At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Yamaha MT-15 V2
- 155 cc Liquid-Cooled
- 18.4 PS @ 10,000 rpm
- 56.87 km/l (ARAI)
- 10-litre tank
- 2 variants available
- Dual-channel ABS + Traction Control
Bajaj Pulsar N160
- 164.82 cc Air-Cooled
- 16 PS @ 8750 rpm
- 51.6 km/l (ARAI)
- 14-litre tank
- 4 variants available
- Dual-channel ABS (most variants)
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Yamaha MT-15 V2 | Bajaj Pulsar N160 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 155 cc | 164.82 cc |
| Cooling System | Liquid Cooled | Air Cooled |
| Max Power | 18.4 PS @ 10,000 rpm | 16 PS @ 8750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.1 Nm @ 7500 rpm | 14.65 Nm @ 6750 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 (with VVA) | 2 |
| Compression Ratio | 11.6 : 1 | 10.3 ± 0.3 : 1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 58.0 × 58.7 mm | 58 × 62.38 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 OBD2 | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Clutch | Assist & Slipper Clutch | Wet Multi-Plate |
| Top Speed | ~122 km/h | ~120 km/h |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (ARAI) | 56.87 km/l | 51.6 km/l |
| Mileage (Real-world) | 45–50 km/l | 45–50 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 10 litres | 14 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 1.6 litres | 2.8 litres |
| Riding Range (approx.) | ~568 km | ~722 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | Dual-Channel ABS + Traction Control | Single / Dual-Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 282 mm | Disc – 300 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 220 mm | Disc – 230 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 100/80-17 / 140/70-17 | 100/80-17 / 130/70-17 |
| Rear Tyre Width | 140/70-17 (wider) | 130/70-17 |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | USD Fork (standard) | Telescopic / USD Fork (top variants) |
| Rear Suspension | Linked-Type Monoshock | Monoshock |
| Chassis | Deltabox Frame | Perimeter Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 141 kg | 152–154 kg |
| Seat Height | 810 mm | 795 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1325 mm | 1358 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2015 × 800 × 1070 mm | 1989 × 743 × 1050 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Fully Digital LCD | Digital |
| Traction Control | Yes (standard) | No |
| Headlight | LED | LED Projector |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Turn Signals | LED | LED |
| Hazard Warning Lights | Yes (DLX variant) | Yes (all variants) |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes (DLX variant) | Yes (all variants) |
| USB Charging Port | No | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Riding Modes | No | No (except top variant) |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1,60,096 | ₹1,14,840 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,68,507 | ₹1,27,333 |
| Number of Variants | 2 | 4 |
| Standard Warranty | 2 Years / 30,000 km | 5 Years / 75,000 km |
★ Green highlights indicate the stronger value in each row. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Variant-wise Price Comparison
All variants laid out — find the right one for your budget
Yamaha MT-15 V2 Variants
Bajaj Pulsar N160 Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- More powerful liquid-cooled engine — 18.4 PS with VVA technology
- Traction control as standard on both variants
- Dual-channel ABS standard across all variants
- 6-speed gearbox with assist & slipper clutch
- USD front forks as standard — no upgrade premium required
- Lighter at 141 kg — 11–13 kg less than N160
- Deltabox frame offers superior handling precision
- Wider 140/70-17 rear tyre for more grip
- Higher ARAI mileage figure (56.87 km/l)
Cons
- Starts ₹45,256 more expensive than the N160
- Only 2 variants — less budget flexibility
- Small 10-litre tank gives shorter absolute range (~568 km)
- Bluetooth connectivity only on DLX variant
- No USB charging port on any variant
- Hazard warning lights only on DLX variant
- Short warranty (2 years / 30,000 km)
- Higher seat height at 810 mm — taller riders only
Pros
- Significantly more affordable — starts ₹45,256 cheaper
- Large 14-litre tank delivers excellent range (~722 km)
- Dual-channel ABS across 3 of 4 variants at low cost
- Bluetooth and USB charging on all variants
- Hazard warning lights standard on all variants
- 4 variants give wider budget and feature choice
- Outstanding 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
- Lower and more accessible seat height (795 mm)
- Riding modes on top split-seat variant
- LED projector headlamp standard
Cons
- Less powerful — 16 PS vs 18.4 PS
- Air-cooled engine runs hotter in heavy traffic
- Only 2 valves per cylinder — less efficient at high rpm
- 5-speed gearbox (vs 6-speed on MT-15)
- No traction control on any variant
- Heavier at 152–154 kg
- Narrower rear tyre (130/70-17 vs 140/70-17)
- USD forks only from third variant (₹1,25,013)
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine Character
The MT-15 V2 uses a 155 cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) producing 18.4 PS — the same unit as the Yamaha R15. This makes it noticeably more powerful and rev-happy, with a more exciting character throughout the rev range. The Pulsar N160 uses a 164.82 cc air-cooled, 2-valve engine tuned for smooth mid-range torque, which feels more relaxed and accessible for daily commuting.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The MT-15 V2 has a higher ARAI figure (56.87 km/l vs 51.6 km/l), but its 10-litre tank limits absolute range to ~568 km. The Pulsar N160's 14-litre tank is 40% larger, giving it a range of ~722 km — roughly 154 km more per fill. For riders who dislike frequent fuel stops, the N160 is the clear winner.
Braking & Safety
Both bikes offer dual disc brakes across their top variants. The MT-15 V2 adds traction control as standard on both variants — a safety feature the N160 completely lacks. The N160 compensates with a larger 300 mm front disc (vs 282 mm on MT-15), and its dual-channel ABS is available from just ₹1,17,619 — far more affordable access to the safety technology.
Weight & Handling
The MT-15 V2's Deltabox frame and lighter 141 kg weight make it noticeably more agile and precise through corners. USD forks are also standard across both its variants. The Pulsar N160 weighs 152–154 kg but uses a perimeter frame — it feels more planted at speed while being slightly less nimble. USD forks are only available from ₹1,25,013 on the N160.
Warranty & Ownership
The Pulsar N160 offers a vastly superior 5-year / 75,000 km warranty versus the MT-15 V2's 2-year / 30,000 km coverage. This is one of the biggest practical differences — for daily commuters who keep their bikes for several years, the N160's warranty provides substantially more protection against unexpected repair costs.
Price & Value
The Pulsar N160 starts at ₹1,14,840 — ₹45,256 less than the MT-15 V2's ₹1,60,096. Even the N160's fully-loaded top variant at ₹1,27,333 is ₹32,763 cheaper than the MT-15 V2 base. The N160 also offers more connectivity (Bluetooth + USB on all variants) and a far better warranty for the price.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Yamaha MT-15 V2 if…
- You want the most powerful 155cc streetfighter in India
- Traction control and dual-channel ABS as standard matter to you
- A liquid-cooled engine with VVA technology excites you
- You want USD forks, slipper clutch and 6-speed gearbox from the base variant
- Lightweight handling (141 kg) and Deltabox frame precision are priorities
- You're comfortable with a higher seat height (810 mm)
- Premium Yamaha build quality and R15 platform heritage appeal to you
Buy the Bajaj Pulsar N160 if…
- Budget is a major factor — starts ₹45,000 cheaper
- Long riding range matters — 14-litre tank gives ~722 km per fill
- The 5-year / 75,000 km warranty gives you long-term peace of mind
- You want Bluetooth and USB charging on every variant
- 4 variants let you choose the exact spec you need
- A lower seat height (795 mm) suits your build
- Daily commuting practicality outweighs outright performance
This is one of the closest calls in the segment. The Yamaha MT-15 V2 is the clear winner if you want the most capable, technologically advanced streetfighter — liquid cooling, traction control, VVA, slipper clutch and Deltabox precision justify the ₹45,000 premium for enthusiasts. The Bajaj Pulsar N160 wins on everyday practicality — class-leading range, affordable dual-channel ABS, Bluetooth on all variants, USB charging and an extraordinary 5-year warranty make it the more rational choice for the majority of daily riders. Choose based on whether you prioritise riding excitement or long-term ownership value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 is better for performance enthusiasts — it offers 18.4 PS from a liquid-cooled VVA engine, traction control, 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch, and USD forks as standard. The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is better for practical daily riders — it's ₹45,256 cheaper, has a 14-litre tank for ~722 km range, Bluetooth and USB charging on all variants, and a class-leading 5-year / 75,000 km warranty. The right choice depends on whether riding excitement or long-term value matters more to you.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 starts at ₹1,14,840 while the Yamaha MT-15 V2 starts at ₹1,60,096 ex-showroom — a base-level difference of ₹45,256. Even comparing the N160's top variant (₹1,27,333) against the MT-15 V2 STD (₹1,60,096), the Yamaha costs ₹32,763 more. Both prices are for India and may vary by city.
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 has a higher ARAI mileage figure at 56.87 km/l compared to the Pulsar N160's 51.6 km/l. However, the Pulsar N160's 14-litre tank (vs 10 litres on the MT-15) completely reverses the range story — the N160 can travel ~722 km per fill versus the MT-15's ~568 km. In real-world riding, both bikes return similar efficiency of 45–50 km/l.
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 is significantly more powerful at 18.4 PS @ 10,000 rpm compared to the Bajaj Pulsar N160's 16 PS @ 8750 rpm. The MT-15 V2 uses a 4-valve liquid-cooled engine with VVA technology, making it considerably more exciting at high revs. The N160's air-cooled engine produces slightly more torque (14.65 Nm vs 14.1 Nm) at a lower rpm, giving it stronger everyday low-end pull.
Yes, the Yamaha MT-15 V2 comes with traction control as standard on both the STD and DLX variants. The Bajaj Pulsar N160 does not offer traction control on any of its four variants. This is a meaningful safety difference, particularly for riding on wet or slippery surfaces.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 offers a dramatically better warranty of 5 years or 75,000 km compared to the Yamaha MT-15 V2's 2 years or 30,000 km. For a daily commuter covering 30–40 km per day, this warranty gap can represent several years of additional protection against unexpected repair costs — making it a highly significant ownership advantage for the Pulsar N160.