Yamaha R15 V3 Review
Bike Tested: Yamaha R15 V3; Road Test No. 959
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 1.46 lakhs
Gorgeous looks are still the USP of the Yamaha R15, all thanks to design inspiration from the superbikes
We rode the Yamaha R15 V3 on the track a few months back and were mighty impressed. Though it is a track-focused machine, not everyone buying this 150cc machine will be taking it to the track to explore its potential. Most of its usage will be limited to the streets and we’ve finally got our hands on one to tell you whether it is as impressive as it was on the track or not? Read on to find out.
Motor Quest: The Yamaha R15 was first launched in India way back in 2008. The motorcycle kickstarted the 150cc faired bike segment in the country and also turned the tables around for the Japanese company. A couple of years later, the R15 V2 was launched which offered more of a cosmetic uplift. Fast forward to 2018, in comes the R15 V3 which looks more appealing and promises to be a more fun motorcycle.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/42742948442/[/flickr]
Reduction of the pillion seat height is indeed a welcome move
Styling – There’s no denying the fact the there is no other motorcycle that looks as sexy and as appealing as the Yamaha R15 V3 in the sub Rs. 1.5 lakhs bike segment. This bike looks absolutely stunning with the twin LED headlights which do attract a lot of eyeballs. However, illumination from the headlamps isn’t all that great. The R15 V3 takes design cues from the larger sibling, the R6 and the legendary R1. The rear winglets, tail-light and even the grooves on the tank are R1 inspired. The design on the alloy wheels has also changed. Unlike before, the front and rear design of the motorcycle now match completely and overall, the design is neutral in nature.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/27923619507/[/flickr]
The all-digital meter console packs in all the necessary information
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The Yamaha R15 V3 ditches the analogue-digital combination console for a fully digital LCD unit. While the new console looks modern, we do miss the analogue tachometer. Nonetheless, the digital instrument cluster displays a ton of useful information. Besides the regular odometer, speedometer, tachometer, clock, fuel-level indicator and twin trip meters, the console can also contains readouts for real time mileage, average fuel efficiency, average speed along with a gear position indicator. The displayed information is legible but the only gripe is that you cannot see the tripmeter and the clock at the same time. The switchgear, even though of good quality, is shared with FZ25 which honestly feels kinda cheap, especially considering that this machine wears an R badge. The RHS features an engine kill-switch and a self-start button while the LHS gets the usual buttons for horn, indicator and a low/high beam switch.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/42742949882/[/flickr]
The aggressive riding position makes the R15 V3 unsuitable for long distance riding
Ergonomics – The Yamaha R15 V3 gets a more committed and aggressive riding position. The foot pegs are rear set and this will tire you out on long rides faster than expected. However, the seats are well padded and generously cushioned, especially the pillion seat. Talking of pillion comfort, the seat will no longer give the pillion the feeling of sitting on a higher floor. The R15 V3 has a saddle height of 815 mm which is quite tall and is likely to make shorter riders uncomfortable.
