Why The Yamaha MT-15 Makes Sense For India

With the launch of the MT-15 around the corner, we explain why it would do great for Yamaha in India 

[UPDATE: Yamaha has launched the MT-15 at a price of Rs 1.36 Lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi]

Yamaha has been ruling the 150cc performance segment for nearly ten years now, giving even bigger bikes a run for their money. Now the brand intends to make a mark in the naked segment with its one-of-a-kind offering (only 150cc liquid-cooled naked), the MT-15, set to be launched on March 15. We explain why it’s a good decision for Yamaha:

It’s got comfortable ergonomics:

We may not have ridden the motorcycle but what’s clear is that the MT-15 will be a lot more comfortable than its faired sibling, the R15 v3.0. You get wide, upright handlebars complemented by a nicely sculpted single-piece seat which appears to be quite narrow up front to let riders rest their feet on the ground comfortably. The slightly rear-set footpegs should give you a much-needed hint of sportiness while on the move. The international-spec bike features a 10-litre fuel tank and we believe the India-bound bike to have the same tank. Thanks to the small engine, it should ensure a reasonable range when it comes to touring.

Packs an exciting engine:

Powering the motorcycle is the same 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor which the R15 v3.0 uses. It features Variable Valve Actuation technology which essentially offers a well-balanced feel of low-down drive and high-end performance. In our review of the R15, the 19.3PS of power and 14.7Nm of torque was one of the most engaging, peppy motors of its segment without even compromising much on refinement or everyday rideability. We expect the same kind of performance to be there in the upcoming naked bike too. And since it is lighter (no fairing), expect it to be peppier.

Rides on decent underpinnings:

One of the best bits of equipment on the R15 has been the Deltabox frame, which has seen minor modifications since its inception. We were a bit apprehensive about how the v3.0 would behave in the absence of USD forks (a cost-saving measure for India). But we were pleasantly surprised that the forks did not feel like a downer in the twisty bits. 

We hope that same would also hold true for the MT-15. That said, the cast aluminium swingarm from the R15 is absent (cost-cutting measures, again!) and in its place is a box-type swingarm. The latter might not have the flexibility or won’t be as as light as the former. So once again, we are back in apprehension mode.

For optimal braking performance, the bike comes with disc brake at both ends, and dual-channel ABS is likely to be standard. Also, not to forget, the optional super-sticky Metzeler radial tyre for the rear wheel.

Hits the sweet spot in the 150cc segment:

Now, the majority of the two-wheeler enthusiast’s segment in India seems to have moved on from the 150cc category to higher-capacity ones. However, all is not lost and there are still a lot of potential customers looking for a value-for-money performance bike on a budget. Be it a new rider or one who wants an easily accessible yet exciting small bike, the sub-1.5 lakh remains as lucrative as ever. Yamaha already has a faired bike around this price point, and now this motorcycle will enhance Yamaha’s hold even further as it would attract a much wider set of audience, especially more matured riders. 

Also Read: India-spec Yamaha MT-15 spotted

Even KTM brought in the 125 Duke to our market, and quite contrary to what we predicted, the motorcycle is performing really well in terms of sales. The numbers simply reinforce the fact that there’s still a market for small-capacity fun bikes in our country despite major players moving on to the 300cc segment and above. One advantage the MT-15 has is that the bike doesn’t really have any direct competitors in its segment, but only time will tell how the Jap brand’s streetfighter would perform in our two-wheeler space.

India-spec bike image credit: mt15crew

International model shown for representation only.