Owing to slowdown in demand, Yamaha India has decided not to update the fully faired YZF-R15S and semi-faired Fazer 150 with mandatory ABS. Yamaha has an extensive lineup in the 150 cc segment and so, removing two of the slow sellers only would help the brand reduce the possibility of cannibalization.
The Yamaha R15S, a continuation of the previous generation model with a single-piece seat, has been selling well despite the arrival of its snazzier successor. However, according to some dealers, demand has slowed down of late. Given that the R15S employs older generation engine, an ABS update doesn’t make a strong sense. Express Drives reports Yamaha could spin off a milder variant of the R15 V3.0 with single-piece seat to replace the R15S.
The Fazer 150, however, is not likely to have any replacement. The semi-faired motorcycle based on the brisk selling FZ-FI has a polarizing design that doesn’t really justify the higher price tag.
Now that Yamaha has done away with models that doesn’t warrant further investment, focus would be on updating the others with BS-VI compliant engines. Yamaha’s 150 cc portfolio consists of MT-15 street fighter, YZF-R15 V3.0, FZS-FI, FZ-FI, and SS-RR V2.0. In addition to its 150 cc lineup, the automatic scooters also contribute significantly to the Japanese two wheeler maker’s sales in India.
Moving forward, we expect Yamaha India to make fuel injection standard on most of its products including the automatic scooters in a bid to comply with the stringent BS-VI emission norms.
The Indian two wheeler industry has been witnessing a slowdown for several months together. The slump which started before last year’s festive season has shown no signs of recovery. While some automakers like Bajaj are bullish about their prospects on the back of regular product updates, other manufacturers are focused on clearing the dealer level inventory and push sales.
The mandatory brake update (combi braking system for sub-125 cc models and ABS for 125 cc and above) increased the prices by a significant margin. The emission standard will also warrant cost intensive changes. Will the two wheeler industry recover despite all these hurdles and register growth during this festive season at least? We will have to wait and watch.
