Clearest spy shots of the upcoming Yamaha R15 v3.0
has surfaced online, picture courtesy PowerDrift.
The motorcycle was spotted in Bangalore; and going
by the markings on the fairing, the engine will feature the Variable Valve
Actuation (VVA) technology. For cost cutting purposes, the bike features
traditional telescopic front fork; and the footpeg holders are steel instead of
aluminium. The rear also comes with a tyre hugger, and the saree guard is
absent in the test mule. The design of the front fender is similar to the
existing R15 v2.0, but is shorter. The bike features an all-digital instrument
cluster; clip-on handlebars, and rear-set footpegs for aggressive riding
position. The headlights and tail light are LED, but the indicators are of bulb
type.
In the foreign markets, the Yamaha R15 v3.0 employs
a 155cc single cylinder mill with liquid cooling and fuel injection. The
powerplant punches out 19.31 PS of power and 14.7 Nm of torque, thanks to the
VVA technology. The engine works in tandem with 6-speed transmission with
slipper clutch. Expect Yamaha to omit the slipper clutch due to cost
constraints. In comparison, the 149 cc engine in the R15 v2.0 makes 17 PS of
power and 15 Nm of torque.
Brakes include discs on both ends, and the alloy
wheels seem to be shod with MRF tyres. ABS is absent, and the bike will
reportedly be launched in February 2018. Expect Yamaha to price the R15 v3.0 in
the INR 1.20-1.30 lakh (ex-showroom) range.