Looks and Design:The Yamaha YZF R15 V3 gets an overall design overhaul, which now looks more appropriate to the Yamaha "R" lineup. The R15 version 3.0 features an R6/R1 inspired front fairing with a dual LED headlight setup upfront. There is a faux air intake duct between the LED headlights adding some visual glamour. The windscreen is also designed for great aerodynamic efficiency and can give enough wind protection to the rider when tucked in.
The sides of the fairing have large heat dissipation cuts on either sides, while the tank is sculpted and large enough. The rider seat is long, so crouching would be a piece of cake. The pillion seat is a bit lower than the R15 V2.0, and the pillion seat size is almost similar to the outgoing model. The rear end is sharp with a neatly designed tail section. The tail lamp is also an LED unit. The motorcycle almost looks like a miniature R1 in all its glory.
Engine and Performance:The Yamaha YZF R15 V3 gets an all new 155cc liquid cooled 4 valve SOHC engine which churns out a class leading 19.3 hp at 10,000 RPM and 14.7 Nm of torque at 8,500 RPM. The engine is fuel injected and features Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), a first in the segment. The clutch is a wet multiplate unit with slip and assist, while the transmission is a 6 speed manual. The clutch feel is said to be light, helping for quick downshifts. The engine runs at a high compression ratio (11.6:1) which helps to churn out that amount of power.
Brakes, Chassis and Suspension: The R15 Version 3.0 is equipped with the trusted Deltabox frame which makes the motorcycle handle like a charm around the corners and in the straights. Braking duties are carried out by a 282mm disc with two piston calipers and a 240mm disc at the rear with a single piston caliper. Unlike the international model, the motorcycle misses out on USD forks in India to reduce production costs. Instead the R15 V3 gets 41mm conventional telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear.
The rear tyre profile gets meatier at 140/70-17 profile while the front tyre remains unchanged at 100/80-17. The motorcycle features an all new fully digital multi function instrument cluster with an USB charging port, gear position indicator, on board computer, clock, gear shift indicator and all other tell tale lights.
Price and Mileage:
Yamaha India have finally unveiled the YZF R15 V3 after years of speculations and spotting in India. The motorcycle is priced at Rs. 1,25,000 (ex showroom Delhi), which is quite competitive for the amount of technology that goes in. The motorcycle would still sell like hot cakes, as India is still a large market for the 150cc category. The top speed can be expected close to 140 kmph and a fuel economy of around 35-40 kmpl. The motorcycle comes in two colors at present - Racing Blue and Thunder Grey, but we're sure Yamaha will be adding a couple more colors after some time.
