Yamaha YZF-R15 v3.0: Everything you need to know

The Yamaha R15 v3.0 is priced at Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Yamaha recently launched the R15 v3.0, a proper redesign of the very popular bike which established the budget sports bike segment in India way back in 2008.

While the R15 v2.0 brought with it some necessary changes, it’s the v3.0 that takes it to the next level with a brand-new design and an all-new engine. While we prepare a first ride review for you all, here are the essential facts of the all-new 2018 YZF-R15 v3.0.

Thoroughly updated design

The R15 has gone a lot sharper in its latest iteration, incorporating some of the new design elements that debuted with the latest R1 in 2015. So, what you get is a bike that looks nothing like the one it replaces, but at the same time looks unmistakably a member of the Yamaha R series. The brand-new design of the v3.0 is characterised by sharper LED twin headlamps and a new LED tail lamp, new alloys, all digital instrument cluster and new colours.

New engine, more power

The R15 has never been a bike for those looking for a brilliant price to performance ratio, and the new model is no different. So, while you still won’t get Pulsar RS200 like 24.5bhp of power and 18.5Nm of torque, the Yamaha R15 v3.0 produces more horsepower from its new 155cc liquid-cooled engine as compared to its predecessor. You now get 19.3bhp, which is 2.5bhp up from the v2.0. However, the torque is marginally down at 14.7Nm. Slipper clutch now comes as standard.

Still a corner-carver

At the core of the R15 v3.0 lies Yamaha’s signature track honed Deltabox frame, albeit in a slightly re-engineered form. So, the bike still prioritises razor-sharp handling – the reason why enthusiasts love it so much in the first place. Also aiding the handling is the wider rear tyre, which is now 140/70 R17 section instead of 130/70 R17 of the older model.

Not as well equipped

While the global-spec Yamaha R15 V3 comes equipped with some premium features like USD front forks and premium IRC tyres, these features have been given a miss in India to keep costs in check, which is fine. However, the conspicuous absence of ABS, even as an option, is a sheer disappointment and will surely turn off a lot of potential buyers. We hope that this essential safety feature soon makes its way on the new R15.

Racy optional kit 

You can spec your new R15 v3.0 with a special Racing Kit that includes stickier Metzeler tyres, frame slider and a performance boosting Daytona exhaust. It surely is a great addition for track enthusiasts, but it comes at a price.