Yamaha YZF-R15: Features explained

Yamaha Malaysia has got such a wide range of products available that it simply rises above all the other brands in the local market as well as in the hearts of the Malaysians. One of the most popular and loved Yamaha products is YZF-R15. This is the most affordable 150 cc motorcycle that can get you to closest to a proper track-focused bike. And the latest model is phenomenal. Yamaha did a commendable job in making the YZF-R15 the king of people’s hearts, once again.

 

So how exactly Yamaha did that? We will try to explain that to you guys by discussing a few of the top features of the Yamaha YZF-R15.

Engine

Let’s start with the engine itself. The Yamaha YZF-R15 specs carry a 155 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 19 hp at 10,000 rpm and 14.7 Nm at 8,500 rpm and comes with Yamaha’s VVA (Variable Valve Actuation). It is an engine that likes to be in the higher rev range, and it could do that all day long. It is a masterpiece and one of the most powerful engines in its category. Handling all that horsepower is a slick 6-speed transmission that comes with Assist and Slipper Clutch; hard and aggressive downshifting can’t get easier than this.

Brakes

YZF-R15 gets disc brakes on both its wheels which allow it to stop in a dime. At the front, we have a large 282 mm diameter disc brake. While the braking performance is excellent, it could have been even better if Yamaha provided ABS.

Handling

No bike can set new lap records on a race track if it doesn’t handle well. And the YZF-R15 is a brilliant handler. It has an aluminium swingarm that is strong yet lightweight and improves handling. Then we have the superior Deltabox frame which has been a part of the R15 series for a long time. Combine these features with a set of grippy tires that stabilizes and balances the motorcycle even in corners. Oh, and how can we forget the USD front forks. They offer tremendous confidence and can handle corners without breaking a sweat.

Aerodynamic bodywork

Yamaha has put in a lot of effort in designing the latest model of the YZF-R15. It is so much better than its predecessor. The entire bodywork has been made to serve only two purposes - improve aerodynamic efficiency and look good - and it excels in both of them. The riding position has also been changed and is more demanding and aggressive. It makes you an integral part of the bike. The bodywork gives the YZF-R15 great high-speed stability.

Looks

The new YZF-R15 looks much similar to its elder siblings. Yamaha has borrowed styling cues from its higher-end sportbikes like the R6 and mighty R1. The twin LED headlamps at the front look very sharp and aggressive. There is even a RAM air-intake located in between the headlamps. The high-rise tail section is super sporty and accommodates an LED tail light. There is no doubt that the Yamaha YZF-R15 is one of the best looking bikes in its segment.

Digital speedometer

We liked the analog tachometer of the older R15 very much, and we were expecting Yamaha that it will bring something like that of the older R25’s instrument console. However, that didn’t happen, and things took a different route - a full-digital route.

While the new advanced digital instrument cluster is better and informative, it isn’t that inspiring especially when you’re riding enthusiastically. Anyway, it has a number of features that would be useful for people on a daily basis.

Hazard lamps

This might not interest a lot of people, but it is really a handy, useful, and necessary little feature. The YZF-R15 is the first in its class to feature hazard lamps. Isn’t that great?

These were some of the top features of the YZF-R15, and we are pretty sure they are enough for anyone to convince to buy one. The Yamaha YZF-R15 price is RM 11,988 and the bike is available in 3 different colors - Blue, Yellow, and Black. It will make you happy every time you ride it, however, keep in mind that it isn’t your any other street bike. Its aggressive riding position will take a toll on your wrists. So, beware! But you would neglect that and other tiny flaws as soon as you sit on it!