Best Entry-level Sports Bike in India
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Overview
Yamaha R15 was the first affordable sports bike in India which shared most of the styling bits with Yamaha’s much expensive bikes from R series. The looks and performance of this bike made it famous instantly and looking at its popularity and rising competition, Yamaha has launched the second version of this bike – R15 Version 2.0. Yamaha also launched the Special Edition and MotoGP Edition of R15.
Yamaha R15 Special Edition has been painted in a striking green shade with all-new decals on both sides. Yamaha R15 MotoGP Edition is inspired from the Grand Prix and looks awesome in blue and white. The As per the company both the bikes are very exclusive and limited units will be manufactured.
Yamaha R15 MotoGP is priced at Rs. 1.15 lakhs (ex-showroom New Delhi) and the Special Edition version is priced at Rs. 1.14 lakhs (ex-showroom New Delhi).
Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 features all-new design for engine fairing, new design for alloy wheels, split seat which is now better cushioned, new graphics and decals, fatter rear tyre – 130/70 – R17, bigger 220mm rear disc for better braking, all-new LED tail lamp which looks much better than 2010 model of YZF-R15, new ECU mapping for better pick-up and fuel efficiency, weight increased by 5kgs (now it weighs 136kgs), new design for saree guard and mudguard plus new design for the silencer/exhaust pipe.
6 Things You Need to Know: Yamaha R15 V2.0
Sadly, there are no changes in this department which means the bike is still powered by the liquid cooled 4-stroke 150cc engine. It’s a mono cylinder, 4-Valve; SOHC engine which is designed to pump out a power of 16.8 bhp at 8500 rpm with utmost torque production of 15 Nm available at 7500 rpm . This engine is equipped with a six speed gearbox with one gear down and five gears up- shift pattern.
More or less, the feel and throttle response of this engine is same to that of the outgoing model. Yamaha has slightly tweaked the engine which is hardly noticeable due to its additional weight of around 4kgs. The initial gear ratios make it perfect for daily usage. Its only when you go pass 6000rpm then you can notice the slow behaviour of this engine.
However there are no vibrations till 8500rpm and the refinement level is also very satisfactory but the high end performance of the engine indicates at its lower displacement. The bike has become faster than before and does 0-100km/hour in just above 13 seconds . One can reach the top speed of 130km/hour with this bike but while doing so, it may not feel as eager as most of its competitors. The high end performance is nowhere near to Bajaj Pulsar 220 and Honda CBR 250R.
In city conditions, the mileage of R15 ranges from 35-40km/ltr while on highways one can expect anything around 45-50km/ltr.
Yamaha R15 is known for its sporty stance which was never offered before in any premium bike in India. The aerodynamic design of the bike allows the rider to bend forward with knees rolled back in perfect position. With its low seating, one can easily find a firm hold on this bike which gives you the confidence to rule the road which is absent on bikes like Pulsar and Hero Karizma ZMR. New seat is also very comfortable with foot pegs being placed much behind than normal.
The clips on handle are nice and convenient to hold and the overall feel while you drive this bike is magnificent.
The dual headlights of R15 Version 2.0 allow you to get a clear view of roads at night and confirms you safe driving. There is no storage space in this bike.
Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 has the same telescopic forks at its front with linked type mono-shocker at its back. The bike takes most of the bumps with ease and feels free to cross most of the speed breakers and potholes without any complain. The suspension system confirms that the high seated pillion rider also get stress free and comfortable ride.
The braking system of this bike has been up-graded with bigger discs on its both wheels. The bike has a disk brake at its front while the rear disc brake is of 220mm. The bigger discs have resulted into more precise and safe barking which confirms you a safe ride.
With extended wheelbase (1345mm), fatty tyres and aluminium swing arm at the back, the new R15 Version 2.0 feels more confident and eager to go. The bike now holds the road firmly and with its flawless suspension and ground clearance of 160mm, the bike offers you a very pleasant ride. Light and accurate handling of this bike has been the biggest USP of it and the new bike retains this quality.
The bike feels sharp and fast around corners.
2013 model of Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 2.0 is available in four shades . Racing Blue ( MotoGP Edition ), Thundering Green ( Special Edition ), Invincible Black and Raring Red.
Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 looks sportier than ever and with bigger tyres and discs ; it’s fun to drive this bike. Nothing goes wrong for this bike except for its less powerful engine. The ride and handling of this bike prompts you to push it hard but its underpowered engine is a let-down. Despite its smaller engine, the bike is priced really well and it surely has an upper hand over others like Honda CBR150R which is costlier than R15.
It’s a good package from Yamaha and it’s certainly worth to buy this bike.
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