The MT-15 features an aggressive street fighter look which is in line with the design language that we have seen on Yamaha’s higher-capacity motorcycles in the MT lineup. The headlight consists of an LED projector and twin LED DRLs that give the bike a very sharp look. The fuel tank comes with large extensions that add to the bike’s sporty appeal. The stubby rear section is complemented by a sleek LED tail light, tyre hugger, and number plate holder. The steel rod-like pillion grab rail, though functional, does not match the bike’s sharp and muscular look.

The MT-15 comes with the same engine as the R15 but with different tuning to suit the street fighter character of the motorcycle. The engine is a 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor that produces 18.4PS at 10,000rpm and 14.1Nm at 7500rpm, working alongside a six-speed transmission with a slip-and-assist clutch.

The MT-15 also comes with Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology which is meant to balance low-end grunt and top-end speed. The engine is also very refined and tractable, such that maintaining speeds as low as 24kmph in sixth gear is quite easy. But in our tests, we noticed a lack of power below 5500rpm. Where the engine shines is above 7000rpm, thanks to VVA. 

Engine performance is quite impressive and when it comes to rolling acceleration, the bike is quicker than the R15. Vibrations can be felt, though they are minimal and only noticeable when riding at high speeds.

The Yamaha MT-15 changes directions quickly, thanks to the low kerb weight of 141kg, which makes it ideal for city traffic and everyday urban commutes. The suspension setup is on the firmer side and this helps keep the bike stable at higher speeds and also inspires confidence when cornering.

But the same stiff suspension setup makes it really hard to ride on bad patches and poor roads. Even going over small potholes feels annoying. The overall ride quality is great only on well-paved roads, but once the roads get bad, the rider will struggle.

The brakes have now improved as compared to the previous version. The addition of dual-channel ABS as standard is a welcome feature. It provides better braking control and offers an extra layer of safety by not letting the bike skid when brakes are applied on slippery roads.

In terms of comfort, the MT-15 is able to offer a better experience than the R15 thanks to its relatively upright riding posture. The seat is adequately cushioned but is a bit towards the harder side. While this isn’t a problem in city rides but longer journeys on the highway can cause discomfort. But this isn't a deal breaker as the bike is primarily meant to be a city bike.

When it comes to features, the MT-15 comes equipped with an LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity. The Yamaha Y-connect smartphone app allows the rider to access features such as call, email and SMS alerts along with service reminders, last parked location and other information like average mileage and post-ride stats. Yamaha hasn’t included turn-by-turn navigation, which is a bit disappointing.

If you are looking for a sporty naked bike that can provide good performance and is easy to handle, then the MT-15 is a good bike. It offers decent performance and is easy to ride in the city. It’s not really high on features, but that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for most riders. However, the lack of bottom-end grunt, combined with its high price, makes it less appealing than other choices in its category.