The Yamaha R15 was one of the first desirable, and affordable, sports bikes in India. While its initial run was largely successful, arguably on account of a first mover advantage, it has been somewhat eclipsed in the past few years by heavy competition. But Yamaha, it seems, is not one to step down from a challenge. Enter the R15 V3.0, a new-generation bike that is cramped with features quite beyond its segment. It is still a fully-faired bike, but the design, especially in the nasal area, has been suitably changed to bring it more in line with elder siblings from the R-series family such as the previous-gen R6 and R3. The most striking change is those angular headlights, separated by a central vent. While it has only still been revealed in Indonesia, there is no doubt that it will be blazing across the ocean to the Indian market soon enough.
Powertrain
The powertrain for the R15 V3.0 is all new. The engine is a 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected unit with SOHC. The bore and stroke is 58x58.7mm, with a compression ratio of 11.6:1. The power output is 19.3hp at 10,000rpm and peak torque is 14.7Nm at 8,500rpm. This engine is totally different from that of the R15 V2.0’s, which displaces 149cc and features a narrower bore and lower compression ratio.
More interestingly, the R15 V3.0’s engine features Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation Technology, which regulates fuel combustion at different speeds and throttle inputs. The result, claims Yamaha, is the availability of more torque at low speeds and more power at higher speeds, as well as better linearity in power delivery and greater fuel economy.
The engine is likely to come mated to a six-speed gearbox (with a slipper clutch), connected to the rear wheel via chain drive.
Chassis and suspension
The R15 V3.0 will, as before, be built on a steel twin-par frame, with a newly-designed aluminium swingarm. The weight distribution on this motorcycle is now a claimed 50:50. The R15 V3.0 is fully faired, with a twin-seat setup and a (visibly) moderately aggressive riding position.
The R15 V3.0 will ride on upside-down telescopic forks up front and a swingarm-mounted monoshock at the rear. The bike revealed in Indonesia was fitted with a 100/80-17MC 52P tyre and 282mm disc brake in the front and a 140/70-17MC 66S tyre and 220mm disc brake round the back.
With a length, width and height of 1,990mm, 725mm and 1,135mm respectively, the R15 V3.0 is 20mm longer, 55mm wider and 65mm taller than the R15 V2.0. The seat height is now 15mm more, but wheelbase is 20mm shorter, indicating the possibility of better agility. Impressively, V3.0 is just 1kg heavier than V2.0.
Equipment
Yamaha has been quite generous with equipment, at least in Indonesia. The R15 V3.0 gets an all-LED lighting system, the aforementioned slipper clutch and upside-down front forks, hazard lamps and a fully-digital LCD instrument panel with gear position and gear shift indicators. Information about its safety systems (read ABS) is still unknown.
Price
Like we mentioned before, the R15 V3.0 was unveiled in Indonesia, with Indonesia-specific specifications. It is difficult to predict the precise package that will make it to India. However, an assumption that it would cost more than the current R15 V2.0 (Rs. 1,18,373, ex-showroom, Delhi) would not be amiss. In Indonesia, the motorcycle will be available in three colour schemes – Racing Blue, Matte Black and Matte Red. We would like much the same, thank you.
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