The India-spec 2019 Yamaha MT-15 has been spied
completely undisguised ahead of its Indian launch on 15 March, courtesy
Instagram user MT15crew. As compared to the global model, the India-spec Yamaha MT-15 will
come with a few changes to its design and mechanicals. The bike will use
conventional telescopic forks in place of the USD units on the Internationally
variant, while the cast aluminium swingarm will make way for a box-type unit
with a linkage-type rear mono-shock. Bookings for the MT15 are underway at an
amount of INR 5,000.
The India-spec model features different alloy wheels
that are sourced from the Yamaha R15 V3.0, while the front fender is redesigned
as well. The alloy wheels get fluorescent green rim strips and are wrapped with
MRF Revz tubeless tyres. The bike also features a saree guard, which will be
specific to the Indian model.
The spy mule of the 2019 Yamaha MT-15 is draped in a
shade of matte blue with black highlights. As far as the design is concerned,
the MT-15 features a bug-eye shaped LED projector headlight, muscular fuel tank
with radiator guards and an MT-09 inspired tail section. The motorcycle is the
naked streetfighter variant of the Yamaha R15 V3.0.
Powering the 2019 Yamaha MT-15 will be a 155cc, SOHC
liquid-cooled, 4-valve, fuel-injected motor that will feature VVA (variable
valve actuation). The engine is tuned to generate 19.1 bhp of maximum power and
14.7 Nm of peak torque. It is paired with assist-slip clutch equipped six-speed
gearbox.
Braking anchors will include disc brakes at both the
ends, while dual-channel ABS will be standard. We can expect the Yamaha MT-15
to be priced around INR 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom). The naked streetfighter will
compete with the likes of KTM 125 Duke, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and the Bajaj
Pulsar NS 200.
