Introduction

When riders in India look for a sporty naked bike under 200cc, two models stand out: the Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 and the Honda Hornet 2.0. Both have gained popularity for their stylish looks, reliable engines, and practical performance.

The Yamaha MT-15 V2 is famous for its liquid-cooled high-revving engine and sharp handling, while the Honda Hornet 2.0 is known for comfort, strong mileage, and advanced features. In this review, we’ll compare them across pricing, engine performance, fuel economy, features, handling, and rider feedback to see which one suits different riders best.

Overview and Pricing

Price is one of the first factors for buyers, especially students and young professionals.

• Honda Hornet 2.0: Priced at ₹1.58 lakh (ex-showroom).
• Yamaha MT-15 V2: Priced slightly higher at ₹1.70 lakh (ex-showroom).

On-road prices can be higher due to taxes and insurance, but the Hornet usually costs ₹10,000–₹15,000 less than the MT-15.

In terms of styling, both are naked sport motorcycles. The Hornet takes inspiration from sporty commuter design, while the MT-15 follows Yamaha’s aggressive streetfighter look.

• Honda Hornet 2.0: 4 color options
• Yamaha MT-15 V2: 5 color options

Engine and Performance

The Hornet 2.0 comes with a 184.4cc air-cooled engine that produces 16.99 PS of power at 8500 rpm and 15.7 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. It delivers smooth acceleration, especially in city riding conditions.

The Yamaha MT-15 V2 is equipped with a 155cc liquid-cooled SOHC engine that makes 18.4 PS of power at 10000 rpm and 14.1 Nm of torque at 7500 rpm. It has a 6-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch, which helps in smoother gear shifts and sporty performance.

Even though the Hornet has a bigger engine, the MT-15 generates more peak power thanks to its liquid cooling and Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology. This makes the MT-15 livelier at higher RPMs, while the Hornet feels more relaxed in traffic.

Mileage and Fuel Economy

Mileage is always important in this segment.

• Honda Hornet 2.0: Claimed mileage of about 57 kmpl in city conditions.
• Yamaha MT-15 V2: Claimed mileage of around 56 kmpl.

In real-world riding, numbers may differ. Riders often report:

• Hornet: 45–50 kmpl
• MT-15: 48–52 kmpl

Both motorcycles offer competitive fuel efficiency, with differences depending on riding style, traffic, and load.

Features and Technology

Honda has packed more connectivity and safety features into the Hornet 2.0, while Yamaha focuses on performance-oriented tech.

Honda Hornet 2.0 Features

• Bluetooth connectivity with navigation, call, and SMS alerts
• Honda RoadSync mobile app support
• USB charging port
• Fully digital instrument cluster with trip meter and mileage display
• Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for better traction

Yamaha MT-15 V2 Features

• Digital console with basic information
• Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) for better engine efficiency
• LED headlights and DRLs
• Sporty split seats
• Assist and slipper clutch for smoother gear shifts

The Hornet offers more rider-friendly technology like Bluetooth and traction control, making it more feature-rich, while the MT-15 leans towards pure performance.

Ride and Handling

The Honda Hornet 2.0 weighs 142 kg, has a seat height of 790 mm, and uses a diamond-type frame. The lower seat height makes it more approachable for shorter riders. It has a top speed of about 130 kmph, and its riding posture is comfortable for both city commutes and highway rides.

The Yamaha MT-15 V2 is slightly lighter at 141 kg but has a taller seat height of 810 mm, which is better for taller riders. It uses a delta box frame similar to Yamaha’s R15, giving it excellent cornering stability. Its top speed is about 122 kmph. The MT-15 also has inverted front forks, which enhance sporty handling but may feel less comfortable on long rides due to its smaller seat.

Overall, the Hornet feels more comfortable for daily use, while the MT-15 gives a sharper, sportier ride.

User Ratings and Reviews

Honda Hornet 2.0

• Rating: Around 4.7/5
• Riders like its comfortable ergonomics, reliable engine, good mileage, and advanced features like Bluetooth and traction control.
• Some feel it lacks the aggressive character of the MT-15, especially at higher speeds.

Yamaha MT-15 V2

• Rating: 4.6–4.7/5
• Riders praise its fun-to-ride engine, sharp handling, and aggressive looks.
• Some point out that the seat is small and less comfortable for long rides, and it costs more despite having fewer features.

Comparison Table

Parameter	Honda Hornet 2.0	Yamaha MT-15 V2
Ex-Showroom Price	₹1.58 Lakh	₹1.70 Lakh
Engine	184.4cc, Air-cooled	155cc, Liquid-cooled
Max Power	16.99 PS @ 8500 rpm	18.4 PS @ 10000 rpm
Max Torque	15.7 Nm @ 6000 rpm	14.1 Nm @ 7500 rpm
Gearbox	5-Speed	6-Speed (Assist & Slipper)
Mileage	~57 kmpl	~56 kmpl
Fuel Tank	12 liters	10 liters
Seat Height	790 mm	810 mm
Weight	142 kg	141 kg
Features	Bluetooth, USB, HSTC	VVA, Digital console
User Rating	4.7/5	4.6–4.7/5
Top Speed	~130 kmph	~122 kmph

Which One Should You Buy?

If your priority is comfort, better features, and overall value for money, the Honda Hornet 2.0 is the smarter choice. It has Bluetooth connectivity, traction control, a lower seat height, and slightly better long-distance comfort.

If you want a sportier machine with higher-revving performance and sharp handling, then the Yamaha MT-15 V2 is for you. It has a liquid-cooled engine, race-inspired chassis, and a 6-speed gearbox that makes it exciting for performance lovers.

Final Thoughts

Both motorcycles are excellent in their own ways. The Honda Hornet 2.0 appeals to riders looking for a practical, feature-packed, and reliable bike, while the Yamaha MT-15 V2 is designed for those who want style, thrill, and a sporty riding experience. Your final choice depends on what you value more: comfort and features (Hornet) or performance and sporty handling (MT-15).

FAQs

1. Which bike is cheaper: Yamaha MT-15 or Honda Hornet 2.0?
The Honda Hornet 2.0 is cheaper at around ₹1.58 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Yamaha MT-15 V2 costs about ₹1.70 lakh.

2. Which bike gives better mileage?
Both offer similar mileage of 50–57 kmpl, but actual figures depend on riding style.

3. Which bike is better for long rides?
The Honda Hornet 2.0 is more comfortable for long-distance rides due to its seating position and larger seat.

4. Which bike is more powerful?
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 produces more power (18.4 PS) compared to the Honda Hornet 2.0 (16.99 PS), making it sportier at higher revs.

5. Which bike should I buy for city commuting?
Both work well in cities, but the Hornet 2.0 is slightly easier to handle in traffic thanks to its comfortable ergonomics and Bluetooth connectivity for navigation.