Yamaha YZF-R15: A list of the most well-liked motorcycles available in India would undoubtedly include the Yamaha YZF-R15. After all, it makes truly sporty performance accessible to the general public, and everyone knows how much we adore faired motorcycles. The R15 is so well-liked, in fact, that whenever a new version is released, people take notice. For this reason, we were interested in seeing what Yamaha had developed for the most recent R15, version 4.0.
Yamaha YZF-R15: design and features
As you approach the motorcycle, it becomes clear that the new Yamaha YZF-R15 looks even better than the photos portray. Similar to the previous R15 models, version 4.0 draws inspiration for its design from a larger Yamaha R-series motorcycle. It is a copy of the 2021 YZF-R7 this time, which is a great starting point.
Inside the fake air intake, the dual-purpose LED projector headlight gives the front end an angular, aggressive appearance. The LED position lights that flank the headlamp give it a modern appearance while making an angry face.
A newly designed windscreen that is perfectly shaped to protect you from head-on wind is slid in place above the front fairing. According to Yamaha, this fairing is more aerodynamic, which should make it easier for it to reach its top speed of almost 150 kph. If and when we take this motorbike out for a track day, we’ll check that.
I adore the ‘Racing Blue’ paint job with its dual tone, matte and gloss effect, and how well the side fairing blends in with the rest of the bike. Additionally, the fuel tank has been redesigned with a larger surface area for your knees to grab onto. It has the same 11-liter capacity as the version 3.0 tank, but it looks chunkier.With its floating panels, the rear section is again evocative of the R7.
All things considered, the new Yamaha YZF-R15 design is balanced, harmonic, and perhaps even more appealing than any of the earlier versions. The exhaust’s misaligned angle is the only distracting feature.
The quality levels have also significantly improved; the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3 was criticised for having inferior materials in places like the plastics. Whether it comes to the tactile buttons, switchgear quality, or the plastic used to mould the fairings, version 4.0 does not disappoint in any of these areas.
The new Yamaha YZF-R15 lacks navigation, but it does have a nice LCD display and Bluetooth connectivity for email, SMS, and phone notifications. Additional information, including the last location parked and fuel consumption data, can be found on Yamaha’s exclusive Y-connect app. Additionally, the display changes to track mode, which displays your current and
Yamaha YZF-R15: What’s it like in the saddle?
Once you get on the bike, you’ll notice that the height of the seat is the same at 815mm as it was on the previous model, despite being newer, more comfortable, and having a slimmer profile towards the tank.
The location of the clip-ons has altered, but the footpegs’ position appears to have remained constant. Unlike the previous motorcycle, these are now positioned beneath the new triple clamp instead of above it. This gave us the impression that the riding position is more serious than it was previously. Fortunately, it hasn’t gotten too aggressive because the clip-ons are angled to rise just a little bit higher than the triple-clamp. In the end, the handlebar is slightly lower than on the v3 bike, but the riding position is still similar.
Having said that, keep in mind that extended highway travel is not recommended for this extremely stylish, racer-boy riding position.
Yamaha YZF-R15: What is the performance like?
The Yamaha YZF-R15 star engine is the 155cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve single, which is without a doubt among the best small capacity motorcycle engines available. Although the unit in version 4.0 produces 0.2 fewer horsepower than the previous engine, this is not a reason for alarm. Since there isn’t a noticeable decline in overall performance in the real world. In actuality, this engine produces 0.1 Nm more and peaks at a lower 1,000 rpm than previously. This might result in a motorcycle that accelerates a little bit faster than the v3, but we’ll confirm that as soon as we have an opportunity to mount our Vbox testing equipment on the vehicle.
Because of the Variable Valve Actuation, or VVA, the engine is generally very free-revving, tractable at low speeds, and provides that extra bit of power.
The optional up-only quickshifter, which is standard on Racing Blue, R15 M, and MotoGP editions, shifts smoothly and the six-speed gearbox is as smooth as ever. However, it is limited to use in track mode.
Given that the motorcycle’s kerb weight of 142 kg has not changed and the engine is essentially the same as before, the fuel economy ought to be comparable. The R15 v3 returned 37.2 kpl in the city and nearly 50 kpl on the highway, for comparison.
Yamaha YZF-R15: ride and handling
The way the R15 handles is, in my opinion, one of the main things that makes it so charming. The USD fork on the Indian bike is finally adjustable, but its inner diameter of 37 mm is less than that of the v3’s 41 mm fork. Nevertheless, a USD fork’s inherent rigidity over a conventional fork will improve stability, particularly when braking forcefully or charging around a corner. An additional modification to the chassis is a reinforced subframe.
The Deltabox frame and suspension combine to provide an excellent handling package, so it’s a good thing the rest of the chassis hasn’t been altered. The R15 just adores corners and adheres to a desired line as though it were rails. On the other hand, turn-in is abrupt and requires some getting used to.
The bike handles most road imperfections fairly well, so all that handling finesse hasn’t come at the expense of ride quality.
With version 4.0, Yamaha has added traction control as well. While some might consider this an unnecessary extra for a bike with less than 20 horsepower, safety features like this are always appreciated given our patchy, poorly maintained roads.
There are no issues with the bite or lever feedback because the braking hardware is the same as it was previously.
Yamaha YZF-R15: should you buy one?
Depending on the colour, the venerable R15 costs between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 more than the previous model due to its new design and feature upgrades.
If you’re willing to spend a little bit more, you can purchase the R15 M or the Yamaha MotoGP team bike. The latter gets you a gorgeous silver paint job, a silver swing arm, gold brake callipers, and seats that are visually striking. We choose it over the rest.
Some may consider the on-road price of almost Rs 2 lakh to be excessive for a 155cc motorcycle. However, you receive an exceptional, feature-rich motorbike that provides the best riding experience at this price range in exchange for all that cash. Every time you ride it, a big smile appears on your face, and it continues to be an excellent, forgiving tool for novice track day riders who want to improve their riding. Although the cost is high, you receive a lot in return.
Yamaha YZF-R15 Review On You-Tube
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