Yamaha YZF R15 Review by Chinmay Sawarkar
Three years ago, we saw the Yamaha YZF R15 come to India in an all-new avatar. Fully-faired, split headlamp and a pure track day bike. Little did we know that it was fuel to the fire, a fire that was ravishing in the youth for performance motorcycles.
Add to that living in Pune, considered to be a biking hub, the R15 was a treat for us. It still is… Rumours were out since the launch of the Honda CBR 250R that Yamaha are going to get back at Honda. That they’re getting a new track scorcher. Come September, Yamaha unveiled the R15 v2.0. One absolutely gorgeous looking bike, an eye candy.
I went to the showroom the moment I got to know that it’s available for a test ride. A quick spin around the showroom with the engineer on the pillion seat and I don’t remember thinking about any other bike to the date I finally booked mine. Donning a sunshine red and a white tail, is my new steed, Yamaha YZF R15 v2.0.
I couldn’t be happier than what I am after riding my own Yamaha YZF R15 v2.0. A true blue track scorcher, the Yamaha YZF R15 v2.0 can tackle every corner with relative ease. Nor did the old bike ever had any issues with her handling dynamics, nor does the new one but the new one ensures better feedback to the rider all thanks to the new fatter tyres and changed weight ratio of the bike.
The Yamaha YZF R15 v2.0 is a real show stopper with the gorgeous tail section, the MRF Revz 130mm tyre give the bike a big daddy look. All our hopes of getting the R125 to India were put to rest with the v2.0.
The riding stance has been made more aggressive with modifications on the saddle. The super sports seating position is the answer for the hurting wrists. Er Did I mention that too early? The bigger split also is a boon for sport riders to move around the bike with no hassles. The bigger saddle & it’s increased height also ensure that you’ll be comfortable no matter how tall you are.
Other minor bits here and there are the new circular pulley for the throttle cable and the throttle valve wire give better control over the acceleration of the bike. The first in class aluminium swingarm makes you more confident when it comes to mid corner stability. The gearbox has been substantially modified to make way for the new wider tyres and the increased 4-odd kgs weight of the bike. The ECU is re-mapped to ensure handy power at low revvs while exiting corners or in the city.
A clear visor in the front, a bit more power in the mill and a stronger headlamp is all I could ever ask for from the track scorching mad man’s mad steed.
All in all, it’s the best bike available in town right now for novice & professional sport riders. It’s a steal for that kind of a price tag. With the Honda CBR 150R here, the R15 does have some competition finally in that segment.
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