Yamaha R15 V2

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. In comparison to R15 Version 1.0, R15 Version 2 features an 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. The bike now comes with a 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. 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 mudguard.

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. Yamaha R15 V2 is powered by a liquid cooled 4-stroke 149.8cc 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 rpmThis engine is equipped with a six-speed gearbox with one gear down and five gears up-shift pattern. More or less, the feel and throttle response of this engine are the 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. It's 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. R15 V2 shares its instrument console with the R15 Version 1. 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 backlight looks funky at night but could have been darker in colour.

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. The new seat is also very comfortable with foot pegs being placed much behind than normal. The clips on the handle are nice and convenient to hold and the overall feel, while you drive this bike, is magnificent. 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 complaint. 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 upgraded with bigger discs on its both wheels. The bike has a 267mm disc brake at its front while the rear disc brake is of 220mm. The bigger discs have resulted in more precise and safe barking which confirms you a safe ride. 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 are the biggest USP of it and the new bike retains this quality. The bike feels sharp and fast around corners. R15 V2 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 prompt 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's a good package from Yamaha and it's certainly worth to buy this bike.