There’s no denying that the new YZF-R15 is a great looking bike. There is, thankfully, more to it than its appearance. The bike comes with sinister-looking twin-eye LED headlights. The bubble visor is neatly integrated and the ‘gills’ on the fuel tank (which is now 11 litres, instead of 12) looks inspired by the ‘R1’. The new all-digital instrument cluster is informative and easy to read.
The R15 V3.0 certainly looks impressive and will appeal to a wide section of the public. The 155cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve motor is much improved. The earlier motor had an unimpressive low-end and the addition of VVA to this engine, it’s a marked improvement. The motor now makes 19.3hp at 10,000rpm and 15Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. There’s also a slip-and-assist clutch, which allows for smooth gearshift, especially when you’re shifting down. Riding the R15 felt borderline edgy, the bike attacks corners with confidence though and the riding position is even more committed than the previous bike. The breaks are the best in the business - the front disc offers the kind of bite you’d expect from a motorcycle like this. On the track, the bike didn’t feel like it needed ABS, but the same can't be said for the road.
This bike was set up with optional Metzeler tyre at the rear. The front stock tyre is fitted with 100 section MRF Nylogrip rubber at the front-end. The R15 loves the track – it begs you to corner hard and lean over, even at triple digit speeds. If you’re equally athletic in your riding style, you’ll love the new R15. Despite a slight increase in white, the bike still feels compact and light. Overall, this is a small-displacement motorcycle that can easily take on bikes a category above.
It’s a better performer and the engine sounds much more refined tone, even up to its 11,500 rpm redline. Pick your gears wisely if you want the best out of the motor – the bike has a very enjoyable top-end. Tall riders may find this bike a bit cramped, but it’s not a deal breaker. While we did only ride on the racetrack, it didn’t give us an accurate representation of what this bike will be like on an urban commute. Also, there are some strangely rough and inconsistent welds and surfaces, which you wouldn’t expect on a bike that costs Rs 1.25 lakh. But there are lots of premium and exclusive switches from Yamaha on the bike. The LED are anything but weak and jittery and give you great vision ahead.
This version of the R15 is better now. It’s a more potent motorcycle than it has ever been and, at Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it should sell in good numbers.
