2015 new Yamaha YZF-R15 version 2.0
Yamaha YZF-R15
Yamaha R15 was the first affordable sports bike in India which shared most of the styling bits with Yamaha’s much expensive bikes from R series. The looks and performance of this bike made it famous instantly and looking at its popularity and rising competition, Yamaha has launched the second version of this bike – R15 Version 2.0. Yamaha also launched the Racing Blue Edition and Grid Gold Edition of R15. Yamaha R15 Grid Gold has been painted in a striking Gold shade with all-new decals on both sides. Yamaha R15 Racing Blue Edition is inspired from the Grand Prix and looks awesome in blue and white.
Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 features all-new design for engine fairing, new design for alloy wheels, split seat which is now better cushioned, new graphics and decals, fatter rear tyre - 130/70 - R17, bigger 220mm rear disc for better braking, all-new LED tail lamp which looks much better than 2010 model of YZF-R15, new ECU mapping for better pick-up and fuel efficiency, weight increased by 5kgs (now it weighs 136kgs), new design for saree guard and mudguard plus new design for the silencer/exhaust pipe.
Design and Style
Yes, Yamaha has made some noticeable changes in R15 Version 2.0 but if you are searching for them at its front then you will be disappointed. Apart from the wider front tyre and darker visor, there is nothing else which differentiates it with the earlier version. Only when you move to the side of this bike then you can notice the major changes which make this bike look extremely cool and sporty than before. The middle cowl in the full size fairing has been redesigned to improve the aerodynamics of this bike which also manages to impress you visually. Moreover you can notice the aluminium swing arm at the back which is first in any Indian bike. The bike also gets new silencer with carbon finishing and a nameplate on it. The rear section of the bike is much improved and looks much sporty than any of its competitor. The fatty rear tyre (130/70) is a welcome feature which was needed desperately in this bike. It features new split seat, saree guard and mud guard. However, the triangular LED tail light could have been better. The new tail cowl is also appealing and comes without any kind of grab rail.
It shares its instrument console with the outgoing version. It has a round pod for its analogue tachometer while it features a digital speedometer, fuel gauge and odometer with other LED indicators. The blue back light looks funky at night but could have been darker in colour.
Engine and Gearbox
Sadly, there are no changes in this department which means the bike is still powered by the liquid cooled 4-stroke 150cc engine. It’s a mono cylinder, 4-Valve; SOHC engine which is designed to pump out a power of 16.8 bhp at 8500 rpm with utmost torque production of 15 Nm available at 7500 rpm. This engine is equipped with a six speed gearbox with one gear down and five gears up- shift pattern.
Acceleration and Performance
More or less, the feel and throttle response of this engine is same to that of the outgoing model. Yamaha has slightly tweaked the engine which is hardly noticeable due to its additional weight of around 4kgs. The initial gear ratios make it perfect for daily usage. Its only when you go pass 6000rpm then you can notice the slow behaviour of this engine. However there are no vibrations till 8500rpm and the refinement level is also very satisfactory but the high end performance of the engine indicates at its lower displacement. The bike has become faster than before and does 0-100km/hour in just above 13 seconds. One can reach the top speed of 130km/hour with this bike but while doing so, it may not feel as eager as most of its competitors. The high end performance is nowhere near to Bajaj Pulsar 220 and Honda CBR 250R.
Mileage
In city conditions, the mileage of R15 ranges from 35-40km/ltr while on highways one can expect anything around 45-50km/ltr.
Comfort while driving
Yamaha R15 is known for its sporty stance which was never offered before in any premium bike in India. The aerodynamic design of the bike allows the rider to bend forward with knees rolled back in perfect position. With its low seating, one can easily find a firm hold on this bike which gives you the confidence to rule the road which is absent on bikes like Pulsar and Hero Karizma ZMR. New seat is also very comfortable with foot pegs being placed much behind than normal. The clips on handle are nice and convenient to hold and the overall feel while you drive this bike is magnificent.
Safety Features and Storage Space
The dual headlights of R15 Version 2.0 allow you to get a clear view of roads at night and confirms you safe driving. There is no storage space in this bike.
Suspension and Braking
Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 has the same telescopic forks at its front with linked type mono-shocker at its back. The bike takes most of the bumps with ease and feels free to cross most of the speed breakers and potholes without any complain. The suspension system confirms that the high seated pillion rider also get stress free and comfortable ride. The braking system of this bike has been up-graded with bigger discs on its both wheels. The bike has a disk brake at its front while the rear disc brake is of 220mm. The bigger discs have resulted into more precise and safe barking which confirms you a safe ride.
Ride and Handling
With extended wheelbase (1345mm), fatty tyres and aluminium swing arm at the back, the new R15 Version 2.0 feels more confident and eager to go. The bike now holds the road firmly and with its flawless suspension and ground clearance of 160mm, the bike offers you a very pleasant ride. Light and accurate handling of this bike has been the biggest USP of it and the new bike retains this quality. The bike feels sharp and fast around corners.
Shades
2014 model of Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 2.0 is available in four shades: Racing Blue (Special Edition), Grid Gold (Special Edition), Invincible Black and Raring Red.
Verdict
Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 looks sportier than ever and with bigger tyres and discs; it’s fun to drive this bike. Nothing goes wrong for this bike except for its less powerful engine. The ride and handling of this bike prompts you to push it hard but its underpowered engine is a let-down. Despite its smaller engine, the bike is priced really well and it surely has an upper hand over others like Honda CBR150R which is costlier than R15. It’s a good package from Yamaha and it’s certainly worth to buy this bike
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