The recently launched Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 is perhaps the fastest 150cc motorcycle in the country. The bike can clock a speedo-indicated top speed of 151 Kmph. This has actually been recorded on video.
From the blistering acceleration the new R15 is capable of, it seems like the new Yamaha is the fastest 150cc bike ever sold in India. The video also shows the R15 reaching 100 Kph in just around 10 seconds. Even a 12 second time for the 0-100 Kmph run is highly respectable considering the fact that the R15 Version 3.0 is powered by just a 150cc four stroke engine.
Is the R15 really doing a 151 Kph top speed?
Not exactly. Speedo error is what is coming into play here. On most motorcycles, there will be at least a 10 % speedo error. What this means is, the 151 Kmph is more like a 135 Kmph true-top speed. But even that’s pretty awesome considering that it’s a 150cc bike doing these numbers.
Any other factors?
- A super-light rider can push up top-speed by a few Kmph.
- A strong tail wind is another good top speed enhancer.
- Even as downhill stretch can give the bike enough push for the best possible top speed.
The latest R15 is powered by a 155cc four stroke engine that features variable valve timing. This makes sure that the engine produces enough torque even at lower rpms. This makes the bike easy to ride even on city streets with fewer gear shifts needed for normal progress. Talking of the gearbox, the unit is a 6 speeder. The engine gets a four valve head with a single overhead camshaft. Liquid cooling and fuel injection is standard. The cylinder is NiKaSil coated, which makes it possible for Yamaha to engineer very fine tolerances.
The peak power of 19.3 PS is produced at 10,000 rpm while the peak torque of 15 Nm of torque is produced at 8,500 rpm. The R15 gets a full fairing and an aggressive riding position meant to suit race tracks rather than traffic crawls. The motorcycle uses telescopic front suspension and a monoshock rear suspension. Disc brakes are standard on both wheels which are made of alloy. Tubeless tyres are standard. However, the R15 Version 3.0 misses out on ABS. ABS is likely to be added next year. Prices of the R15 start from Rs. 1.25 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi.
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