Yamaha R15S Matte Black Edition

Overview

Yamaha R15S Matte Black Edition: A Personal Take  

When I saw the Yamaha R15S Matte Black Edition for the first time, it was like seeing that old friend you haven’t seen in ages who had gone on such a big glow up. The instant that I saw it, I was drawn in — it’s not loud or flashy, but it asks for your attention in the best of ways. That’s one of those bikes that don’t need to shout at you to be noticed… they just kind of do their own thing! I immediately fell in love with this bike, for someone who appreciates a bit of style and a lot of substance.  

Why is the R15S Matte Black Edition so special?  

First, let’s talk about the looks. The matte black finish makes the R15S stealthy, sophisticated looking RCB. You know the person at the party, the one who stare people down, but never actually break the silence? The sharp lines, Yamaha Deltabox frame and performance all scream performance.  

Sure, it’s fast looking but this bike feels like it’s ready to take flight at any moment. I’ve never liked a more following than cult for the R15 series for a reason which is not just a bike but an icon. This Matte Black Edition carries on that legacy to new heights.  

Engine and Performance  

A 155cc liquid cooled SOHC engine runs the heart of the R15S Matte Black Edition. This much power in the form of 18.6 PS and 14.1 Nm of torque isn’t really that big a deal for this class of motorcycle, but the way this bike delivers that power isn’t normal at all.  

I remember my first ride and it was smooth but had enough punch to make my mind grin ear to ear. But Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) makes it even better. Whether you’re cruising low speed in the city or pushing the bike as hard as possible on an open road, you’ll always have consistent power.  

The six speed gearbox is a delight, and you never feel like you’ve had to force a shift. The assist and slipper clutch too? It’s a game-changer. I’ve ridden this bike on twisty back roads, and steep power climbs, and always without issue downshifting, even when I wasn’t nice to the clutch.  

Mileage and Practicality  

Performance or not, let’s face it, mileage does matter. The R15S Matte Black Edition returns about 40-45 km/l in normal riding conditions. I’ve managed to do around 42 km/l during my daily commute on this, which is pretty decent given the sportiness of the bike.  

Yes, the riding posture is sporty, but it’s not as aggressive as it sounds. I really found it was comfortable, once I got used to it, and in particular for shorter rides. There’s a bit of strain on the wrists on longer rides, but then that’s par for the course with a bike like this. And the seat? Whatever you do, it’s designed to keep you safe, be that the turn you lean into or the straight you hit at speed.  

LED headlights show Yamaha pays attention to detail. Bright, focused, and safer for night rides, they’re great. The other highlight is the fully digital instrument cluster. It’s easy to read and clean, it gives you all the important data at a glance with a handy gear indicator.  

Ride and Handling  

On this front, the R15S Matte Black Edition feels like a head above all others. Built on the Deltabox frame, the bike feels amazingly rigid, stable, and responsive whether you are riding through the streets of the city or shredding turns on a weekend ride.  

Yet the first time I leaned into a corner on this bike was still a mere reminder to me of how to do that with a bike rather than it being like the bike was guiding me rather than the other way around. Suspension setup wise with telescopic forks up front and monoshock in the rear, it’s a good balance. They take bumps well but don't give you to much in the feed back so that you know you're not driving on grass.  

A standout feature is the braking system, with dual channel ABS, disc on each end. I got an instance where if I don’t brake then the sudden obstacle will hit the bike and it’ll fell, but the bike handled it beautifully, stopping quickly and confidently with no skidding.  

 Features  

The R15S Matte Black Edition hasn’t been stripped of features as Yamaha has jam packed it with some wonderful thought through options. The only real thing about the fully digital instrument cluster is its functionality rather than being a gadget, it does help keep the bike up to date. Including trip meters and fuel level it shows speed and RPM, and everything in between.  

The practical and stylish LED headlights and taillights are found on the outside. Not only do they increase visibility, but they have an effect when putting the bike together that makes it look that much more slick. There’s also side stand engine cut off, a simple but effective way to save my face more than I’d like to tell.  

Price and Value  

The R15S Matte Black Edition is definitely a premium offering among 150cc motorcycle at **?1,63,400** (ex-showroom). The thing is you’re not buying a bike, you’re investing in Yamaha’s unrivalled engineering and racing heritage.  

The price to me is sensible as the bike doesn’t just excel at performance and aesthetics, but both. This is a bike you will want to feel good to ride, whether up to work or on the highway for a weekend escapade.  

Should you buy this R15S Matte Black Edition?  

I hope you’re tempted to ask yourself, is this the right bike for you? If you’re not into blacked out motorcycles that want no attention, then this probably isn’t your best bet as a commuter. If you are up for a bike that boasts mindnumbing performance, suave looks, and unmatched riding experience then the R15S Matte Black edition needs to be at the top of your wish list.  

This bike reminds me of why I fell in love with riding in the first fucking place. The journey may not be the point, but it definitely isn’t just the means to get from points A to B. Every ride is an adventure and it reminds you how bionic the bike is.  

What do you think? So is the Yamaha R15S Matte Black Edition what you’re looking for? But have you seen another bike that made you look twice? I’d love to hear your thoughts, let’s chat.