermarket support should be plenty. Around 3.35 lakh on-road Chennai.
• Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 - Arguably the best bike to come out of the Royal Enfield stable in a really long time, only brand new twin cylinder on the list means the Interceptor effortless chugs along the highway in a clam manner but can also keep up with the R3's and Duke 390's in the twisties. Around 3.3-3.55 Lakh on-road Chennai depending on colour.

If you don't mind used bikes:

• Kawasaki Ninja 650 - The Ninja 650 is one of the best choices on the used market, you pick up an older model for as low as 3.5 Lakh but I'd personally shell out about 4-4.5L to get a newer model.
• Kawasaki Verseys 650 - Now if your main focus is Highway/Touring then I'd shill the extra 80k-1 lakh over the Ninja 650 to get a Versys 650. Both of them are great bikes.

Get the Ninja 650 if you want an all rounder or get the Versys 650 if you want a focused touring bike.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.