Yamaha Motor India has just introduced 3 new colours on the recently launched, 150cc naked sportsbike that’s based on the R15 V3. The Yamaha MT15 is now available in Red, White and Blue paint schemes, in addition to the two other paint schemes that it was launched with: Matte Black and Matte Blue. The newly added colours feature a glossy finish, and are intended to make the motorcycle stand out by looking brighter. The matte shades were meant to give a stealthy look to the motorcycle, which has been doing very well for Yamaha. In fact, the MT15 is outselling the KTM Duke 200 by a big margin. The motorcycle is selling at an average of 4,000 units each month. Meanwhile, the prices of the new colours for the MT15 are likely to be unchanged from those of the matte paint scheme: Rs. 1.36 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi.
Images courtesy B4Choose
The Yamaha MT15 is essentially the unfaired, more relaxed version of the R15 sportsbike. The bike shares its Deltabox frame, wheels, suspension, engine, gearbox and instrument cluster with the R15 V3. Differences include the ergonomics, with the MT15 getting a more relaxed riding position thanks to a single piece, high-set handlebar.
The lack of a fairing also means that the motorcycle appears more compact, is lighter and also easier to park in tight spaces on Indian city roads. The seat of the MT15 is also different, and is a single piece unit compared to the R15’s twin seat layout. The pillion on the MT15 will be a lot more comfortable as the rear seat is not high set as that on the R15.
A sore miss on the Yamaha MT15 is dual channel ABS. Yamaha has cut corners by offering only a single channel ABS on the MT15 despite the motorcycle sharing its platform, including the brakes, with the R15. Even the super grippy Pirelli tyres have been dumped on the MT15 to cut costs. Despite these glaring omissions, Yamaha has priced the MT15 at Rs. 1.36 lakhs, which is just Rs. 4,000 cheaper than the R15 V3. For those who can manage the committed riding position of the R15, the fully faired motorcycle seems to be a better value-for-money alternative. For everyone else who wants a more relaxed, high quality everyday motorcycle – the MT15 ticks all the right boxes.
Among the things from the R15 V3 that have been retained on the MT15, the 155cc four stroke engine is the best bit. This smooth, rev happy engine runs a DiaSiL cylinder block and a four valve, single cam head. Yamaha has introduced variable camshaft timing on this engine, making it one of the most technologically loaded motors in its class.
It makes a peak power of 19 Bhp at 10,000 rpm while peak torque of 14.7 Nm is produced at 8,500 rpm. A 6 speed manual gearbox with a slipper clutch is standard with this motor. Meanwhile, to boost sales of the MT15, Yamaha is now offering a riding jacket free with the purchase of the motorcycle. This offer is valid across all Yamaha dealerships in India.
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