Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0

Overview

Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0 has been one of the most awaited updates of R15 in India. Yamaha R15 is the most successful sports bike in the 150cc segment in the Indian market. The Yamaha R15 V3 is a worthy upgrade to the R15 series. The bike has been officially launched in Indonesia on the Sentul International Race Track. The bike will be available in 3 shades – Racing Blue, Matte Black and Matte Red. The brand new sports bike boasts of a muscular fairing and looks very bulky plus upmarket. Although the Indian market will see this super-sports model arrive by the mid of 2017 or by the end of this year. As of now, Yamaha has no announced anything officially regarding the launch of R15 V3 in India.

The Yamaha R15 V2 retained the old design for long so V3 was a much needed upgrade given the fact that Yamaha faces competition from the likes of Honda CBR150R and Pulsar RS200 in the Indian market in this price range. The stylish aerodynamic fairing and sleeker LED headlamps have been borrowed directly from Yamaha R6's design. This is one of the best designs we have seen from Yamaha in the 150cc segment in a long time, which is a great thing. Although the absence of ABS in the model is a major letdown given the fact that it was one of the most awaited bikes of Yamaha in this segment.

Design & Style

Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 leaves no stones unturned to impress with the update. The styling is upbeat and the 155cc bike has borrowed most of its looks from its elder siblings - The Yamaha R1 and the Yamaha R6. The bike is designed to look very bulky and edgy. It is one of the most aerodynamic bikes to come in this budget space. The fairing has been done to make the bike look very muscular and aggressive. The tail end and the fuel tank also is directly inspired from the Yamaha R1 and R6.

The rounded visor also adds to the aerodynamic and muscular feel to the bike. The sharp LED headlamps also adds nobility to the already aggressively styled Yamaha R15 Version 3. The air intake in the front has also been widened, which has been inspired from Yamaha R125. Overall, it looks like a very premium sport bike with best in class styling. Given the fact that the new Yamaha R15 Version 3 has an international feel, it will give a very tough competition to the likes of Suzuki and Honda in the same segment, when it will be launched in India.

Engine & Gearbox

Not only only on the design front, The Yamaha R15 Version 3 get a power upgrade in comparison to the Version 2. New R15 is powered by a 155.1 cc single cylinder engine which gives out a maximum power of 19.04 bhp @10,000 rpm and delivers a maximum torque of 14.7 Nm @ 8500 rpm. This is much more than V2 which develops maximum power of 16.8 bhp. The liquid cooled engine of V3 is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox.

Acceleration and Performance

The new version of the Yamaha R15 is likely to fair better than its previous versions when it comes to performance. The bike has a higher par value than version 2.0. Although given the new stance, the bike might not prove to be as comfortable while riding. But that is to be seen, until this model makes it to the Indian roads. But this model will be the most celebrated bikes in the Indian market in this segment. The fuel injection engine of the bike is likely to give better performance and the all-new Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) will help the engine to generate ideal amount of power across all rpm levels.

Instrument Console

The Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 comes with a hexagonal screen given for the instrument console. The instrument console is all digital on this bike. Further it adds to the aesthetic value of the already technology equipped bike. The LED indicators have also been retained and add to the appeal. The console has a digital speedometer, odometer, tachometer, fuel gauge etc.

Mileage & Safety

The sports bike does give the user a very premium feel, but fuel efficiency remains a major concern in the segment. The bike is expected to deliver a mileage of somewhere around 35-45 kmpl which is good enough for a 155cc bike. The dual LED headlamps on the bike provide major visibility on the roads. Although the presence of Anti-Lock Braking system will be missed on the bike.

Brakes & Suspension

R15 Version 3 comes with front USD Telescopic Forks and rear Mono-shock suspension. This kind of suspension is essential for a bike which has been built for performance and comfort also remains an important concern. Yamaha R15 V3 also has an upgrade when it comes to disc brakes. The bike now comes with bigger 282 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc brakes as compared to 267 mm front and 220 mm rear disc brake on the previous model. Thus, it can be seen as a good upgrade for safety.

Tyres, Handling & Shades

The Yamaha R15 has a wheelbase of 1325 mm and is equipped with 100/80-17M/C 52P (Front) and 140/70-17M/C 66S rear types. The bike ensures a superior road grip, which is necessary given the fact that the model is a race track based concept. The handling and riding is also supposed to give a premium feel to the rider. The Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 will be available in 3 shades: Racing Blue, Matte Black and Matte Red.

Verdict

Overall, the bike has a very up-market feel with muscular fairing and stylish tail end. The bike is a racetrack machine and probably delivers on all facets of performance. It can be seen as one of Yamaha's most awaited models in a long time. The fans of Yamaha will see this bike as a worthy upgrade, although the absence of ABS in the model is very disappointing. The ABS option in the bike would have placed Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 notches higher to the competition from Honda CBR150R and Suzuki GSX-R150. Currently, no bike in the 150cc segment has ABS. We hope Yamaha to listen the prayers of all the fans and bring the R15 V3 in India as soon as possible!

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