Yamaha YZF R15 V3

The design elements of the new R15 V3.0 are by and large drawn from its elder sibling, the R1. At the front, it houses all-new LED headlights and an aerodynamic front cowl with air-vent. The large windshield and stylish rear view mirrors add to the bold looks of the sports bike. It also gets a new front fairing with sharp cuts and creases which merges with the muscularly designed fuel tank, thereby making it look aggressive. The fuel tank also features knee recesses to easily place your knees while riding. Moving to the sides, the black coloured side panels add to the style statement of the R15 V3.0 and look quite appealing. The tail end looks sharp and edgy as well with a sleek LED tail light and tapered rear cowl. It also gets a new black coloured tyre cover which closely hugs the rear tyre and adds to the sporty look. Also, the bike features a new exhaust with a faux carbon-fibre finish which looks classy. Similar to the previous version, the latest R15 V3.0 also gets a split seat setup, however, Yamaha claims that the pillion seat has been lowered and is much more comfortable now. The R15 V3.0 comes fitted with an all-digital instrument console that includes a tachometer, odometer, tripmeter, clock, shift light, VVA indicator and a connector for USB charging. There are three colour schemes to choose from - Sparky green, Adrenaline red and Revving blue. The dual colour tone makes the bike look more attractive.

Powering the latest R15 V3.0 is an updated 154.9cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC engine which now produces a max power of 19.30PS @ 10,000rpm which is 2.5 PS more than the previous version, and peak torque of 15Nm @ 8,500rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. You also get Variable Valve Action (VVA) in the latest R15 which adds flexibility to the engine’s valve train thereby improving the engine’s efficiency. Yamaha claims that it can reach a top speed of 136kmph and returns a mileage of 45kmpl. Another thing to note is that the new R15 V3.0 is now equipped with a slipper clutch which will provide better stability to the rear wheel  especially when downshifting aggressively. Although the engine is now more powerful and has received substantial upgrades, Yamaha claims that it still weighs the same.

The R15 V3.0 is built on the tried and tested deltabox frame. Suspension setup comprises of conventional telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. It comes fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels shod with tubeless tyres. The tyres are now wider in comparison to the previous version, 100/80 at the front and 140/70 at the rear. Braking duties are handled by a 282mm disc at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear. It’s disappointing that Yamaha has not equipped the latest V3.0 with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), not even as an option.

Speaking of safety, the R15 V3.0 is equipped with disc brakes at both ends to effeciently handle braking at high speeds. Moreover, the wider tyres provide a better grip on slippery road conditions. It also features Automatic Headlamp On (AHO) which keeps the headlamp turned on at all times.