The 150cc naked segment will see a new fighter in the form of the Yamaha MT-15, as it will be likely launched next month. The MT-15 will be powered by the same 155cc liquid cooled VVA mill doing the duty in the YZF-R15 V3.0. Thus it will cost a premium over the FZ/FZS series. The international version gets USD forks up front the Indian version will most likely get conventional telescopic forks instead. The India-bound MT-15 will be equipped with box-section swingarm. Both these measures are to cut down the costs. Rear suspension is a monoshock link type suspension.
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The bike features Deltabox frame (a triangular frame, where the engine hangs from the frame and is positioned low in the chassis), same as the R15 V3.0. The 155cc liquid cooled engine develops 19bhp and 14.7Nm of peak twist and is matched to a 6-speed gearbox. Whether the bike will feature single channel ABS or dual channel ABS remains to be seen. The international model gets a full digital console along with a wide handle bar. While the kerb weight of the international spec model is 133kg, the weight of the India spec MT-15 will vary because of the changes to suspension and swingarm. Saddle height is 810mm and the wheelbase is shorter than the FZ-25 at 1335mm. It will be equipped with a slipper clutch as well. The MT-15 gets LED projector headlights, LED DRLs, LED tail lamps.
While the R15 V3.0 retails at Rs 1.39 lakh, and the FZ-25 retails at Rs 1.33 lakh. Expect the MT-15 to cost between Rs 1.30 lakh and 1.40 lakh. There is no official announcement regarding the launch of the MT-15. Stay tuned for more updates.