Yamaha is reported to be working on a higher capacity version of the M-Slaz which is expected to be unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo next week.
Yamaha has entered the street-fighter segment very aggressively with a naked variant of almost all its faired bikes like the M-Slaz based on the YZF-R15 and the MT-03 based on the R3. The Indian market is eagerly waiting for both of these street-fighters which are expected to be unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo. However, a report suggests that the Japanese manufacturer is working on a higher capacity version of the M-Slaz for the Indian market which will also be unveiled at the biennial event.
The Yamaha M-Slaz was launched in Thailand in December 2015 with the 149cc single-cylinder engine borrowed from the R15, producing 17 PS at 8500 RPM and 15 Nm of torque at 7500 RPM along with the Delta Box frame. The new more powerful version is expected to use a 200-220cc engine that can rival bikes like the KTM Duke 200 and Benelli TNT 25. If the report turns out to be true, the new bike will belong to the ‘MT’ series and will sit between the existing FZ and the upcoming MT-03.
The more powerful version of the Yamaha M-Slaz is expected to be produced in India itself while the Japanese manufacturer may also develop a faired bike based on it which will give an upgrade to the R15 as it lacks when compared to competitors such as the KTM RC 200. If the street-fighter makes it to production, it will be priced aggressively and is expected to start under Rs. 2 lakhs which will give a tough time to the Duke 200, more so if the Yamaha engine produces similar output.
Looking at the success of the Yamaha FZ, a more powerful and sophisticated street-fighter will not find it difficult to establish a ground for itself. The M-Slaz in Thailand gets USD front forks and fat tyres while the new headlamp along with the naked styling of the motorbike looks very promising. The Japanese manufacturer will display the MT-03, MT-09 and MT-10 based on the R1 in the street-naked segment while the R1S will also be showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo.
Source –TopGear.in
