Yamaha R15: 4 reasons to buy and 2 not to

The Yamaha R15 has been around for close to two decades in India and it has played a key role in cementing the company’s reputation as a maker of accessible yet high-quality, capable sporty machines. In its latest (and fourth) iteration now, the R15 is more advanced than ever before and we list out some reasons why this little sportbike should be on your wishlist.

1 Sleek, full-faired design

R15’s proper sportbike design is one of its biggest draws 

The reason many of us gravitate towards sportbikes is because they have sharp, aerodynamic full fairings that give them a sleek, catchy design. The R15 V4 borrows its design language from the bigger R-series bikes, albeit in a much more compact and scaled-down manner. However, it still manages to turn heads like nothing else in this displacement range.

2 Lovely, connected handling

Provides genuine sportbike handling in an attainable package

The way a pukka sportbike handles when shown a set of curves is a thing of beauty and this small Yamaha manages to deliver in spades on that count. Its deltabox frame and taut suspension provide ample feedback and instill confidence in newer and experienced riders alike, making the R15 a promising place to start if you’re looking to get into trackdays.

3 Top notch quality, feel-good features

Yamaha quality is at a high standard; has a TFT and quickshifter on some variants

Japanese products (even if they’re made in India) have almost always set a high baseline when it comes to quality and fit and finish. The R15 is no different with tactile switchgear, no uneven panel gaps and high quality plastics used in its sleek fairing. In its higher-spec M guise or the MotoGP paint variant, the R15 even has a colour TFT display as well as an up-only quickshifter, the latter is something that no other 150cc bike in India offers.

4 Easy to maintain and run

It is a very reliable machine that’s easy on your pocket

The Yamaha R15 has been around for long enough now that sourcing spares and essential parts is a straightforward and cost-effective process. Add to that, it has cemented itself as a bulletproof machine in the long run, which gives peace of mind when putting your hard-earned money down on a new purchase. And since it uses a small yet modern liquid-cooled, 155cc engine, its mileage is also respectable for a performance-oriented machine, making it that much sweeter.

That being said, there are two important things to keep in mind before you pony up Yamaha’s asking price for the R15. 

1 Pricey for what it is

It is the most expensive 150cc-segment motorcycle in India

With a price tag that ranges from Rs 1.84 lakh to Rs 2.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the R15 has become quite a pricey purchase. This is especially highlighted when compared to a rival like the more powerful and practical Hero Karizma XMR 210, which is priced between Rs 1.81 lakh-2.02 lakh.

2 Committed ergonomics

Racy riding position is not conducive to longer trips and daily usage

With every passing generation, the Yamaha R15 has become more and more committed in terms of the rider’s triangle. The latest version is perhaps the most focused machine in terms of ergonomics in the sub-600cc class in India, and if you’re looking to buy an R15 only for daily commutes and some leisurely trips, its sibling, the MT-15 would be a better choice.

Also See: Kawasaki Ninja 300: 4 reasons to buy and 2 reasons not to