Yamaha had unveiled its R15 v3.0 in Indonesia back in January 2017. At the time, we were pleased to tell you how the motorcycle had some first-in-segment features. However, a test bike of the R15 v3.0 has now been spotted in India and it appears to come with different specifications.
We've now updated this article with fresh images of an undisguised R15 captured in India that flaunts its handsome R1/R6 inspired style. Split headlamps (LED in international markets, India spec is unconfirmed) separated by a large intake make up the face while the side gets sharp bodywork. The fairing has been redesigned, with the fuel tank now 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. At the rear, the R1/R6-style hollowed out tail section is sure to find many fans and the pillion seat is noticeably lower than the R15 v2, something which should also find appreciation.
The new R15 v3.0 is running conventional front forks instead of the more premium upside-down ones seen on the international-spec bike. The bike spied was also using MRF tyres and not the IRC ones seen on the Indonesian-spec bike. The spy image also clearly shows that the bike lacks ABS, but so does the international model. This tells us that Yamaha is most likely going to launch the motorcycle before April 2018, because, according to the upcoming regulations, it is mandatory for manufacturers to equip all bike models above 125cc with ABS, for the launches planned on or after April 1, 2018. Existing models will, however, have a deadline of April 1, 2019, to get equipped with the feature.
In the spy shot, the new bike’s engine appears to be different to that of the current R15. This means that we are likely to get the new 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine from the international spec bike. However, this motor features Yamaha's Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system which helps it make 19.3hp and 14.7Nm of torque. Graphics along the side read "VVA Variable Valve Actuation', which puts to rest previous speculation of whether Yamaha would launch the engine as is, or with a simpler (read lower cost) version without the VVA system.
Expect a launch within a month or two, with the Yamaha YZF R15 v3.0 to be priced slightly higher than the v2.0, which currently sells for Rs 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
