Yamaha R15 has been a favorite of India since its launch in the year 2008. This excellent machine which changed the way India approached the sportbike industry now comes in two body styles and 3 different shades for each of the variant. Here we will consider the Yamaha R15 V2.0.
The engine on the motorcycle is 149.8 cc, 1-cylinder, liquid cooled and fuel injected unit producing 16.8 BHP @ 8500 rpm and 15 Nm @ 7500 rpm. It comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox and claims a 0-100 kmph sprint time of 13.07 seconds. The available shades on this neatly designed sportbike are Revving Blue, Adrenaline Red and Sparky Green.
Why Should I buy Yamaha R15 V2.0?
Unlike many other bikes in the industry, R15 gets least amount of criticism while its advantage list is good enough to leave the minor flaws on the motorcycle.
- The design is timeless. Since last 8 years, the changes are minimum on the front while Yamaha has played very nicely with the color combinations on the motorcycle. Each year, the new shades are introduced in order to end the ageing effect on the R15.
- Performance for a 150 cc motorcycle is worth praising. A 13.07 second sprint time to 100 kmph is decent while the refinement and driving feel is truly unbeatable. 3-4 seconds faster than most of the 150 cc bikes of India.
- It's lightweight and the most efficient motorcycle when compared in terms of handling. Sharp dynamics makes it easy to accelerate, brake and turn while low weight makes it easy to control, reverse and even do most of things without putting your foot to the ground.
- Instrument console provides nice, life like experience. It does not provide a blue, red or yellow back-lit display as most other bikes. The white light provides a better viewing experience.
- The best in class mileage of around 40 kmpl on normal riding is the biggest advantage to those who cannot compromise economy while riding a sportbike.
- Yamaha's tyre hugger makes the bike look more road friendly as it not just looks perfect but also protects the pillion and the person driving behind you from streams of dirty water.
Why Shouldn't I buy Yamaha R15 V2.0?
- Pillion comfort, which the company itself felt was sacrificed on the second generation R15, is the biggest drawback of all time. Thanks to Yamaha, now you can buy a second version with a single long seat for enhanced pillion comfort (R15S).
- Yamaha R15 feels a bit overpriced when compared with bikes like Bajaj RS200 and AS200. They are better placed when seen from the value for money perspective.
- The missing ABS, not even optionally available forces many buyers into other segments like Apache RTR 180 and RS200 for more safety.
- Yamaha still provides 35W headlamps while many others around the segment have moved on to more powerful 60W headlamps for better night driving.
Hope this helps in ending the confusion in your mind for buying a Yamaha R15 version 2.0.
Know more about Yamaha R15 v2.0 here - http://autos.maxabout.com/bikes/yamaha/r15/yzf-r15-version-2
