Yamaha YZF-R15 S



The Yamaha R15 comes with a new avatar, bringing goodness of version 2.0 and comfort of version 1.0 under a single name, R15-S (Single Seat). The company has re-launched the Version 1.0 and it is priced at Rs. 1,14,741. The changes to the motorcycle are mere cosmetic when compared to version 2.0 as the underpinnings are said to be the same. As Yamaha said, the launch has been in response to the customer feedback, raising the respect graph of company in the eyes of riders.



The Yamaha R15 S (Single Seat) looks exactly the same as both the other versions from tits front view. The major difference would be kept in the availability is shades and placement of stickers on the body of the motorcycle. It comes with the rear end of the version 1.0, providing a long single seat with a reduced height than version 2.0. The exhaust has been taken from the newer version whereas the tyre hugger has gone missing from the R15-S. The grab rails are finally back on the R15, giving piece of mind to the pillion rider. Everything looks perfectly placed and the new version will definitely fulfill the dreams of those who were sitting back because of the non-practical pillion seat height of the version 2.0.

The perfect looking instrument console of R15 has been kept the same as the version 2.0. It gets the same left sided digital display for speed, fuel, switchable odometer and twin trip distance. On its top, the LED indications of neutral, turn indicator, high beam and engine warning lights are placed. On the right is an analog tachometer, perfectly placed in a circular pod.

The engine on the R15-S is the same 1-cylinder, 149.8 cc liquid cooled and fuel injected, 4-valve unit with a maximum power output of 16.8 BHP @ 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 15 NM @ 7,500 rpm. The output from the engine remains exactly the same whereas it will definitely get a benefit from the reduced weight of the S version. The gearbox has also been kept the same as version 2.0, keeping the ratios of the 6-speed unit same as the on-going model.


The overall changes include an increase in length from the on-going model by 25 mm, making it 1995 mm for the R15S. The overall width and height has been kept the same at 670 mm and 1070 mm respectively. The ground clearance again remains the same at 160 mm whereas the seat height is reduced from 800 mm to 790 mm. The weight is said to be down by 5 kg, making the new model more responsive and performance oriented. The changes are very impressive as it allows more practical riding as well as performance experiences.

The new R15 S would definitely excel in its performance values. It will take less time than a version 2.0 R15 to reach 100 kmph as it gets a 5 kg reduction in its overall weight. The mileage would also increase partially, making it good for an average fuel efficiency of 30-40 kmpl. The 12 litre fuel tank would make it good for a 450-500 km stretch on highways.

The R15S gets the updated disc brakes from the version 2.0. The front brake measures 267 mm whereas the rear is a 220 mm hydraulic unit. The tyres would also get an update from the version 1.0, making it 90/80-17 for the front and 130/70-17 for the rear. The comfort on the R15 would be relived with its reduced seat height and a single, long comfortable seat. The Delta box frame does its duty firmly on this version also and provides a hassle free ride experience throughout the journey.

Yamaha R15 S is available in 3 new shades namely Track White, Adrenalin Red and Spark Green shade. The new shades are again looking fantastic on the sharp edges of the R15-S as all the other currently available shades of the version 2.0. Yamaha has always been ahead in terms of providing distinct and impressive color selection to its little track racer.

Exactly opposite to the expected theory, the R15-S came with a premium of INR 500 from the on-going version 2.0. It gets a price tag of INR 1,14,741 (ex-showroom Delhi). The hike would not be regretted as the specific performance boost due to its reduced weight and comfort of a long single seat won't let the price pinch the riders and the love for this excellent machine would definitely go up with the passing days. Finally, Yamaha knows the way to win the hearts of its dedicated fans and riders.