Yamaha’s presence in India is kind of bittersweet. But it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to say that it’s more of frustration. And it is justified, isn’t it? The Japanese bike manufacturer is completely absent from the performance/middle-weight/high-end segments in the Indian motorcycle market. All that it has to offer are the YZF-R15 and the MT15, which are very good motorcycles, of course, but those are precisely the reasons for frustration as well because Yamaha has so much more that they can give us.
That being said, it’s time to focus on the good things.
Yamaha Motor India has launched the updated MT15, called MT15 Version 2.0, at a starting price of INR 1,59,900 ex-showroom Delhi. The motorcycle gets some upmarket cycle parts as well as new colors. So, what’s new?
MT15 Version 2.0
The most prominent visual upgrade is the adoption of the upside-down front forks. Measuring 37 mm in diameter, the new front forks shall provide enhanced handling while improving the overall stability of the front end. Just like in the YZF-R15 V4.
Then look a little deeper and you’ll notice that Yamaha has replaced the traditional box-section swing-arm with the sportier aluminium swing-arm from the YZF-R15. The link-type mono-shock remains. Both these changes to the suspension and chassis not only make the bike appear more premium but also provide real handling benefits.
The MT15 Version 2.0 also gets a new LCD console featuring smartphone connectivity. Using the Y-Connect app, the rider will be able to connect their smartphone and see all sorts of alerts, such as the call, SMS, email, phone battery status, etc., on the bike’s LCD console.
The 155cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine remains unchanged, and it produces 18.4 PS of power at 10,000 RPM and 14.1 NM of torque at 7,500 RPM. The Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) equipped single is an impressive performer. The VVA system enables two intake cam profiles - one for low to mid-range RPM and another for high RPM - that switch between one another at 7,400 RPM to provide powerful acceleration and performance at all engine speeds.
The kerb weight has gone up by 1 kg and it’s now 139 kg. The bike remains extremely light. The overall design is still the same, but it now looks noticeably more premium. With its Bi-LED headlight and ultra-compact front end, combined with the exposed perimeter frame, the upside-down forks, and the aluminium swing-arm, the MT15 Version 2.0 looks contemporary and arguably the sportiest in its class.
The price starts at INR 1,59,900 ex-showroom Delhi and goes up to INR 1,60,900. To add to the newness of the motorcycle, there are now four new colours - Ice Fluo - Vermillion, Cyan Storm, Racing Blue, and Metallic Black.
There’s one more thing.
Yamaha also launched the YZF-R15M in the World GP 60th Anniversary Edition colours. The white/red paint scheme with golden wheels looks absolutely brilliant and lends the already well-built motorcycle an even more classic and sportier appearance. This version is priced at INR 1,88,300 ex-showroom Delhi.
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