After this price hike, the BS6 Yamaha YZF-R15 faired sportsbike carries a starting price of Rs 1.49 lakh
Yamaha Motor India introduced its faired single-cylinder sports motorcycle, YZF-R15 back in 2008. This was followed by a V2.0 version in 2011 and finally, the current-gen V3.0. The Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer updated the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 (or simply, R15 V3) to BS6 emission norms towards the end of last year. Ex-showroom prices started at Rs 1.46 lakh, roughly Rs 4,000 more than its BS4 counterpart.
Now, Yamaha Motor India has announced a price hike (second revision in BS6 era) of Rs 2,100 for its popular sports offering. This effectively brings the ex-showroom (Delhi) starting price to Rs 1.49 lakh. In other words, the motorcycle has become dearer by almost 7,000 over its initial BS4 format.
There are no cosmetic or mechanical changes associated with this price revision. Yet it continues to be one of the best choices in India’s single-cylinder sports motorcycle category. The fact stays true to its naked sports avatar, MT-15 as well. Prices for the BS6 Yamaha MT-15 start at almost Rs 1.40 lakh ex-showroom.
The 2020MY Yamaha YZF-R15 is offered in three colour choices: Racing Blue, Thunder Grey (silver + black) and Dark Knight (full black). Pricing slightly varies with colour. It primarily rivals the KTM RC125 and Suzuki Gixxer SF while being an affordable yet desirable alternative to higher products such as the Bajaj Pulsar RS200, KTM RC200, Hero Xtreme 200S, etc. On the other hand, the naked sports Yamaha MT-15 faces tougher competition in the sports commuter segment.
Key Highlights
Notable highlights include Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), LED dual headlamps, digital instrument console (with gear position, shift indicator, VVA indicator, fuel consumption, etc.), slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, aluminium swingarm and more. It is built over Yamaha’s proven Deltabox chassis.
Unlike its ASEAN counterparts, suspension duties are carried out by a pair of conventional telescopic forks at the front. Shod with 100/80R17 and 140/70R17 tubeless tyres at the front and rear (radial), respectively, the Yamaha YZF-R15 promises good handling for its segment and pricing. Combined with dual-channel ABS, the 282mm front and 220mm rear discs offer adequate braking for the motorcycle’s performance figures. Kerb weight stands at 142kg and fuel tank capacity is capped at the usual 11-litre mark.
Engine & Specs
Powering the 2020MY Yamaha YZF-R15 is a BS6-compliant 155cc liquid-cooled SOHC single-cylinder engine. It churns out 18.34bhp @ 10,000rpm and 14.1Nm @ 8,500rpm while mated to a 6-speed transmission.