The Yamaha R15 V3.0 will get a host of upgrades to the design and powertrain with USD forks also being a possibility.
Earlier this year, we told you about Yamaha working on a new model in Japan codenamed BG7 that could be the next generation R15 or R15 V3.0. Falling on these lines, new spy shots reveal the first prototype of the MT-15 or the naked version of the R15 that is currently under development and gets a host of upgrades over the R15 V2.0. Spied testing in Thailand, the new MT-15 will be sold in the South East Asian markets like Indonesia as a potential replacement to the Vixion street-fighter, while an India launch could also happen at some point. The upgrades though will come much before on the R15 V3.0.
The spy shots of the Yamaha MT-15 showcase a host of new and sophisticated components. While the Delta box frame is expected to stick around, the new R15 V3.0 will get Up Side Down (USD) forks at the front with a monoshock setup doing duty at the rear. This is a major addition to the track bred offering and something that is not available even on the R3 for that matter. The test mule comes with a new tail section with split seats, tail tidy and new LED tail light cluster. The LED treatment will be extended to the front as well with DRLs likely to feature on the new model. There is also a possibility of an all-digital instrument console featuring on the new generation R15 and MT-15 bikes.
In terms of styling, Yamaha will not deviate too much from the current design language, but expect a more sharply styled cowl and aerodynamic fairing. The 150cc motor is also expected to feature a host of changes for improved power output. The front and rear disc brakes will continue to feature on the V3.0, but could be bigger in diameter. For the MT-15, a more relaxed front fascia similar to the MT-25 is likely, even though the overall design looks sharp thanks to the R15’s underpinnings. There are no details on the launch of the R15 V3.0 as yet, but given how the market has grown extensively in the premium 150cc segment, Yamaha could bring the new generation model by the second half of next year.
Spy Pictures Source – Thaispyshot.com
