Spec comparo: Yamaha FZ25 vs KTM 200 Duke vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4v vs Bajaj Dominar 400 vs Bajaj 200 NS

The new Yamaha FZ25 is the Japanese manufacturer's first quarter-litre machine for India and at Rs 1.19 lakh (ex-Delhi) it surely looks fetching. The FZ25 will go up against competition on the basis of cubic capacity and price. While the KTM 200 Duke, Apache RTR 200 4V and Pulsar 200NS (to be re-launched soon) will compete on the basis of the aforementioned parameters, the newly launched Bajaj Dominar 400 at Rs 1.36 lakh for the base variant presents itself as good value for a little more money.

In country where cubic capacity is usually used as a parameter to judge a bike, the FZ25 does have this covered with it 249cc, air and oil cooled single cylinder motor. What prospective buyers may consider as a put-off is the low 20.9PS power output. But Yamaha says that the engine is tuned to offer better rideability in Indian conditions, courtesy of the strong mid-range. While power peaks at 8,000rpm, the engine produces 20Nm at 6,000rpm only. Yamaha claims the FZ25 is capable of returning 43 kmpl which is good for a 250cc motorcycle.

The design looks like an evolution of the FZ16 Version 2.0 however, the FZ25 is dimensionally bigger. The LED head and tail lamps look neat, while the new instrument cluster is compact yet feature packed. That said, Yamaha should have offered ABS, at least as an option, right from the beginning. Expect the company to launch ABS as and when the law becomes effective, which is from April 2017 onwards.

When you compare power figures, the Yamaha only makes slightly more power than the Apache RTR 200 4V, while the rest of the bikes develop a lot more. The FZ25's kerb weight also means that it's power to weight ratio, at 141.2 PS per tonne is the lowest of the lot. The Bajaj Dominar makes the most power (35PS) in this group, but its 182kg kerb weight means its power to weight ratio at 192.3PS per tonne is the second best here. It's the KTM 200 Duke that still packs the best power to weight ratio at 200.7PS per tonne. It has the second most powerful motor at 26PS and weighs the least at 129.5kg. The Bajaj Pulsar NS has the third best power to weight ratio followed by the 2017 Indian Motorcycle of the year, the Apache RTR 200 4V.

While it may seem that the Yamaha is simply outclassed, let's not forget that its motor makes its peak power and torque at much lower rpms. As Yamaha says, the engine is tuned for better rideability and we expect the FZ25's motor to sport a calm nature that's in complete contrast to the frantic KTM 200 Duke or the quick revving Apache RTR 200 4V. The Yamaha and TVS are the only bikes that employ a five-speed gearbox while the rest have a six-speed gearbox.

The KTM's trellis frame is makes it a sharp handler while the Pulsar 200 NS is also close thanks to its perimeter frame. The Apache Double cradle chassis also lends it great cornering ability. We'll wait for the road test to see how the FZ25 handles.

The Duke is the only bike that has an USD front fork while the rest use a right side up telescopic fork. All bikes have a monoshock at the rear, however, the Bajaj bikes have gas charged units.

The spec table below gives you an idea of how the new Yamaha FZ25 stacks up against its competition on paper.