The festive season usually leads to significant discounts and offers on both two and four wheelers. With surplus BS-IV inventory to sell before the April 1, 2020 deadline, the automakers are getting more generous with their seasonal discounts this year than before. In stark contrast to this trend, Yamaha India has hiked the price of R15 V3.0.
At INR 600, the price hike is nominal but given that it comes during the festive season suggests that the Japanese two wheeler maker is not struggling with raising inventory of the compact sportsbike at its dealerships, and the demand is pretty decent. Yamaha didn’t share any specific reason for the price hike.
The entry-level Yamaha R15 V3.0 is now priced at INR 1,40,880 while the Dark Knight edition retails at INR 1,42,880. The MotoGP limited edition has avoided the price hike and is sold at INR 1,42,780. All prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai.
There are no mechanical changes whatsoever. Like every OEM, Yamaha India is working on updating its entire portfolio to BS-VI emission standards. The updated models are expected to be launched in quick succession or all at once early next year.
The Yamaha R15 is one of the pioneers of compact sportsbike segment in India. With a potent chassis, top shelf equipment, big-bike styling and a rev-happy motor, the R15 provided a great platform for budding riders to hone their skills without getting overwhelmed. With every iteration, the motorcycle brought more premium features to the table.
In its third avatar, the Yamaha R15 received major upgrades such as LED headlights and tailight, a new 155 cc engine with slipper assist clutch, dual-channel ABS and fully digital instrument console. Other noteworthy features include variable valve actuation (VVA), aluminium swing arm, gear shift timing light, etc.
Despite a puny engine, the Yamaha R15 V3.0 manages to dish out an impressive 19.3 hp and 14.7 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 6-speed unit. It is one of the best performing 150 cc motorcycles in India and the challenge only comes from its street fighter sibling, the MT-15.
The Yamaha R15 V3.0 competes with the KTM RC 125 which was launched in India recently. A good fuel economy, city-friendliness and sprightly performance are the R15’s key strengths.