Depending on the response, Yamaha could launch the MT-09 by the end of 2015 while the R25/R3 street-fighter will be launched by 2016.
After diverting its efforts towards scooters and small capacity motorcycles in the past year, Yamaha India is now coming back to the performance segment in the country with a range of new offerings planned. While the new generation R1 and R25 are scheduled for launch in the following months, the manufacturer is also conducting research clinics for the MT-09 street-fighter and a naked motorcycle based on the R25/R3. Both models will help the brand retain its performance bike maker identity in the domestic market.
With the super naked segment getting popular in the country, Yamaha is trying to catch up with Kawasaki and Triumph with the MT-09. The street-fighter motorcycle is powered by an 847cc, 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine producing 115 PS of power and 87.5 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed transmission. The naked bike gets telescopic front forks and a monocross set-up at the rear while stopping power comes from dual front discs and a single disc at the rear along with ABS offered as optional.
Depending on the response, Yamaha could launch the MT-09 by the end of the year with prices starting at Rs. 8 lakhs (ex-showroom) and will be competing against the Kawasaki Z800, Triumph Street Triple and the Benelli TNT 899 in the space. The company has already imported the MT-09 in the country for R&D purpose and will bring the model via the CBU route.
Yamaha is also working on the naked version of the R25/R3 that will make it to India around next year. With the kind of popularity the KTM Duke 390 commands in the segment, Yamaha could certainly achieve the same by offering an aggressive naked design, impeccable performance, upright seating position and a marginally lower price tag over the full faired model. The naked version will be sharing its mechanicals with the full faired R25/R3 and an international launch can be expected in the second half of this year.
Source – Zauba.com