Yamaha YZF R15S 2015

Yamaha YZF R15S looks stylish from the outset. It features a twin-headlamp up front flanked by rear view mirrors and a tall windscreen. The clear-lens turn indicators are placed on the fairing. The bike gets clip-on handlebars which are just right for the rider to hold and control the bike. The instrument console gets a semi-digital layout, with speedometer, trip meter and the odometer sharing the display screen while the tachometer reads out in analogue style. The tank gets a chiselled look and carries 12 litres of fuel. The fuel tank, fairing and the panel nearing the end get the all-new sporty graphics which grant it an exciting and refreshed look. The split seat configuration has been ditched for single-seat layout, which is way more comfortable and roomy for the rider and the pillion than earlier. Other bits of design include, black aluminium split rear grab rail, 5-spoke black alloy wheels, under engine cowls, upswept stylish exhaust and a nicely laid-out tail section with LED tail light and turn blinkers. The rear fender is extended further down to keep mud splashes at bay. Overall, the profile is aggressive and embraces a ready-to-go attitude.

Dimensionally, it measures 2060mm long, 670mm wide and 1070mm high. The ground clearance of the bike sits at 160mm, kerb weight is 134Kg and the wheelbase is 1345mm. The seat height of 800mm seems to be a well-thought move by the brand.

The YZF R15S shares the heart with its elder sibling, R15 and features a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC 149cc engine with fuel injection system and pumps out 16.6PS of max power at 8,500rpm and a peak torque of 15Nm at 7,500rpm. The new powertrain is compact and lightweight, thanks to the incorporated aluminium radiator. The engine is coupled to a six-speed transmission system. It comes with a claimed fuel efficiency of 40Kmpl. The constant mesh gearbox transfers power to the wider rear wheel and the result is quite smooth and satisfactory. The top speed recorded on the bike is 130Kmph which is decent to excite the biking enthusiast within you.

The YZF R15S has been built on the Delta box chassis that offers rigidity and strength to the bike. Administering the suspension duties, there is a telescopic fork at the front and the linked-type monocross rear suspension with 120mm travel suspension. The setup works incredibly well in bypassing potholes, bumps and road imperfections while keeping stable on uneven surfaces. ABS remains absent on the bike, however, there are disc brakes at both ends (dual disc of 320mm at the front and hydraulic single disc of 220mm at the rear). It features 17-inch alloys with 90/80-17 and wider 130/70-R17 section tyres at the front and back respectively.

Providing confidence to the rider are components like front (320mm) and rear disc (220mm) brakes, radial wider rear tyre for enhanced stability and twin-headlight setup for illuminating the inky nights.