2019 Yamaha MT-15 review, road test

Yamaha’s new streetfighter is more than just a naked R15.

Published on Oct 04, 2019 08:00:00 AM

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Negative LCD is difficult to read when the sun is directly above.

Non-intuitively placed horn switch leaves you hunting in an emergency.

Our first ride of the MT-15 was a bit of a downer, but it turns out that the Buddh International Circuit was a terrible place to experience this machine. Now that we’ve ridden it on the street, it’s clear that this bike is a proper little streetfighter and if majority of your riding is confined to the city, this motorcycle is an enjoyable weapon to spice up your commute. The engine is an absolute gem and so is the deltabox chassis, all of which combine to make the MT-15 an involving motorcycle. Also, the upright riding position makes it a vastly kinder motorcycle to live with than its faired sibling.

But that doesn’t change the fact that there is just no reasoning for the MT-15’s Rs 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) price. Simple math in relevance to what this bike loses over the R15 – a substantial fairing, a single LED headlamp versus twin LEDs, a basic swingarm and single-channel ABS – reveals that it should have been priced at around Rs 1.2-1.25 lakh. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. So, instead of us excitedly telling you that the MT-15 is seriously worth considering, we’re forced to conclude that you should only consider this machine if buying a value-for-money bike is not high on your list of priorities.