YZF R15 makes a comeback

If you think the new R15 V3 looks like the bigger R6, or even the R1, you’d be correct. Especially with the faux air intake between the sharp LED headlights, the R15 looks like a scaled down version of the Yamaha flagships. At the heart of it is a new 155cc engine with variable valve actuation.

This VVA technology should help the new R15 be responsive in the city and fun when it’s allowed to stretch its legs. Yamaha also claims a 4.7 per cent bump in fuel efficiency. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with an assisted and slipper clutch, to help reduce lever effort and the rear wheel hopping during hard downshifts. To curb costs we will sadly miss out on the up-side down forks instead, we get conventionally setup front suspension as the older model but a shorter wheelbase. Although Yamaha hasn’t skimped on other features. The new R15 comes loaded with a full digital dashboard display. Yamaha will also offer a race kit which consists of a Metzeler rear tyre and a Daytona muffler. All this tech reinforces the image of the R15 as a racer’s tool. The R15 V3 is available at an attractive price of Rs 1.25 lakh, ex-showroom.

VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION, SLIPPER CLUTCH, SHORT WHEELBASE ALL REINFORCE THE R15 AS A RACER’S TOOL