In a surprising move India Yamaha Motors have recently introduced (reintroduced) YZF R15-S, at a first glace the bike looks strikingly similar to the previous model of R15 that was first introduced in our country in year 2009 by Yamaha. It is not to be mentioned that the YZF-R15 has changed the faith of Yamaha in India after a devastating period of post 2-stroke era, the R15 had actually rejuvenated the business prospects for Yamaha Motors in India.As per company’s claim, they have introduced the new R15-S model based on the customer feedback. The new YZF R15S is featured with single seat, which is why the “S” is added to the model name. But is that the only difference made by the company in their flagship model? We take a closer look to the newly launched YZF-R15S to bring you the inside of the model.
Fairing:The fairing of the new R15-S has taken from the earlier version 1 of R15 and that can easily be made out from the air vents present in the sides of the fairing. The fairing of the new R15-S is devoid of signature fish gill air vents of the version 2.0 R15 and that it is directly lifted from the older version R15.
Tail Assembly:Yamaha has introduced the entire tail assembly from the older version of R15 including side panels, panels attaching fairing with the sub frame and the rear tail lamp. One can easily point out the panels integrating the fairing with the rear tail panels; it is moreover direct lift from the older version. Apart from the panels the Tail Light assembly is also a direct lift from the version 1 with filament bulb used instead of LEDs as used in the R15 Version 2.0. There are black finished split metal grab rails are also present on the back of the single seat.
Single Seat:The foremost alteration in the current Version 2 model of R15 is the inclusion of single seat in the YZF R15-S. The seat cover is in signature dual tone and made up of perforated material. The entire tail assembly including the single seat is fitted on the same sub frame used in version 2.0 of R15, which is the reason that even after using the single seat the elevation of the rear end of the R15S is significantly greater than the older version and almost similar to the V2.0’s elevation.
Rear Footpegs:The rear footpegs of the R15-S is placed differently and at different angle, it is mainly due to the altered seating position for the pillion caused by the introduction of single seat.
Rear Mudguard & Number Plate Holder:
The new R15-S is featured with the conventional rear mudguard as it was seen in the older version and it is because of this the overall length of the bike is increased. Since now there is full conventional mudguard is featured there is no need of the “Tyre hugger” as it is used in the V2.0.
Compare Technical Specifications Of YZF R15-S Vs R15 V2.0
Overall Weight:
There has been a reduction of two (02) Kilograms from the overall kerb weight of new R15-S, the difference is may be because of different fairing, entirely different tail assembly and omission of tyre hugger with its metal braces.
Apart from these changes the rest of the underpinnings of the YZF-R15S are almost identical with the R15 V2.0. However, the 148.9cc liquid cooled engine is somehow churning out “0.4” PS less than the version 2.0. The brakes are similar with the same tyre size and suspension setup, the Deltabox frame remains same along with same aluminum rear swingarm. Yamaha has priced the new YZF R15-S almost same as R15 version 2.0, now there is an option available for those who are looking for a race machine but also want to take it around with family comfortably.
By: Farhan Kashif
