India Yamaha Motor has launched
the new MT-15 at an ex-showroom Delhi price tag of INR 1.36 lakh. In
comparison, its fully faired version, the YZF-R15 V3.0 ABS, retails for INR
1.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The Yamaha MT-15 is an ideal motorcycle for people
who desire the performance of the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 in a more
comfort-friendly package. The bike would compete against the likes of KTM 125
Duke, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 in the Indian market.
The bookings for the motorcycle had commenced on
March 12, and potential buyers can reserve a unit of the MT-15 for INR 5,000.
The booking amount is fully refundable in case of cancellation. The India-spec Yamaha MT-15 is
slightly different from the international model, and Yamaha has tweaked the
hardware to bring down the cost. Thus, the India-spec MT-15 features
conventional telescopic forks instead of upside-down forks, a box-type swingarm
with a linkage-type rear mono-shock and alloy wheel design that would be shared
with the Yamaha R15 V3.0. The motorcycle would use MRF Zapper tyres.
All other styling
cues and mechanical specifications have been retained from the international
model. Thus, the India-spec MT-15 comes equipped with Deltabox frame, bug-eye
shaped LED projector headlight, muscular fuel tank with radiator guards and an
MT-09 inspired tail section. The MT-15 would be available in two colour options
- Metallic Black and Dark Matt Blue.
Mechanical specifications are identical to the
YZF-R15 V3.0, and the MT-15 uses a 155 cc, SOHC liquid-cooled, 4-valve,
fuel-injected engine, with VVA (variable valve actuation) technology. The motor
makes 19.1 bhp of maximum power and 14.7 Nm of peak torque and comes mated to
an assist-slip clutch equipped six-speed gearbox. Stopping power comes from
disc brakes on both ends while the safety net, unlike the YZF-R15 V3.0,
includes a single-channel ABS.
