Yamaha is currently busy developing an array of small capacity global motorcycles ranging from 125 cc to 250 cc. Most of these new products are variant extensions of existing platforms, so one can expect them to be ready in a reasonably short time frame.
Indonesia-based TMCblog reports that one of the new products on the Japanese two wheeler giant’s anvil is the MT-15 Tracer adventure tourer. Reported to be Yamaha’s reaction to the Honda CB125X concept showcased at the EICMA 2018, the compact adventure tourer will be the third family member of Yamaha’s extremely popular 150 cc platform.
The Yamaha MT-15 Tracer will share its deltabox frame, 155 cc engine, suspension and several other components with the R15 V3.0 supersports and MT-15 street fighter motorcycles. We expect the MT-15 Tracer to derive styling cues from the larger engined MT family members.
A tall windshield, half fairing, high-mounted handlebar, an upright riding position, slightly longer suspension travel and provisions to mount touring accessories are the expected differences when compared to its stablemates. It is being reported that, the Yamaha MT-15 Tracer will be accompanied by an 125 cc variant as well. While the changes would make it more suitable for touring, we don’t expect the new product to be positioned as a hard core off-roader.
For reference, the 155 cc liquid-cooled engine is currently tuned to produce 19.3 PS and 14.7 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch. We don’t expect the configuration to change on board the MT-15 Tracer albeit slight tweaking of gear ratios could be on cards.
If things progress quickly, we could be seeing the new family of compact MT Tracers on display at the EICMA 2019 which is set to take place in Milan, Italy, between November 5th and 10th, 2019. Given that the Yamaha MT-15 Tracer’s fully faired and naked siblings are quite popular in India, it is reasonable to assume that the adventure tourer variant is also on its way.
At an estimated price of around INR 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom), the Yamaha MT-15 Tracer would be one of the most expensive 150 cc motorcycles in the country if launched, but it would offer good equipment and a new choice in body style.
