The madness and love for motorcycles can never end for anyone, so am I also a huge victim of the disease. And owning one of them is another pleasure. They say, owning a motorcycle is like having a girlfriend, easy to get but really hard to maintain. But frequent maintenance reduces the need to problems or breakups. I got my motorcycle when I was 20, I was confused between the TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS and the Yamaha R15 V2, but then I finally settled for the Yamaha R15 V2. It's been a year and 2 months since it has been with me, so I would like to share my ownership experience. I named the motorcycle 'Kyra' meaning baby moon. In a year and 2 months time she has clocked about 11,000kms. I used it for everyday commute to my college which is about 30kms up and down from my house. And I also do rides frequently, maybe like 200-300kms max in a day. I've had a lot of experiences with her, let's find out what they are.
What I like about her:Something I like the most about the R15 is the refinement of the engine, the engine feels very smooth even without using fully synthetic oil. I really like how well the aerodynamics are maintained on the motorcycle when you properly crouch down, it does about 149kms, which is really awesome for a 150cc motorcycle. The next thing I love is the clutch and the gears, the clutch is very light when compared to so many other motorcycles, riding it in the traffic is really easy.
For a city like Chennai that is filled with traffic most of the time, the need to keep the legs down often is less, it was a pain in the older version of the R15, which many complained that the lower end torque is low so, it was hard to ride in the traffic conditions, this has been rectified in the R15 V2.
I must appreciate that I get a minimum of 41kmpl even if I rev it very hard. Once on a highway, I was lucky enough to get 50kmpl, which is the maximum I have got till date, average economy though is about 43kmpl. I don't fill the fuel in bits, I always do a full tank and then let it run about 400kms and then fill it again, I find this method more effective to calculate the fuel economy, and there is no worry that the fuel level is less.
The motorcycle feels nice and easy to ride at the twistes even for a beginner. The quality of the components used is phenomenal, especially the components in the engine. The power delivery is gradual making the ride experience a pleasurable one. The best part is that there is nil vibrations felt on the mirrors even at 120kmph. Heating issues are barely there.
What I don't like:Sometimes I feel there is a lack of power during aggressive overtakes. The pillion comfort is nil, there is nothing for the co-rider to hold on to. And if the pillion is heavier than the rider, then the worst outcome is a heavy palm ache. Palm aches are also felt heavily under traffic conditions. Not all service centers are good, there are only 2/10 where in the mechanic exactly knows the problem the motorcycle causes. The radiator lacks a guard, small particles can damage the fins. Peak summers in Chennai heat up the metallic tank so much that it is so hard to ride the motorcycle if it stands under the sun even for 30 minutes.
Modifications I have done:I'm a stock lover, I believe that the motorcycle will always be the same for years if it isn't disturbed from its natural characteristics. The only mod I have done is getting a bendable-adjustable brake and clutch lever.
Approximate cost spent till date for service:Each general service costs about Rs 750-800. There are 4 services done till now summing up to an amount of rupees 3149. Apart from the general service, I got the front brake pads replaced. There was an issue with the rectifier, it costs about rupees 850, but the service center (Bikerz Yamaha - Alandhur) was genuine enough that they told me that the rectifier can be replaced under warranty, so even that was done at a free of cost.
Many people have asked me the question, why only Yamaha R15 when you get more powerful motorcycles at the same cost?. My only answer to them is, own one and you will know about it.
By: Rishath Suresh
