Arguably the perfect wanting of all variations to this point, the brand new R15’s shows top-end efficiency on the open highway with its free-revving engine, 6-speed gearbox and non-compulsory up-only quickshifter
YZF-R15 has been fashionable ever because it launched in India and is cherished for its accessible, sporty efficiency that doesn’t require breaking the financial institution.
The similar will be stated of the brand new R15 which appears higher than its footage counsel. As has been the case with the R15s of yore, model 4.0 takes its design cues from an even bigger Yamaha R-series motorbike — it’s a copy of the 2021 YZF-R7.
The entrance finish appears sharp and aggressive with the bi-functional LED projector headlight sitting contained in the fake air consumption. The LED place lights that flank the headlamp appear as if a set of imply eyes, while lending it a up to date look.
Slotted above the entrance fairing is a brand new windscreen that’s formed to protect you from head-on wind. Yamaha claims this fairing is extra aerodynamic, serving to it obtain its near-150kph high velocity with somewhat extra ease.
The aspect fairing flows neatly with the remainder of the bike, and the ‘Racing Blue’ paint works with the dual-tone, matte and gloss impact. The gasoline tank can also be new and appears chunkier than the model 3.0s tank however it has the identical capability, at 11 litres. The tail part, once more, is paying homage to the R7 with its floating panels.
On the entire, the brand new R15’s design is cohesive, proportionate and arguably the perfect wanting of all of the variations to this point. The solely jarring factor is that the angle of the exhaust doesn’t match the angle of the tail.
There is a marked enchancment in high quality ranges as nicely — the R15 V3 had obtained some flak for its sub-par high quality in areas such because the plastics. This is just not the case with model 4.0, be it within the high quality of the switchgear, tactile buttons or the plastics used to mould the fairings. Then, there may be the spectacular paint end that provides to the sense of premiumness in regards to the motorbike.
In phrases of options, the brand new R15 has a pleasant LCD show with Bluetooth connectivity for telephone, SMS and e-mail notifications, however there is no such thing as a navigation performance. Yamaha’s proprietary Y-connect app affords extra info resembling final parked location and gasoline consumption information. The show additionally switches to trace mode that exhibits your present and finest lap time on a racetrack.
Hop on to the bike and you’ll discover that though the seat is new, comfier and has a slimmer profile in direction of the tank, it’s on the similar 815mm top because the earlier bike.
The place of the footpegs additionally appears unchanged, however what has modified is the position of the clip-ons. These now sit beneath the brand new triple clamp, not like on the earlier motorbike the place they have been situated above it. Thankfully, it has not acquired too aggressive, because the clip-ons are angled to rise barely above the triple-clamp’s top. The finish result’s an identical driving place because the v3 bike, albeit with a slightly decrease handlebar place.
That being stated, keep in mind that this tremendous cool-looking, racer boy driving place is just not fitted to lengthy freeway stints.
The 155cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve single is the star of the YZF-R15 present and it’s undoubtedly one in all finest small-capacity motorbike engines on the market. The model 4.0 unit makes 0.2hp lower than the earlier engine, however that isn’t a trigger for concern. In reality, this engine makes 0.1Nm extra and it peaks at 1,000rpm decrease than earlier than. This might translate to a barely faster accelerating motorbike than the v3, however it’s but to be verified.
All stated, the engine is delightfully free revving, tractable at low speeds and the Variable Valve Actuation, or VVA, offers you that additional top-end efficiency on the open highway.
The 6-speed gearbox is as slick as ever and the non-compulsory up-only quickshifter (customary on Racing Blue, R15 M and MotoGP editions) works easily, however you’ll be able to solely use it in monitor mode.
Considering the truth that this engine is basically the identical as earlier than and the motorbike’s kerb weight stays unchanged at 142kg, the gasoline economic system must be across the similar ballpark. For reference, the R15 v3 returned 37.2kpl within the metropolis and practically 50kpl on the freeway.
One of the most important causes that makes the R15 so endearing is its dealing with. The Indian bike lastly will get a (non-adjustable) USD fork, though the inside diameter of the tubes, at 37mm, is smaller than the 41mm fork on the v3. That stated, the inherently better rigidity of a USD fork versus a traditional fork will herald improved stability, particularly whereas charging by means of a nook or braking onerous. Other chassis modifications embody a strengthened subframe.
The remainder of the chassis has been left untouched and that’s nice as a result of the Deltabox body and suspension work collectively to supply a dealing with package deal that may be a deal with. The R15 merely loves corners and holds on to an supposed line as if on rails. Turn-in, nonetheless, is sharp and takes somewhat getting used to.
All that dealing with finesse has not come on the expense of journey high quality and the bike does an honest job of tackling most highway imperfections.
Yamaha has additionally thrown in a traction management system with the model 4.0. Some might consider this as a useless extra for a motorcycle that makes beneath 20hp, nonetheless, figuring out our slippery, shoddy roads, security methods resembling this are at all times welcome.
The braking {hardware} is similar as earlier than and there are not any complaints right here, whether or not by way of chew or suggestions from the lever.
With a brand new design and have updates, the venerable R15 will get a close to ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 15,000 worth hike over the outgoing model, relying on the colors.
Spend somewhat extra and you should buy the Yamaha MotoGP workforce liveried bike or the R15 M. The latter will get you a tasty, silver paint scheme, silver swing arm, gold brake calipers and aesthetically totally different seats. It is our choose of the lot.
Some might consider the near-₹ 2 lakh on-road worth as an excessive amount of for a 155cc motorbike. But for all that cash, you get a high-quality, feature-packed motorbike that provides an unmatched driving expertise at this worth level. It plasters a giant smile in your face each time you journey it, and it stays a implausible, forgiving device for monitor day inexperienced persons who need to develop their driving abilities. The worth is definitely steep, however you get so much for it.
