Yamaha YZF R15 - Buyer’s guide

Yamaha changed the game of the 150cc motorcycle segment with its latest YZF R15 not just here in Malaysia but other international markets as well. In Malaysia, it was launched in 2018 and soon became one of the favourite motorcycles of many enthusiasts and one of the toughest competitors to beat for its rivals like the KTM Duke 200 and Modenas Pulsar RS200.

To ensure that the YZF R15 has got all the bells and whistles that it would need to leave its competitors high and dry, Yamaha did its homework very well. This story is Yamaha YZF R15 buyer’s guide in which we are going to tell you everything you need to know about this motorcycle.

Before we begin, we would like to get away with the most asked question, ‘What is Yamaha YZF R15 price in Malaysia?’ It will cost you RM 11,988.

And if you are wondering about Yamaha YZF R15 specs? It has a brilliant 155 cc, single-cylinder engine that has been tuned to put out 19 bhp and 14.7 Nm of torque. The peak power is produced towards the end of the rev range (at 10,000 rpm), so you need to keep the motorcycle in the higher revs to fully enjoy the ride. In short, it is a rev-happy engine which can take a beating all day long. However, Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology enables it to be ridden in the dense city traffic with ease. It also enhances fuel efficiency. In fact, many owners have reported getting 50+ kilometres to a litre of fuel!

Following is the detailed Yamaha YZF R15 engine specs-

Engine type	4 Stroke, SOHC, VVA
Cylinder arrangement	Single Cylinder
Displacement	155 cc
Bore X Stroke	58.0 x 58.7 mm
Compression Ratio	11.6:1
Maximum Power	19 bhp @ 10,000 rpm
Maximum Torque	14.7 Nm @ 8500 rpm
Lubrication System	Wet Sump
Starting System	Electric Starter
Engine Oil Capacity	1.05 litres
Ignition System	TCI

Of course, the demanding riding stance and the high-revving engine make riding the Yamaha YZF R15 fun. However, its compact dimensions also play a key role in giving the bike its character.

 

Yamaha YZF R15 dimensions-

Frame Type	Deltabox
Overall Length	1990 mm
Overall Width	725 mm
Overall Height	1135 mm
Seat Height	830 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance	160 mm
Wet Weight	137 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	11 litres

When it comes to the looks, Yamaha has certainly hit the bull’s eye. The R15 tries to imitate the stance and visual appeal of the mighty Yamaha YZF R1. And in some ways, it does it quite brilliantly. Some of its eye-catching features are-

• Twin LED headlights - slim and sleek, they add the sporty quotient at the front. However, their performance in the dark is questionable

• Aerodynamic fairing - not only it helps in the looks but also improves aerodynamic efficiency
• Large windshield - this allows enough space for the rider to tuck in and benefit from the wind protection
• Sculpted fuel tank - the aggressive riding stance of the R15 means you lean forward way too much. Thanks to the sculpted fuel tank, which has space for the rider to grip on while riding. Also, it looks cool, especially those fins
• LED taillight - reminds us of the bigger R6 and R1 and fits perfectly even in the R15
• Fully-digital dash - this contains a lot of information and displays them in an organised fashion. It also has a shift indicator light and a gear position indicator

If we talk about handling of this motorcycle, in short, we can say that it is phenomenal. Its Deltabox frame, aluminium swingarm, USD forks at the front, and a perfect chassis provide a lethal combination. Take the R15 on a serpentine road and you will be grinning until the end. Then the slipper and assist clutch allows you to be more brutal on those downshifts. Also, the grip from the tyres is quite good but slapping on some new and better rubbers will open the gates to an entirely new show.

For safety and braking, there is a 282 mm disc brake at the front and another disc at the rear. While they appear sufficient for a motorcycle of this size, we think it would have been better if Yamaha added ABS to supervise the braking duties.

Are there any direct rivals of the Yamaha YZF R15?

Ans. For a price of RM 11,988, the R15 is in a league of its own. However, there are other motorcycles in a similar price band that offer more performance and perhaps appear to be more VFM than the R15. For instance, KTM Duke 200 and Modenas Pulsar RS200 have a bigger engine, more equipment, than the R15. They are priced at RM 11,888 and RM 10,701, respectively.

Does Yamaha YZF R15 have any problems?

Ans. Well, this depends on the rider. If you like aggressive riding position then you won’t have any problem with the R15. However, if you want a comfortable and relaxed riding stance, then this isn’t the bike for you. Also, the pillion seat is quite high which means comfort literally takes a back seat even for the pillion. One thing that might pinch every kind of a rider is the lack of ABS.

Also Read: Yamaha YZF-R15: Features explained