New Delhi
The Most Practical Yamaha R15 Reviewed!
Reviews by Team Drivio | 25 Jul 2023
The Yamaha R15S will cost you Rs 1,64,400, ex-showroom Delhi.
- The R15S features a slightly raised handlebar and a single seat setup.
- Yamaha has altered the bike from the other R15s, to make it more commuting friendly.
- Its 155cc liquid-cooled engine has 18.4PS and 14.2Nm on tap.
The R15 has always been a good but quite committed motorcycle to ride, something that’s not feasible to all, especially on an everyday basis. There have been plenty of complaints when riders have found the posture to be a bit overwhelming. And to solve that very problem, Yamaha launched the most ‘practical’ iteration of it in 2021.
Enter: the R15S. With a raised handlebar and a single piece seat setup, how does this R15 differ from the other? Let’s find out:
Yamaha R15S: Design & Features
The standout feature of the Yamaha R15S V3 is its practical single-seat configuration, which is aimed at making this super sport motorcycle more suitable for everyday use. Despite this focus on practicality, Yamaha has retained the sharp and edgy bodywork commonly found in most super sport bikes, preserving its sporty appearance. The Racing Blue variant has been updated with refreshed graphics, a silver strip, and the prominent R15 logo on the fairing.
The R15 boasts modern and stylish elements, such as sleek twin LED headlights and an LED tail lamp. The motorcycle is equipped with a full-digital LCD dash that provides a wealth of information to the rider. Among the displayed data are two tripmates, an average fuel efficiency indicator, a gear position indicator, and a bar-type tachometer. Safety-wise, the R15S comes with standard dual-channel ABS, ensuring enhanced braking performance.
Another noteworthy technology featured in the R15 is Variable Valve Actuation, or Yamaha's term for variable valve timing. This innovative system allows the motorcycle to achieve peak top-end performance without compromising low-end power delivery, resulting in a well-balanced and efficient performance across the rev range.
Yamaha R15S: Engine
| Specs | Yamaha R15 V3 |
|---|---|
| Engine Capacity | 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled 4-valve DOHC engine equipped with VVA |
| Power | 18.4PS @ 10,000rpm |
| Torque | 14.2Nm @ 8,500rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed transmission |
Under the hood, the R15S is equipped with the same potent engine found in the R15 V4 – a 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled 4-valve motor featuring Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). This advanced technology optimizes performance by adjusting the valve timing according to the engine's RPM. The engine produces a respectable power output of 18.4PS and a torque of 14.2Nm. To harness this power efficiently, Yamaha has paired the engine with a smooth-shifting 6-speed gearbox.
Yamaha has made notable improvements in terms of environmental compatibility. The R15S is now OBD-2 compliant, enhancing its ability to diagnose and regulate emissions-related issues. Additionally, the motorcycle is compatible with E20 fuel, which is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. This fuel flexibility helps reduce environmental impact and promotes the use of renewable resources.
Yamaha R15S: Chassis
| Details | Yamaha R15S |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension | 41mm conventional telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Tyre Sizes | Front: 100/80 - 17 Rear: 140/70 - 17 (Optional Metzeler radial tyre available) |
| Brakes | Front: 282mm disc, dual-piston caliper Rear: 220mm disc, single-piston caliper |
The 155cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve single engine in the YZF-R15 is truly remarkable and one of the best in its class. Despite a slight reduction of 0.2hp compared to the previous version, there's no need to worry because the overall performance remains unaffected in real-world conditions. Interestingly, this engine now generates 0.1Nm more torque and reaches its peak 1,000rpm earlier than before. This might result in a slightly quicker acceleration compared to the v3 model, but we'll confirm that once we perform Vbox testing on the bike.
Yamaha R15S: Dimensions
| Dimensions | Yamaha R15S |
|---|---|
| Length | 1990mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,325mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170mm |
| Kerb Weight | 142kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 9.5-litre |
| Seat Height | 815mm |
The R15 continues to impress with its smooth and seamless six-speed gearbox, providing a delightful riding experience. Those who opt for the Racing Blue, R15 M, or MotoGP editions can enjoy the convenience of the up-only quickshifter, which operates flawlessly. However, it's worth noting that the quickshifter can only be used in track mode, adding to the thrill of high-speed riding.
Yamaha R15S: Price
| Price | Yamaha R15 V3 |
|---|---|
| Ex-showroom, Delhi | Rs 1,64,400 |
Yamaha presents the R15S in two striking color options - Racing Blue and Matte Black. Both variants are available at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1,64,400 in Delhi. These colors add to the motorcycle's overall appeal, allowing customers to choose between a vibrant and sporty Racing Blue or a sleek and understated Matte Black finish.
Verdict
All in all, the R15S is definitely a welcome addition to the R15 family. The practicality does help it to a certain extent and it’s definitely slightly more comfortable than the other R15 bikes. But what Yamaha has done so well with it, is its pricing. At Rs 1.64 lakh, it’s more than Rs 25,000 more affordable than the R15 V4 and hence presents itself as a much more accessible bike for all kinds of riders.
