Yamaha MT-15 Test Ride Review – As Good As R15?

Yamaha MT-15 Review

Bike Tested: Yamaha MT-15; Road Test No. 1077; Test Location: Buddh International Circuit

Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 1,61,153/-

The Yamaha MT-15 is a sportier, meaner & street-going version of the R15

Yamaha has been teasing us with the MT-15 since quite some time. About 3 months back, Yamaha invited us for the launch of a naked motorcycle but it turned out to be the Yamaha FZ 3.0. Last week, Yamaha got us to the Buddh International Circuit to test a “New Bike”. Things couldn’t get clearer as we all knew it was time for the MT-15. But then, does it make sense to ride a 155cc street fighter on a race track? Well, it was fun and good enough to get a first-hand experience.

Motor Quest: MT stands for “Master of Torque”. The MT-01 was the first MT motorcycle which came out in 2005. In 2014, Yamaha updated the MT series and introduced a complete line-up in the following year. Last year, Yamaha introduced the MT-15 with some cosmetic changes for the elder MT motorcycles worldwide. The India launch happened on 15th March 2019 and the bike is known as MT-15 here.

Styling – The Yamaha MT-15 inspires lots of bits from its elder brother, the MT-09, while has a lot of traits coming in from the R15. The complete lower half of the bike has components similar to the R15, including the tyres and suspension. While the top half is quite different as it gets a single piece seat, a bulky and beefy sculpted tank, single-piece handlebar and very unique headlight setup. The headlight has a single piece LED projector with hi-low function, while it also has a pair of DRLs which give the front a mean transformer look.

Overall, the bike looks tiny as the seat ends before the rear tyre does while it has an extended fender too. It also gets LED taillights which look unique but the bike misses out on LED indicators. The MT-15 is available in two colour options – Dark Matt Blue and Metallic Black. The Matt Blue colour has some yellow highlights all-over while the Metallic Black has a stealth look. The MT-15 also gets an engine cowl as standard, although it is made of plastic it still looks purposeful. Overall, the Yamaha MT-15 has that attention seeking look to it.

Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The fully digital instrument cluster is the same as we have seen on the Yamaha R15 V3. However, the unit here has a negative LCD which makes it difficult to read in bright sunlight and looks very deceptive. It provides the same information as we have seen on the R15 and gets the same white shift light too. The switchgear is slightly different as the one on the right looks very uncanny and seems to be taken from the FZ siblings. The one on the left is also different and does not come from the R15. The fit and finish levels are good while the switches have a piano finish.

Ergonomics – The riding posture of the Yamaha R15 is very aggressive while the MT-15 is exactly opposite. You sit upright as you hold onto a single-piece handlebar which is slightly wider. The seat height is reduced by 5 mm to 810 mm. The footpegs are now centre-set giving the MT-15 a very comfortable riding triangle. The tank is also sculpted in a different manner as it provides more room to lock your knees while the capacity is reduced to 10-litres. The seat is a single piece unit and the cushioning is rather better than the R15. Space, however, isn’t much for the pillion but the unique grabrails come in handy for the pillion to hold onto.

Performance – The 155cc motor has been taken from the Yamaha R15 and while it runs on a slightly different tune it still produces the same power and torque figures. However, the acceleration of the MT-15 is better than the R15 as the final gearing has been revised with a slightly bigger sprocket at the rear. The engine feels the same as it has a lively top-end but the mid-range is now enjoyable and the throttle is quite responsive. Although the top speed is now reduced, better acceleration means it is more comfortable in doing city duties. I could not push the MT to its limit as we did not get to ride it on the straights but triple-digit figures came in quickly.

The engine has a good note and it feels lively in the top-end of the rev-range

The clutch feels light and the 6-speed unit has crisp shifts. The powerplant also inherits the slipper-clutch and aggressive downshifts don’t do any harm. There is no vibration from the engine but you can feel some buzziness when you hit the redline over 11,000 RPM. The 155cc mill does not feel harsh at all but there is some knocking if you ride at a higher gear on lower RPM. The exhaust note is quite throaty too and gets loud as you rev harder.

Riding Dynamics – The street fighter ergonomics make the MT-15 very likeable and comfortable. Many would not pick the R15 due to its aggressive posture and dedicated riding position but the MT gets the same chassis setup as the R15. It is also 4 kgs lighter while the rake angle has been changed too. The front suspension is now softer while the rear is the same but does not get an aluminium swingarm. Tipping into corners isn’t as fun as the R15 but the MT-15 holds the line well. There is not much cornering clearance as the footpegs are close and the ground clearance is also reduced by 15 mm. Straight-line stability is just brilliant but the windblast can be an issue at higher speeds.

The Yamaha MT-15 isn’t as agile as the R15 but still has a fun-to-ride character

The Yamaha MT-15 also comes with the same tyre and brake setup. However, it is equipped only with a single-channel ABS. More focused on fun, the MT-15 is a street motorcycle and can do some slides for fun but a dual-channel ABS would have been a safer bet. The MRF tyres are of the same profile and they grip really well. Although the Yamaha R15 gets optional Metzeler rubber, there is nothing optional available for the MT-15. As the suspension setup is softer, there is slightly more nosedive under heavy braking.

Verdict – The Yamaha MT-15 is a proper street alternative to the aggressive Yamaha R15. However, at this price it is just shy of Rs. 8000/- from the R15 making it quite costly for a naked motorcycle. But the MT-15 looks gorgeous and fresh and it is more suited for day-to-day riding. As a cheaper alternative, you can get the Yamaha FZ or for a similar price you can also look out for the FZ25. But if you are looking for outright fun and nimbleness, the MT-15 fits there. However, it comes at a premium and will only please a few who are definite Yamaha fanboys.

What’s Cool

* Design looks fresh and aggressive
* The suspension setup is more comfortable yet handles well
* Top-end performance is great, feels lively when revved hard

What’s Not So Cool

* Priced at a premium, costs just a little less than the R15
* Gets only single-channel ABS, braking performance isn’t up to the mark
* The pillion gets limited space

Yamaha MT-15 Specifications

* Engine: 155cc, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, VVT
* Power: 19.3 PS @ 10,000 RPM
* Torque: 14.7 Nm @ 8500 RPM
* Transmission: 6-Speed With Slipper Clutch
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Fuel Consumption: 40 km/l
* Frame: Perimeter frame
* Tyres: 100/80/17 (Front), 140/70/17 (Rear), MRF Zapper
* Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), Link-Type Monoshock (Rear)
* Brakes: 282 mm Disc (Front), 220 mm Disc (Rear), Single-Channel ABS

Yamaha MT-15 Dimensions

* Length x Width x Height: 2020 mm x 800 mm x 1070 mm
* Wheelbase: 1335 mm
* Seat Height: 810 mm
* Ground Clearance: 155 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 10-litres
* Kerb weight: 138 kgs

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