Words by Afzal Rawuther
Yamaha has launched the YZF-R15 V3.0 at the Auto Expo 2018. The bike will retail for Rs. 1.25lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi). The bike looks sharper than before and the twin headlamps upfront along with the redone front makes it look much more like its elder sibling, the R1. The 155cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, four-valve, fuel-injected engine produces 19bhp at 10,000rpm and 15Nm of torque at 8500rpm. Yamaha promises sharper throttle response, better low and mid-end performance. An addition of Varaiable Valve Actuation(VVA) ensures that the bike has high-end power in the low and mid range.
The bike also features an assist and slipper(A&S) clutch that will make gearshifts easier for the rider. With a wet weight of 139kg, the R15 promises to be even more agile. A ground clearance of 170mm will make it more practical over our pothole-ridden roads. The rear gets chunky 140 section tyres while the front makes do with 100 section tyres. Braking duties at the front are handled by a 282mm disc with 2-pot caliper. A new Deltabox Frame is said to improve rigidity. The new R15 now features LED headlights and taillights, LCD console. There are two colour options – Racing Blue and Thunder Grey.
Yamaha will also be giving buyers the option of a Racing kit that includes a Daytona muffler, Metzeler tyres and a frame slider. The kit will be available from authorized dealers at an additional cost.