Yamaha MT 15 Version 2.0

Yamaha MT-15 V2: Small Displacement, Big Attitude!

The Yamaha MT-15 is a popular streetfighter which is essentially a naked version of the R15. The V2 model was launched in 2022 and had received some important updates to increase the overall appeal of the motorcycle. The bike has a sharp design based on the brand's “Dark Side of Japan” identity, combined with everyday practicality, making it a great choice for the youth. It is a compact, nimble motorcycle, with its main highlight being the potent 155cc engine that we also get in the R15 V4. 

Whether you're cruising through weekday traffic or slicing through the twisties on a Sunday morning, the MT-15 V2 is sure to put a grin on your face. I did manage to spend around three weeks with the motorcycle, in which I was able to get a proper idea of all the positives and negatives after testing the motorcycles in different conditions.

Yamaha MT-15 V2: Design 

Sharp, aggressive, and full of attitude, the MT-15 carries forward the “MT” design DNA that originated with its bigger siblings like the MT-09 and MT-10. At the front, the bike gets a LED projector headlamp flanked by twin LED DRLs that create an aggressive robotic looking face. 

Riders who like futuristic designs are sure to appreciate this one. The design of the tank is muscular and the extensions give the bike a beefier look at the front. One of the biggest visual and functional upgrades on the V2 is gold-finished, 37mm, inverted forks.

I feel like they add to the motorcycle's street presence, especially when paired with the bold colour options Yamaha offers. There are a total of eight colour schemes across the three variants and they include Dark Matte Blue, Dark Matte Blue, Cyan Storm Ice-Fluo Vermillion, Metallic Black Racing Blue, and the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition. Out of these colours, my favourite is the Cyan Sotrm scheme as the colour really pops and it catches a lot of attention on the streets.

The aluminium swingarm, carried over from the R15, adds another layer of premium appeal. It’s the only bike in its segment to get an aluminium unit and subtly gives the rear end a sleeker look. The tail section is clean, with a split-seat setup and the rear LED tail lamp is compact, blending in neatly. Additionally, a wide rear tyre adds to the sporty appeal and increases its road presence. If i had to nitpick I would say that the grab rails for the pillion are the only design element that do look like an afterthought.

Yamaha MT-15 V2 Build Quality

The overall build quality of the motorcycle is premium. The switchgear is easy to operate, the panels fit well. Yamaha has been known for good build quality throughout their range of two wheelers and the story remains the same with the MT-15.

Yamaha MT-15 V2: Convenience Features

The bike gets a negative LCD display that displays essential information like speed, a tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel economy, and even VVA activation. With Yamaha’s Y-Connect app, I could also access features like call/SMS alerts, last parking location, maintenance recommendations, and more.

Unfortunately, the only thing it misses out on is turn-by-turn navigation. While it is not a flashy unit, it gets the job done in a crisp manner. Additionally, the bike also gets a slipper clutch.

Yamaha MT-15 V2: Safety Features

The bike gets dual-channel ABS which was a good addition considering its premium price. It also features a new traction control system, and a side-stand engine cut off. 

Yamaha R15 V2: Rider Comfort

The bike places the rider upright with my legs in a slightly aggressive position on the sporty rear-set foot-pegs. This is quite a compact motorcycle and short riders will easily be able to access the ground thanks to a seat height of 810 millimetres. The handlebars are closer to the rider because of the tiny 10-litre fuel tank, which allows one to cover longer distances without breaking their back. 

The only discomfort I faced was while riding through twisties. While getting ready to attack a set of corners, I tend to move to the rear of the seat and place my toes on the pegs. However, I was not able to place my legs comfortably in this manner because the rear of my riding boots would always land up hitting the pillion foot-rests.

Yamaha R15 V2: Pillion Comfort

The single-piece design looks sporty but isn’t very generous in size. The pillion seat is high, narrow, and tiny, which can make longer rides uncomfortable. There are grab rails for convenience but they aren’t the most practical or good-looking. For short city rides, it is usable, but if you’re planning regular journeys with a pillion, the MT-15 isn’t the most friendly option in its class.

Yamaha MT-15 V2: Engine

The 155-cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder motor puts out 18.4 hp at 10,000 rpm, a peak torque of 14.1 Nm at 7,500 rpm and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. Compared to the previous model, this one makes 0.1 hp less while the torque has gone up by 0.2 Nm. This engine has a VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) system that provides torque assist for better ride-ability throughout the rev-range.

There are two intake valve cams: one for low to mid-range rpms and another for the high-end rpm range. They switch between each other at the 7,400-rpm mark and the negative LCD dash highlights a part of the tachometer when the second intake valve cam has been opened. 

Yamaha MT-15 V2: City Performance

What I appreciated as soon as I got to riding the bike was the level of engine refinement. The power delivery is linear and you can feel it get into its element at around 6,000 rpm. A few vibrations are felt once the bike is being revved above 8,500 rpm, but nothing that will bother a rider too much. Even though this motor has been built keeping the sporty nature of the motorcycle in mind, it is surprisingly tractable. I was able to cruise at low speeds of around 35 km/h in the city in sixth gear with no misbehaviour from the engine.

When trying to get through a lot of traffic, I needed to stay in the lower gears. For swift overtakes, all that is needed is a quick downshift in the slick six-speed gearbox. The clutch action is light and the gearshifts are slick. Overall, it delivers a really engaging riding experience in the city. From our tests, here is how it stacks up against one of its main competitors, the Bajaj Pulsar N160

Yamaha MT-15 V2: Highway Performance

Out on the highway, the MT-15 offers fairly good performance for a 155cc motorcycle. I was able to cruise at speeds of 100kmph and despite the lightweight of the motorcycle, it does feel really stable even at higher speeds. 

Yamaha MT-15 V2: Mileage

In the city, we were able to get a mileage of 56.87kmpl and out on the highway, we got a mileage of approximately 47.94kmpl, making it a very fuel efficient motorcycle for the performance that it offers. With the 10 litre fuel tank, riders should be able to do over 400 kms before having to refuel. 

Yamaha MT-15 V2: Ride Quality

The suspension setup is towards the stiffer side considering the sporty nature of the bike but it manages to soak in potholes fairly well. The rear suspension especially is a bit stiff so sharper bumps or broken roads will make their presence felt, especially for lighter riders.

The bike is clearly tuned more for dynamic riding than outright plush comfort. Over longer distances, the upright ergonomics help reduce fatigue, though the compact proportions and rear suspension can catch up with a rider after a couple of hours.

Yamaha MT-15 V2: Handling

The MT-15 makes use of the Deltabox frame from the R15 and that gives the bike its superb rigidity, balance and handling abilities. With the new USD front forks, the bike is even more confidence-inspiring to ride. As soon as I hit the twisties, I got great feedback from the front end while attacking corners and the motorcycle is really quick to flick from one side to another. In a corner, it holds a line in a stable manner and the linear power delivery allowed me to get on the throttle earlier while exiting corners.

The cast-aluminium swing-arm combined with the rear shock also plays an important role in its fun handling. This bike has a kerb weight of 139 kilograms which makes it really nimble to handle through traffic. It feels planted, quick, and engaging in the twisties and even sudden line changes or mid-corner corrections don’t unsettle the bike easily. 

Yamaha MT-15 V2: Brakes

The bike makes use of disc brakes at both ends and the updated model gets dual-channel ABS. The front brake feel is sharp and gets the bike to a halt in a controlled manner. 

The ABS intervention at the front is minimal and allows riders to get on the front brake earlier and more aggressively without having to worry about the front locking up.