Yamaha MT-15 V1

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

Introduction

The Yamaha MT-15 V1 is a renowned hyper-naked streetfighter that was first introduced in India in March 2019. The brand has always taken risks with its judgments, and this approach has resulted in a plethora of stunning motorcycles for Indian bike enthusiasts. This updated model of bike is available in the Indian market with its enticing colour scheme and appearance. Let's discuss in detail the features of this new launch by the Japanese giant.

Yamaha MT-15 V1 Design and Style

Speaking of appearance, this MT-15 V1 appears to be a miniature version of the MT-9, and its sleek design is undoubtedly eye-catching on metropolitan streets. Metallic Black, Dark Matt Blue, and Ice Fluo-Vermillion are the three colour choices now available, and the last choice comes at a slightly more expensive price. The headlight system, which has a single LED unit for both high and low beams and LED DRLs on top, is the standout feature. With the tall tank complementing the street fighter's appearance, it flaunts the naked look nicely.

Furthermore, the bike has a 10L sculpted fuel tank with a plastic belly pan and distinctive radiator coverings. The single-piece step-up seat is now more sharpened as well and provides an enhanced comfort level. The side indicators are bulb indicators, but it comes with an LED taillight along with an extended tail portion. This motorcycle has an overall body size of 2020mm in length, 800mm in width, 1070mm in height, and a wheelbase of 1335mm. With a minimum ground clearance of 170mm, the machine's entire kerb weight is 138kg only.

Yamaha MT-15 V1 Instrument Console

Coming to the instrument cluster, it comes with a fully digital negative LED instrument cluster that is extremely visible even in bright sunlight and provides plenty of information, including gear indicators, a digital speedometer, an rpm meter, a tachometer, a digital clock, a low fuel indicator, low battery indicator, reset button, and an engine malfunction indicator as well. Talking about the switches on the handlebars, they include a pass switch, low and high beam, horn, and self switch.

Yamaha MT-15 V1 Engine and Gearbox

The new-gen model is powered by a BS6 compliant 155cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual constant mesh transmission. The engine produces a maximum power of 18.5 HP at 10,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 13.9 Nm at 8500 rpm. Other important characteristics include a slip and assist clutch and a variable valve actuator system, which ensures torque even at the top of the rpm range.

Yamaha MT-15 V1 Brakes, Suspension, and Tyres

For the braking duties on the bike, disc brakes are used at both the front and rear of the vehicle, and the front disc is 282mm in diameter, while the rear disc is 220mm in diameter. Also, the brand offers Single-Channel ABS to improve the motorcycle's braking performance. As per the suspension of the built on delta box frame bike, it has telescopic front forks (with 130 mm of travel) and a rear mono-shock (with 97 mm of travel), but it doesn't have an aluminium rear swingarm and a steel box-type device is installed instead.

The rebound damping in the rear suspension is a little aggressive, and severe bumps can give a jolt, but it never feels too stiff. The mix of black with grey and orange alloys appears to be a bold yet fascinating colour combination that works well with the bike's overall design concept. The bike also offers 100/80-17 M/C 52P front tubeless and 140/70-R17 M/C 66H radial tubeless tires.

Yamaha MT-15 V1 Top Speed and Mileage

When it comes to performance, the MT-15 crosses the 60 kmph mark in just 3.78 seconds, which is crazy. Even the most experienced 200cc offerings have to work hard to achieve such crazy times, and their advantage in sprinting at such a high speed comes from their lower kerb weight. The top speed is also impressive at over 130 kmph, which will surely provide the rider with a heavenly experience. Furthermore, looking at the mileage this bike provides, it has a fuel efficiency of approximately 35–40 Kmpl, which is excellent for a bike in its class.

Verdict - Should You Buy the Yamaha MT-15 V1?

From the viewpoint of a regular buyer, the Yamaha MT-15 V1 represents good value for money. Having all the qualities, the bike has some flaws, such as the pillion seat being small, hence not comfortable for long rides. Also, the switchgear is not as good. However, the engine provides a smooth and pleasant ride, and the bike now has a cleaner design and is lighter in weight, making it easier to ride and handle on any type of road or stretch. It offers a more convenient and smooth ride for daily commuting needs, and the bike rides effortlessly when you have to cut through the heavily congested routes. Overall, the M-15 is the ideal blend of technology, performance, and aesthetics. The bike will appeal to those who seek the R15's performance in a smaller, lighter, and naked package.