Yamaha MT15 was launched in India back on 15th March 2019. At that time, the bike was offered in dark blue matte and black matte colour options. Only two options were on offer, and that was one of the reason why fans started calling the bike Empty15.
Yamaha India dealers seems to have taken the feedback, as the MT15 has now been spotted with dealer level updates in the form of new and attractive colour options. Recently, at Yamaha dealership in Chennai, three new colour options of MT15 were spotted. These are Red, White and Blue. The blue colour option is similar to the one which we see on the R15 V3, which is on sale in India. New colour images are credit to @b4choose.
Unlike the previous two colours, which were in matte finish, these new colours have a metallic finish. Seen at a Yamaha dealership with ‘New Arrival’ tag, prices of the new colour options are about Rs 10k more than the current MT15, which is priced at Rs 1.36 lakhs, ex-sh.
In spite of being priced higher than expected, sales of Yamaha MT15 have been strong. In March 2019, sales stood at 5,203 units while in April 2019 sales stood at 3,823 units. Sales of May 2019 are yet to be revealed. Surprisingly, sales have been higher than KTM Duke 125, which is about Rs 11k cheaper than the Yamaha MT15. Combined sales of MT15 for March and April period stand at 9,026 units while that of Duke 125 stands at 5,268 units. This is a difference of 3,758 units.
At the time of launch, a lot of fans had criticised the MT15 for being overprice, lacking features and colour options. Already on sale in international market, Yamaha MT15 in India misses out on USD front forks, dual channel ABS, stylish colourful alloys, sporty fuel tank, pirelli tyres, etc. This resulted in angry fans using the hashtag Empty15 for the MT15. But seeing the sales performance of MT15 since launch, it paints a different picture.
Powering the Yamaha MT15 in India is a 155 cc single cylinder, liquid cooled SOHC engine which delivers 19.3 PS power and 15 Nm torque. It is mated to a 6 speed gearbox and has a kerb weight of 138 kgs. The engine is from R15 V3, with same power and torque figures. It gets 17 inch alloys wrapped in MRF tyres. Front and rear get dis brake, but only front gets ABS. Yamaha India has also announced a new campaign, where all existing owners as well as new buyers will be given a free MT branded helmet or MT branded riding jacket. Offer is valid till stocks last.
