Yamaha R15 V3 Metallic Red

Overview

So here we go with the Yamaha R15 V3 in Metallic Red. This bike is a beauty right off the bat and it backs it up with some performance chops. The Metallic Red on the Yamaha R15 V3, as good as the bike looks, only continues to keep the r15s loyal following for its sleek design and performance, with a little extra pop. A color that shouts my statement without having to say a thing.

Engine & Performance 

Time to dwell under the hood (or, I guess, under the tank). While not a punchy 155cc, it’s not a small 155cc, and the R15 V3 runs on a 155cc single-cylinder engine. For a city commuter, having about 18.6 horsepower to utilize on the streets is quite solid and makes the Marauder a bike that can offer that power punch. Short highway or city runs are a blast, because every time I twist the throttle they're nice and smooth and eager.

Things start getting interesting when we get to the Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). It smoothens the power curve at varying speeds and is ready to go no matter where you’re cruising. I love this as I’ve become a city riding fan and it has to endure a longer ride too. It feels like the car is the engine working with you, just giving you enough to get you where you’re going, exactly when you want to go.

Handling & Suspension

Yamaha has this one as well handled as it comes. The R15 V3 feels extremely responsive, almost as though it knew ahead of time where you intend to go. The weight near frame was there, along with the well tuned suspension that makes getting through tight spots, or going around sharp corners effortless. I've driven it some winding roads and all those turns seem planted and smooth. Everytime you lean into a curve the bike whispers to you, let’s do this.

The front telescopic fork is dialed in around the mark, tough enough to keep you planted in sharp corners but comfortable enough to remain composed during big rock beds and steep slaloms. Here you don’t have that feeling of being forced to trade off between control and comfort because as Yamaha’s, they’ve achieved the best of both worlds for you.

Next up, letting’s discuss stopping power, the important part of a sporty ride such as this. R15 V3 has disc brakes at front and rear and brakes have a good punch. And when you press down you get that satisfying bite every time, and city traffic stop are a lot less nerve racking.

A huge plus in my book is that Dual-channel ABS is also on board. Together with extra stability on both wheels, nothing compares to absolute safety provided by ABS on both wheels. I’ve gotten miles on this bike in some sketchy situations (wet roads and fast stop off the light in plenty of traffic) and the ABS is worth its weight in gold. The ride is safer but you don’t need to worry about safety coming second.

Design & Style 

The new Metallic Red R15 V3 looks so damn good it’s real. Yamaha’s hard to miss edgy design, with sharp lines and an athletic stance, was something you can’t ignore. It’s a bold red finish, but not flashy. This color is very much going to turn really heads, but not be a color that yells and whines and screams attention. I dig the way Yamaha has done an aggressive yet refined looking bike.

Solid addition is the LED headlights too. Not only are they great looking, they are practical enough to be used for night rides where you’ll always be visible to others. So, what about the digital instrument cluster? It’s just another detail for an already elevated experience. It’s simple, modern, and tells you everything you need to know on a glance, from speed to fuel stats. But it’s a small thing and gives you the feel that Yamaha have thought of everything.

Pros & Cons

Pros 

- Responsive Engine with VVA Technology: VVA translates into a 155cc engine that feels perfectly smooth (but powerful) when taken for a city sprint or stuck in traffic, yet is a real blast to crack open on a more open road.
- Excellent Handling: It’s also super lightweight and the suspension makes it really easy to control, even around sharp turns or tight corners.
- Striking Metallic Red Design: This color adds a level of edge that makes this bike stand out in an eye catching way without compromising the bikes' total comfort and function.

Cons 

- Not the Best for Long Highway Trips: In the city, the 155cc power wheel is great but on long stretches of highway, it's a bit too underpowered.
- Aggressive Riding Position: It's just the right sporty posture for short rides or quick spins, but longer distances do take a bit of work.

 Real World Suitability

The R15 V3 in Metallic Red is a versatile motorcycle; one that can be used in the real world. This bike regardless of whether you’re entering the market as a first time bike buyer searching for a trustworthy, feminine tinker bike and can be utilized long after they arrive at an adolescent and mature age, or an accomplished rider that desires a game, lightweight, estimated and changeable machine. It’s compact enough to wend its way through the traffic on city rides, and has enough power for a weekend getaway. And if you are going for something very practical to use in everyday life and yet still exciting then I’d say this is what you need.

Final Thoughts

Would I choose to buy Yamaha R15 V3 in Metallic Red? Absolutely. To be sure it’s not a high powered beast, but it has enough character and style to make every ride fun. Just a metallic red finish really just gives it that extra bit of boldness that feels a bit more special. This one’s certainly one to consider if you’re after a ride that’s easy to handle, packed full of quality and also looking fantastic too. So, what do you think? Or maybe you were ready to take this red beauty for a spin?