Yamaha has revealed the new R15 V3.0 at an event in Indonesia. The new bike gets a noticeable change to styling along with the inclusion of some first-in-segment features. It has also grown in size as compared to the R15 V2.0 that's currently on sale in the country, but with a shorter wheelbase. The bike also features an all-new engine that makes it one of the most powerful bikes in the 150cc segment.
The styling of the R15 in line with the previous-generation YZF-R6, and we can't help but feel that there's a slight tinge of a Honda Supersport design in there. The front fascia is entirely new and features angular LED headlamp units separated by a central vent. The fairings have also been tweaked, while the fuel tank is at 11 litres as against the V2.0’s 12 litres. And, unlike its predecessor, that had an analogue tachometer, the V3.0's instrument cluster is now fully digital.
In terms of size, the new R15 V3.0 measures 1,990mm in length, 725mm in width and 1,135mm in height, making it 30mm longer, 55mm wider and 65mm taller than before. The wheelbase, however, has shrunk from 1,345mm to 1,325mm which should make the bike feel more agile. The seat height has also gone up from 800mm to 815mm, which should provide a more aggressive riding position, reiterating the fact that this R15 V3.0 takes its racing pedigree very seriously. The new bike weighs 137kg, 1kg more than the R15 V2.0.
Powering the new R15 V3.0 is a new 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel injected engine capable of developing 19.3hp and 14.7Nm of torque. The engine is also equipped with Yamaha’s VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) technology to help improve performance at higher revs, allowing Yamaha engineers to infuse the bike with a more tractable powerband. It also features a higher compression ratio as compared to the current bike’s 149cc engine.
The bike also sits on meatier 100/80-17 and 140/70-17 tyres at the front and rear, respectively. Handling the suspension duty on the new R15 V3.0 is a new upside-down fork at the front, while the rear caries on using a mono shock. The new suspension setup should make for an even better handling package. Yamaha has also included a slipper clutch for faster gearshifts.
Yamaha is expected to bring the new R15 V3.0 to India sometime later this year, and while we haven't received information on the changes that will be carried forward from the international bike, it is likely to be priced competitively.
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