Yamaha MT-15 vs R15 V3 in a drag race: Who wins? [Video]

The Yamaha MT-15 was launched back in March and is basically a naked version of the R15 V3. There are a few other differences too and the MT-15 only comes with a single channel ABS compared to the double channel unit on the R15 V3 but let’s skip on that. The bigger question here is that which of these two bikes performs better in real-world conditions, like in a drag race. The MT-15 comes without any fairing while the R15 is a fully faired bike with a strong top end. The video below by MysticRider Prateek pits both these bikes against each other in a drag race. Let’s take a look at the video before talking about the results and the factors behind it.

First Round – MT-15 wins

The drag race in this video is conducted in two rounds, with the riders switching the bikes after the first round. In the first round, the MT-15 wins while the R15 V3 was behind by a whisker to the finish line. MT-15 maintained a lead since the start in this round but the R15 started to catch up quickly after crossing the 10 km/h mark. This indicates that on a long stretch, the R15 can easily beat the MT-15 despite starting a bit late.

Second Round – R15 V3 wins 

The riders then switch the bikes and prepare again for the drag race. In this round, the R15 V3 rider takes a lead since the start and the distance between both the bikes grows more as they attain higher speed. The result, therefore, can be said to be a draw but let’s take a look at the reasons for this outcome and the factors involved here.

Reasons and factors behind the result

The rider’s skill and experience is a crucial part of drag races apart from the bikes. More than the performance difference between the bikes, the difference between both the riders is quite apparent here as both the races are won by the same guy.

A good start is very important in a drag race and the MT-15 had a bit of a limp start in the second round.

Weight of the riders on the bike is quite crucial when comparing bikes of almost equal power.

The R15 V3 performs better at higher speeds due to the fairings which provide it with better aerodynamics.

Bike specifications

Talking about the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0, it gets powered by a 155 cc engine that puts out 18.7 Bhp along with 15 Nm). The engine comes mated to a six-speed gearbox and gets a slipper clutch as well. It comes equipped with a dual-channel ABS, VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) and weighs 139 kg.

The Yamaha MT-15 is also powered by the same 155 cc, single cylinder liquid cooled engine that is found on the Yamaha R15. The engine output is nearly the same at 19 Bhp of power along with 15 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox along with a slipper clutch. The weight of the bike, despite having no fairings is 138 kg. Power for both bikes peak at 10,000 rpm while max torque is available at 8,500 rpm, so that is also not a factor here.