Yamaha recently launched the much-awaited MT-15 motorcycle in India. The bike has been priced at Rs. 1.36 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) and competes with the likes of the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS (Rs. 1.12 lakh), KTM 125 Duke (Rs. 1.18 lakh), and the TVS Apache 4V ABS (Rs. 1.07 lakh) among others. The bike has been getting mixed responses ever since its launch and according to the masses, the high price of the bike is the dealbreaker in this otherwise almost flawless package. We’ll come to that later though, and before that check out the video below by Dino’s Vault which shows the bike undergoing some rigorous performance tests.
The MT-15 is the streetfighter version of the R15 V3 and is mechanically the same bike. Coming to the top speed test shown in the video, the MT-15 achieves a top speed of 129 km/h in this video. However, that is quite less when compared to the Yamaha R15 V3, which achieves a top whack of around 140 km/h. This is because the engine on the MT-15, though the same unit as on the R15, is tuned for stronger lower-end, which makes it much better to ride in city traffic conditions. The gearing ratios are also different, which makes it accelerate quicker but the top-end speed is lower than the Yamaha YZF-R15. Yamaha has projected the bike as a daily fun ride which can be used easily for commuting as well as having some fun while at it.
Next up is the braking test, which is something many have been curious about. This is because, despite its high price, the MT-15 comes with only a simple channel ABS system unlike its sibling, the R15, that gets double channel ABS and is just Rs. 3,000 dearer than the former. In this video, when brakes are applied at a speed of 62 km/h, the bike comes to a halt in about 1.63 seconds, which we must say is pretty impressive. The single-channel ABS does a decent job at preventing wheel locking. Also, one quirky bit here is the placement of horn and indicators switchgear as mentioned in the video. They have been swapped and it will take some time to get accustomed to.
Talking of the engine, the MT-15 gets powered by the same 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that is found on the R15. It generates a maximum power of 19.2 Bhp and 15 Nm of peak torque. The power output figures are slightly different from the Yamaha YZF-R15. The bike gets a 6-speed transmission with altered gear ratios for the better low end. It has a fuel efficiency of about 45 km/l and is available in black and matt blue colours. As you might know, the Indian spec MT-15 skips on USD forks and aluminium swingarm, something that is present on the international spec model.
Also Read: Yamaha MT-15 Top speed & brake test: Single Channel ABS enough? [Video]