Yamaha R15 based MT-15 spotted testing again: Clear pictures reveal details

The Yamaha MT-15 has been in news since some time and now we have fresh spyshots of the bikes. As we had earlier said, the bike is a naked version of the popular R15 motorcycle sold in India. Bookings for the bikes have already started at various dealerships of the company. The booking amount is set to Rs. 5,000 and deliveries will start taking place in April, which will be the same time from when test rides will be offered too.

As seen in the spyshots, the bike looks quite good and will be among the best looking naked bikes in India when launched. Compared to the international version, the bike in spyshots seems to be quite different. This is probably because of the cost cutting measures taken by the company to price the bike aggressively. Notable changes include a revised fuel tank, telescopic front forks instead of upside down units found on the global model, different alloy wheels, a more conventional read mudguard and lesser body work. Nonetheless, the bike still looks pretty good and that’s what matters for most of the people.

The Yamaha MT-15 shares a lot of its parts with the R15 and that’s because they are more or less the same bikes. The exhaust canister seen on the bike is the same as the one equipped on the R15. The chassis and other mechanical bits will also be carried over. The 6 speed gearbox and the slipper clutch are also expected to be retained. However, Yamaha could go for a ECU remap and change the gear ratios for better low and mid range performance. The MT-15 is designed to be an everyday bike that can be used on the track as well as in the daily chaos of city traffic. The seating position will also be more relaxed than the R15 and will be such so as to make long riding hours bearable.

The MT-15 is powered by a 155cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine, that produces 19.2 Bhp of power and 15 Nm of torque. The bike will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox and will come with a slipper clutch. The engine is supported by variable valve action (VVA) which improves fuel efficiency. While the R15’s engine is more focused towards peaky power delivery and high end performance, the MT15 will have a more relaxed output with plenty low end bite to counter the city traffic.

As of now, there is no word on the pricing. Going by estimates and speculations, we expect the company to price the bike around Rs. 1.2 to 1.3 lakhs price mark.  The Yamaha MT-15 will rival the likes of the TVS Apache 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 in the segment when it gets launched.

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