The year 2025 looks like it will be exciting for motorcycle fans in India, especially those who like the tough look and easy handling of streetfighter motorcycles. Two strong choices in the small bike group are the well-known Yamaha MT-15 V2 and the much-awaited Kawasaki Z125. Both bikes bring their own style to riding in the city, promising a fun experience. Let’s compare them closely to see which one might be the best in this streetfighter battle.
Design and Style: Cool Looks on Both Sides
Both the Yamaha MT-15 V2 and the Kawasaki Z125 are made to get attention with their sharp and different looks.
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 shows off Yamaha’s “Dark Side of Japan” design idea. It has a modern and tough look with:
- A special double LED front light with thin LED daytime lights on the sides, making a strong-looking front.
- A strong and shaped fuel tank with covers that make it look more powerful on the street.
- Simple and sharp body parts that show off the bike’s mechanics.
- A short and raised back end with an LED tail light, adding to its active look.
- Gold upside-down (USD) front forks on some colors, giving it a fancy and sporty feel.
On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z125 takes ideas from Kawasaki’s bigger Z series streetfighter bikes, showing their famous “Sugomi” style. Its design includes:
- An aggressive and low-down look, making it seem ready to jump.
- A sharp and small front light design, often LED, that matches the Z family’s style.
- Clean and simple body lines with bold designs that highlight its sporty nature.
- A short exhaust pipe that fits its small size.
- A light and easy-to-handle look because of its smaller engine and overall size.
While the MT-15 V2 has a more modern and maybe tougher design with its unique headlight and USD forks, the Z125 offers a simpler but still sporty look with its sharp lines and Kawasaki’s well-known style.
Performance and Engine Specs: Different Ways of Doing Things
The two bikes use different ideas for their engines, appealing to slightly different rider tastes and needs.
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 has a good 155cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 4-valve engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology. This means the power is delivered well across different speeds, giving a good mix of performance for riding in the city and having fun on open roads. Key details include:
- Maximum Power: About 18.4 PS (13.5 kW) at 10,000 rpm.
- Maximum Pulling Power (Torque): Around 14.1 Nm (1.4 kgf.m) at 7,500 rpm.
- Gears: 6-speed with an assist and slipper clutch for smoother gear changes and better control when slowing down quickly.
- Fuel System: Fuel Injection.
The Kawasaki Z125 has a smaller 125cc air-cooled, 2-valve, single-cylinder engine. This engine is made to be smooth and easy for beginners, focusing on simple use for riding around town and casual trips. Expected details are around:
- Maximum Power: About 9.6 HP (7.1 kW) at 8,000 rpm.
- Maximum Pulling Power (Torque): Around 9.6 Nm at 6,000 rpm.
- Gears: 4-speed, with a standard gear shift.
- Fuel System: DFI® (Digital Fuel Injection) with 24mm throttle bodies.
The MT-15 V2 clearly has more power because of its bigger, liquid-cooled engine and VVA technology, making it better for riders who want a more exciting and performance-focused ride. The Z125, with its smaller and air-cooled engine, focuses on easy handling and power that’s easier to control, which could appeal to new riders or those who mostly ride in the city.
Features and Technology: Modern Basics
In terms of features, both motorcycles offer a good set of equipment for their kind of bike.
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 comes with:
- A fully digital LCD screen that shows important info like speed, engine speed, fuel level, gear, and more.
- LED lights all around, including the special front light, back light, and turn signals, for better visibility and a modern look.
- Dual-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for better safety when braking.
- Traction Control System for better grip and stability, which is rare for bikes in this group.
- Yamaha Y-Connect Bluetooth that lets riders connect their phones for call and text alerts, and bike info.
- A side-stand engine shut-off switch for extra safety.
- The better version also has a quickshifter for faster gear changes when going up.
The Kawasaki Z125 focuses on basic features while keeping things simple:
- An LCD screen that shows speed, engine speed, fuel level, and what gear you’re in.
- LED front and back lights for modern lighting.
- Disc brakes on both front and back wheels for good stopping power.
- A light frame that helps with its easy handling.
While the Z125 has the important stuff, the MT-15 V2 offers more modern features, including dual-channel ABS, traction control, Bluetooth, and even a quickshifter on the better model, giving it an advantage in technology.
Riding and Handling: Easy and Fun
Both motorcycles are made for being quick in the city and offer different ways of riding.
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 is known for its:
- Sharp and easy handling because of its special frame, somewhat sporty riding position, and responsive engine.
- A slightly sportier way of sitting that is fun for exciting rides but still okay for riding in the city.
- Firmer suspension that gives good feedback and control, especially on winding roads.
The Kawasaki Z125 focuses on:
- Light and easy handling because of its small size and low weight, making it very easy to move through city traffic.
- A more upright and comfortable way of sitting, which is great for daily riding and doesn’t tire the rider as much.
- Softer suspension that makes riding smoother on city streets.
The MT-15 V2 offers a more exciting and fun riding experience, rewarding riders who like to ride fast. The Z125, on the other hand, is great for providing a comfortable and easy ride in cities, especially appealing to new riders or those who care most about simple use.
Price and Where They Fit in the Market (Expected for 2025 in India)
Price will be very important in deciding how well these streetfighters do in the Indian market.
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 is currently seen as a higher-end 150cc streetfighter, and in 2025, it’s expected to cost around ₹1.7 lakh to ₹1.8 lakh (without taxes), depending on the version.
The Kawasaki Z125, being a smaller engine bike, is expected to be priced more competitively. It might be launched in the range of ₹1.4 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh (without taxes), possibly making it a more affordable way to get into the streetfighter style.
This pricing would make the Z125 a more budget-friendly option, aiming at riders looking for a stylish and easy-to-manage city bike without the higher price of the MT-15 V2.
Conclusion: Choosing Your City Bike
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 and the Kawasaki Z125 are both good streetfighter motorcycles that suit different tastes and needs.
Choose the Yamaha MT-15 V2 if:
- You want more power and a more exciting ride.
- You like advanced features like dual-channel ABS, traction control, and Bluetooth.
- You prefer a modern and tough look with fancy parts like USD forks.
- You are okay with paying more for its better features.
Choose the Kawasaki Z125 if:
- Affordability and getting good value for your money are most important to you.
- You are a new rider or mostly need an easy-to-handle bike for riding in the city.
- You like a stylish but simple design with Kawasaki’s well-known streetfighter look.
- A comfortable and straight-up riding position is important for your everyday rides.
In the end, the “winner” of this streetfighter battle depends on what the rider needs and likes. Both the Yamaha MT-15 V2 and the Kawasaki Z125 have their own strengths, making the small streetfighter group in India for 2025 a very interesting one to watch. People who love bikes will have two different and good options to choose from when looking for their perfect city ride.