Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 sportsbike launched in India at the Auto Expo 2018

Yamaha has finally launched the all-new, 3rd generation R15. Known as the R15 Version 3.0, the motorcycle is priced at Rs. 1.25 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. The third-gen R15 comes in exactly 10 years after the first generation sportsbike was launched during the 2008 Auto Expo. The new bike gets a slew of stylistic changes and performance upgrades, stuff that motorcycle enthusiasts will love.

To start with, there’s a brand new 155 cc four stroke engine borrowed from the international model. This motor gets Yamaha’s variable valve timing, and makes 19.3 PS of peak power at 10,000 rpm and 14.7 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm. The high-revving engine gets a four valve head and runs a single overhead camshaft while liquid cooling and fuel injection are other standard features.

The engine pairs with a 6 speed manual gearbox, and makes about 16 % more power than the older, 149 cc motor. Yamaha also claims a mileage increase of 5 % even as compression ratio has been bumped up to 11.6:1. Then there’s a new assist and slipper clutch that’s said to reduce effort for gear-shifting. The rear wheel also won’t lock under hard downshifting due to the new slipper clutch.

The front end gets a revised fairing with twin LED headlamps while there’s a new Deltabox frame with additional stiffening for great handling. Telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock make for suspension bits while the bike gets hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear. ABS is missing. The design changes continue to the rear, which is sharply raked.

There’s a new 140 section rear tyres, which is wider than the one on the V2.0 model, and the tyre also gets a hugger. The exhaust is also a new unit and so is the LED tail light. Finally, you have the new instrument cluster that is fully digital. This cluster offers a range of read-outs, from the gear position indicator to a shift light and average speed. Summing it up, the R15 Version 3.0 looks like a totally new motorcycle. Meanwhile, Yamaha will also offer a race-spec version of he R15 Version 3.0 for those who want to compete in the one-make racing series.