Yamaha YZF-R15 V3

Expert Review by Maxabout

Yamaha R15 V3 is a worthy upgrade to the R15 series, priced perfectly at INR 1.25 lakh. The bike is available in Thunder Grey and Yamaha Blue shade. The brand new sports bike boasts of fine fairing and looks upmarket when compared to last generation model. 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 Pulsar RS200 in the Indian market in this price range.

The stylish aerodynamic fairing and sleeker LED headlamps have been borrowed directly from liter class Yamaha design language. This is one of the best designs we have seen from Yamaha in the 150cc segment in a long time 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. Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 leaves no stones unturned to impress with the update. Styling is upbeat and the 155cc bike has borrowed most of its looks from its elder siblings - Yamaha R1 and R6.

The bike is designed to look huge and edgy. It is one of the most aerodynamic bikes to come in budget space. The tail end and fuel tank is also inspired from Yamaha R1 and R6. The rounded visor also adds to the aerodynamic feel to the bike. The sharp LED headlamps also adds nobility to the already aggressively styled Yamaha R15 Version 3. The faux air intake in the front has also been widened, clearly 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 wins over all other segment rivals from different markets.

Not only on the design front, 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 15 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. Yamaha R15 is better than its previous versions when it comes to performance.

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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 for short riders. Fuel injection engine of the bike gives better performance and all-new Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) helps the engine generate ideal amount of power across all rpm levels. Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 comes with fully digital instrument console. Further, this 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 and VVA indicator. The sports bike does give the user a very premium feel, but fuel efficiency remains a major concern in the segment. Buyers are claiming around 40 kmpl, which is good enough for a 155cc bike. The dual LED headlamps on the bike help buyers stay safe on the road at all times. Although, the presence of Anti-Lock Braking system will be missed on the bike.

R15 Version 3 comes with front 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 282mm front disc and 220mm rear disc brakes as compared to 267mm front on previous model. Thus, it can be seen as a good upgrade for safety.

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 tyres. The bike ensures a superior road grip, which is necessary given the fact that the model is a race track based variant. Handling and riding is also supposed to give a premium feel to rider. Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 is available in Racing Blue and Thunder Grey shade. Overall, the bike has a very upmarket feel with elegant fairing and stylish tail end. It is a racetrack machine and probably delivers on all facets of performance. The ABS option in the bike would have placed Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 notches higher to the competition from international rivals.