Yamaha MT-15

Yamaha India is planning to launch the naked streetfighter version of R15 V3.0 known as the Yamaha MT-15. Company sees a huge market in the 150cc segment, especially with the newer buyers who are looking for style and performance. The bike will be a premium offering by the company and is likely to share its underpinnings with the YZF R15 V3.0.

The Yamaha MT-15 looks muscular and stands out from the crowd. In terms of styling, the Yamaha MT-15 looks similar to the larger displacement MT that is currently on sale. The bug-eyed LED headlight will be the real highlight of this bike and it will get a sculpted fuel tank with slim tail section. The bike will run on 17-inch, ten-spoke alloy wheels shod with 110 section tyres upfront and meaty 140-section tyres at the rear. 

In terms of its dimensions, the new MT 15 will measure 1,965mm in length, 800mm in width. The wheelbase is expected to be 1,335mm, while the seat height will be 810mm. 

The 2019 MT-15 is expected to be powered by a 155cc single-cylinder, SOHC liquid-cooled engine. However, there are no details available on the power & torque output of MT-15’s engine at the moment. It might be the same engine that does duty to the R15, but tuned for a better low and mid-range performance. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed transmission and a slip and assist clutch, and it will also feature Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology, which will assist it to offer decent mid-range performance without compromising on high end power delivery. 

The M-15 would be a perfect combination of technology, performance and style. The bike might be priced little lower than the R15, which is priced at Rs 1.27 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The bike is expected to deliver a decent mileage of around 40-45 kmpl.

Yamaha MT-15 will come with a single-piece seat which would be comfortable and can be used for long times in the saddle. The well-designed handle bar will offer ideal ergonomics for easy handling. The fuel tank will provide a good place to grip the tank with your knees. The bike is expected to be equipped with the same fully digital instrument cluster as the R15.

The Yamaha MT-15 just feels right in most real-world situations. The plenty of torque in the lower and mid-range of the power band would make it an easy motorcycle in the city driving conditions and on the highway. The bike is expected to hit a top speed of 140 kmph. 

The global model of new MT-15 comes equipped with an upside-down fork at the front, but in its place, the India-spec model of MT-15 is expected to get conventional forks. However, the rear monoshock suspension will be shared from the R15. The suspension would do a good job at maintaining a balance between comfort and composure.

When launched, the Yamaha MT-15 will face competition from the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar NS200.