Yamaha R15 V3 & R3 ABS sportsbikes launching soon in India

Yamaha is preparing to launch two new sportsbikes in the Indian market. The bikes will be launched at or before the 2018 Auto Expo (scheduled for February 2018), according to the Times of India. The Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 is one bike, and the other one is the R3 ABS. The R15 Version 3.0 has already been spotted testing on Indian roads.

Yamaha pulled out the R3 from the Indian market earlier this year as the new BS4 (Bharat Stage 4) emission norms came into place. The company has just unveiled the Euro 4 compliant version of the R3 sportsbike internationally. The bike is now ready for launch in the Indian market as Euro 4 is a more stringent emission norm than BS4.

The R15 Version 3.0 will feature styling and performance similar to the international version but with some India-specific changes to drive down costs. For example, it will get telescopic front forks in India instead of upside down forks offered abroad. The tyres will also be cheaper. It could get LED headlamps and tail lamps though.

The engine is however, expected to be the same one that’s on the international version. The R15 Version 3.0 gets a new, 155cc single cylinder engine with more power and torque (19.3 PS and 14.7 Nm) than the older 150cc engine. Like before, the engine will be liquid cooled and fuel injected, but will also get variable valve timing. The bike is expected to be priced at around Rs. 1.25 lakhs.

Coming to the R3, the bike meant for the Indian market is expected to be offered with ABS and different graphics. Other things on the bike are likely to remain unchanged. It will continue to be powered by a 300cc, twin cylinder liquid cooled four stroke engine. This engine produces 41 Bhp and 30 Nm. It is paired with a 6 speed manual gearbox. It gets disc brakes on both wheels, telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear. The new bike is expected to be priced at Rs. 3.5 lakhs.