All-new Yamaha R15 V3.0 launched at Rs. 1.57 lakhs, ex-showroom India

Yamaha has launched a new variant of the R15 in the Indian market. It is called the R15S and it is based on the V3 of the R15. The main difference between the regular R15 V3 and R15S V3 is the seat. The R15 comes with a split seat setup whereas the R15S comes with a single-piece seat. The R15S V3.0 has been priced at Rs. 1.57 lakhs ex-showroom. It is available only in Racing Blue colour scheme.

 Mr. Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “The YZF-R15 in its Version 3.0 was a huge success as it proved to be the most exhilarating model in the 150cc supersport segment with advanced technology and features. While the YZF-R15 V4 is being highly appreciated by customers across India, our research has shown that customers are also looking for a more viable option to commute with a pillion, without having to compromise on the Racing DNA of the R15. At Yamaha, we are always listening to what our customers’ demand and make every possible attempt to meet those demands. Hence, the R15S V3 with a Unibody Seat was evident. After the introduction of the brand Campaign ‘The Call of the Blue’ in 2018, the R15 model range witnessed a staggering growth in sales. Considering the period between January 2018 to October 2021, we have garnered a total sale of 276, 445 units, which is a remarkable accomplishment. This clearly states the success of ‘The Call of the Blue’ campaign, which was launched to testify the company’s commitment of offering two wheelers that add up to the global spirit of Yamaha Racing and the brand’s global image of ‘Excitement, Stylish and Sporty.”

The single-piece seat offers more room for the rider to move around while riding. So, he can change his position if he is starting to get uncomfortable. This is why adventure motorcycles always come with a single-piece seat. However, the main advantage is to the pillion. The split seats are not very comfortable for the pillion whereas single-piece seats offer more room to the pillion. Most of the people in India have to carry a pillion sometime or the other. So, a single-piece seat makes more sense for the Indian market.

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This is not the first time that Yamaha has launched a single-piece seat version of the R15. The first R15 was also launched with a split seat up but later on, Yamaha launched an R15S which came with a single-piece seat. It seems like Yamaha will not discontinue Version 3 of R15. It will stay on sale with the R15 V4 which was launched recently.

There are no changes to the R15S V3. It still comes with a 155cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine that is capable of producing 18.6 PS at 10,000rpm and peak torque output of 14.1 Nm at 8,500rpm. It comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox with Assist and Slipper Clutch. The engine is also fuel injected and comes with Variable Valve Actuation.

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