Yamaha showcased two special editions of the R15 at the 2012 Auto Expo. The company has now put these on sale. The two special editions are limited in number and only 500 units of each will be available. Booking can be made at any Yamaha dealership as all of them are taking bookings for these variants of the R15. The Yamaha R15 is a stunner and looks even more stunning in these limited edition models. The two limited edition models are called the Fiery Red Special Edition and WGP 50th Anniversary Edition. The price of these bikes are Rs. 1.10 lakhs and Rs. 1.11 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi) respectively.

The changes made to the 2012 limited editions of the Yamaha R15 are purely cosmetic. The mechanical aspects remain unchanged and the R15 continues to be powered by a 150cc, liquid cooled engine which produces 17 PS of power and 15 Nm of torque. We did not like the fiery red edition that much but the WGP edition looks really cool. Still, we will choose the red and white Yamaha R15 over these. Any way you put it, the R15 looks smashing in any and every colour.

[Show as slideshow]

12►

Hero Karizma ZMR FI

The bike with the lowest power to weight ratio, the Karizma ZMR can not be ruled out just because it is not that quick. The Karizma ZMR is highly reliable and a comfortable tourer for long distance touring and well suited to tall riders. The engine might not make your heart skip a beat but is extremely smooth and produces torque well down the revv range, making cruising at high speeds a breeze. The styling might not be to everyones liking and the unavailability of spares are something which are not very pleasing.

Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 2.0

What is a 150cc doing in between these 200cc + bikes. Well, the Yamaha R15 is a very potent machine and although it is int anywhere as quick in acceleration or top speed as the Pulsar 200 NS is expected to be, the R15′s USP is the way it lays down its 17 PS of power. The killer looks can’t be matched, while the handling is the sharpest of any motorcycle sold in India (below 600cc). The brakes, engine refinement, quality all negate the relatively higher price of the R15 Version 2.0. However, the aggressive riding position and almost un-usable pillion seat makes the R15 not a very practical machine.

Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS

The most awaited bike since quite some time now, the next generation Pulsar is finally here. Powered by a 200cc, 4-valve engine with triple spark plugs, the Pulsar 200 NS looks very strong on paper. The next generation Pulsar has a smaller tank too (smallest ever for a Pulsar), which goes to show that losing weight was a priority. The power to weight ratio is the highest, while the cost per BHP (as per our estimated price) is the lowest, giving bang for the buck, something which the Pulsars are known for. The streetfigher looks, power output and value for money are the evident positives of the next generation Pulsar. The lack of fuel injection, no full fairing and projectors are the obvious drawbacks to most.

Pulsar 200 NS vs Yamaha R15 V2.0 vs Karizma ZMR – Quick Comparo

Our Choice - At this moment, without even riding the Pulsar 200 NS, it is very difficult to chose one but the next generation Pulsar 200 NS does look promising. If Bajaj has been able to iron out all the issues and improved refinement, then the all new Pulsar will be difficult to beat. Either ways, the Karizma ZMR gives no threat to the Pulsar 200 NS, while the R15 Version 2.0 is almost 20% more expensive than the Pulsar 200 NS. The second generation Pulsar will live up to what the first generation has created – VALUE for consumers and there is very difficult denying that.

Which one would you pick?

Hero MotoCorp Karizma ZMR

Hero MotoCorp’s Karizma ZMR is the cheapest here but still can give a tough fight. Although it falters on its looks and out right performance, the ZMR is still a very competent motorcycle for those looking at touring. Power delivery is smooth and performance is good at low revvs. But the ZMR is not a handler and the bulky fairing leads to difficulty in maneuvering in the city. The positives of the ZMR is the upright seating position and smooth Honda engine. The downside is the pathetic service (lack of spare part availability) and noisy rear disc brakes. Overall, a good option to look at if you are into touring and are on a budget.

Read The Karizma ZMR Test Ride Review

Yamaha YZF-R15 V2.0

When the first spy shot of the Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 emerged almost two years ago, people went crazy and the hype is well justified. The R15 is still the best looking motorcycle out of all the bikes featured here. The looks are just stunning and the razor sharp handling and crisp red-lining characteristic of the engine will make you fall in love with it every time you ride it. The slightly aggressive seating position, low displacement engine and poor pillion comfort are the obvious drawbacks of this R-series machine. Those who love the tracks and want to get their knee down every corner, the R15 is the bike to have.

Read The Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 Test Ride Review

Honda CBR250R

Honda’s announcement of the CBR250R for India was greeted with excitement unseen before by motorcycle enthusiasts. The CBR250R was a quarter-litre machine, made for us, what could be better? The VFRish styling, fantastic brakes and butter smooth Honda engine have resulted in the CBR250R sweeping most 2011 bike of the year awards. The inconsistent quality, un-CBRish nature and high waiting periods are something which have not gone down well with Honda fans. Still, the CBR250R is the best bet for those who want a practical everyday motorcycle, which is fast and easy to live with.

Read The Honda CBR250R Test Ride Review

KTM Duke 200

The KTM Duke 200 is only made in India and exported all around the world. Bajaj Auto has done heavy localisation (close to 95%) and played havoc with the pricing, making all other motorcycles featured here look pointless. Right from the dealerships, to the bike, everything has been taken care off to ensure that KTM’s entry into India is a successful one. The stunning looks, nimble handling, short-stroke engine, insane instrumentation and aggressive pricing ensure the Duke 200 is the bike to have. Just one colour and the slightly difficult to read display could be the only drawbacks of this bike.

Read The KTM Duke 125 Test Ride Review (We are yet to ride the Duke 200)

KTM Duke 200 vs Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 vs Honda CBR250R vs Karizma ZMR – Quick Comparo

Our Choice - We just can’t choose one as all of them have their own purpose but if we had to, it would be a close call between the KTM Duke 200 and Yamaha R15 Version 2.0. What is your pick?

Honda surprised us in a very sweet way, when it unveiled the CBR150R at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. Though we had captured some rumours about Honda planning to develop a 150cc version of the CBR, little did we expect that Honda would come out with the product so soon. With the introduction of the CBR150R, Honda has definitely upped its ante in the 150cc segment and this bike will go in head to head competition with the currently popular Yamaha R15. Yamaha launched the latest version of the R15 last year, called R15 Version 2.0. Here we quickly take a look at how does both thee bikes feature and would the CBR150R really give a tough time to the R15 Version 2.0.

The Yamaha R15 V2.0 is powered by a 149.2cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled, 4 stroke engine that has a maximum power of 17 PS at 8500 RPM and a maximum torque of 15 Nm at 7500 RPM. It is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox. The CBR150R on the other hand, is powered by a 149.2cc engine that produces 18 BHP of power at 10500 RPM and a torque value of 12.6Nm at 8500 RPM. This engine is mated a 6 speed gearbox too. Looking at the specs, the CBR150R is expected to definitely have a rev-friendly nature as compared to the R15 V2.0 but that will be actually evaluated once we test ride the bike. The tachometer display at the CBR150R also indicates a higher red line limit as compared to the R15 V2.0.

In both the CBR150R and the R15 V2.0, you get all the stopping power you need from the hydraulically operated disc brakes utilized at the front and the back. Both even use mono-shocks at the rear for suspension, though they will be sporting different spring and damping characteristics. The kerb weight of the R15 V2.0 stands at 136kgs while the CBR150R weighs a similar but slightly higher 138kgs. So, in overall both the bikes turn out quite similar when technical specs are talked about. However, what will be interesting to see is how they actually behave on the road. The game in the 150cc segment has just got more interesting!

Yamaha R15 V2.0 - Click above for high resolution picture gallery

Bike Tested: 2011 Yamaha YZF R15 V2.0

Price Ex Showroom New Delhi: Rs. 1,07,000/-

The YZF R15, along with the FZ series did the unthinkable for Yamaha in India. They not only succeeded as individual products, but also turned around the fortunes of the whole company which was reeling under tremendous pressure owing to a string of failures and uninspiring models. The R15 especially, came, pioneered and popularized the concept of affordable sports-biking in India and made the Gen X population of our country queue up in front of Yamaha dealerships like there is no tomorrow. With a host of technological advancements that were ‘firsts’ for a bike manufactured in India, we bet that the YZF R15 was the first ever affordable motorbike in India that was tuned as much for the track as it was for the road. Fittingly so, it not only became a sales success but also scorched to supremacy in the racing circles. So, when Yamaha launches the successor of such a mighty product, we better pay notice.

Styling

The Yamaha YZF R15 was always a looker and the new model, dubbed Version 2.0 is no different. The V 2.0 retains the same frontal look as its predecessor with the twin trapezoidal headlights, the V-shaped front visor and the slightly beefier full fairing on the sides giving it a big-bike look and feel that many Indians crave for. In fact, a major USP of the R15 would be the fact that it looks a whole lot similar to its bigger cousins, the R6 and, in some angles, the R1 too. The fact that the front-end design remains unchanged and still looks contemporary just goes to show how much advanced the earlier R15 really was.

One major grouse that the earlier R15 had was that it’s rear end looked rather meek and disproportionate compared to the rest of the bike. Yamaha was just not able to justify the run-of-the-mill rear end and the relatively thin tires that the earlier R15 came shod with, given its extraordinarily sporty intentions. That complaint has been well taken care of now. A combination of the R6-inspired LED taillights, the aggressively upswept silencer, the split saddle, the naked frame that holds the license plate and indicators and the chunky rear tire makes sure that the bike turns heads wherever you go. Overall, the R15 V2.0 is a stunner end to end.

Instrument Cluster and Switch Gear

The R15 V2.0 has an instrument cluster that can be termed as a perfect blend of sporty and modern. The console has two distinct divisions. The right side houses a circular analog tachometer with black on white fonts that looks beautifully upmarket when lit. The left side has a rectangular digital display with all the tell-tale lights and also features the odometer, twin trip meters and the fuel level indicator. Like all modern bikes, all the lights blink once and the tacho needle does a full swipe when the ignition is turned ‘ON’. The switchgear is strictly similar to all other bikes out there and is made of good quality materials that are built to last.

Performance and Gearbox

Powered by a 149.8 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine the R15 V2.0 has a maximum power of 17 PS at 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of 15 Nm at 7500 rpm, figures that stacks up well with other bikes of similar engine capacity. Crank the engine and the exhaust note greets you with its sporty yet smooth thrum. Acceleration and pickup are nothing exceptional and you have every right to feel disappointed, given the bike’s sporty intentions. Though we did not test the acceleration figures, we can definitely say that the Pulsar 220 and Karizma ZMR would be quicker off the block than the R15. But, you know that you are not buying the R15 for outright speed and acceleration, isn’t it?

The R15 V2.0 comes with a 6-speed gearbox with the universal 1-down 5-up pattern. The gear-ratios are well spaced out and the shifts are seamless though, at times, false neutrals were engaged accidentally. What is noteworthy is the fact that the R15 V2.0 is as comfortable trundling along in second or third gear in congested city traffic as it is cruising all day long at 100 kph in sixth gear. We felt the driveability inside the city to be significantly improved over the previous version courtesy the strong low and mid range and that could well be because of the remaped ECU and the tweaked ratios.

The only factor of concern was the excessive engine heat that could be felt in our legs. Though it could be because of the engine in our test bike being brand new, we have seen a few customers too complaining of this issue and Yamaha needs to look into this matter and put an end to it. The other issue would be the sporty seating posture which, if you are not used to, could make you feel tired after just a couple of hours in it. At the back, things are even worse with a high-set and steeply raked seat that makes do without grab rails. Though Yamaha claims that the rear seat is made of anti-slip material to aid grip, things doesn’t look all rosy for the pillion rider.

Ride, Handling and Braking

Get ready to forget about everything else and think just about owning the road all to yourself. Because, that is what the R15 V2.0 will make you do with its near perfect handling that no other bike in this price range in India can ever match. You could have driven something else all your life but when you drive the R15, you unknowingly tend to stretch your physical limits with far from normal lean angles and twists that comes so effortlessly astride this bike. Yamaha’s famed Deltabox frame has worked wonders here and the all-new aluminum swingarm has also aided in handling by reducing the weight and improving the rigidity of the chassis.

The ride is absorbent enough and filters most of the bumps and potholes that our cities have in abundance but it is definitely not the best in class. The braking though is top notch with discs at front and rear providing the bike with ample stopping power. With Honda and even TVS offering one in their sporty models, Yamaha should have acted smart and brought in atleast one variant with the Anti Lock Braking System that would have improved it’s case further. The stock MRF tires coped up well and never felt uncomfortable in any conditions with the wider 130/70 radials at the rear providing vice-like grip of the road beneath.

Conclusion

After spending two days with the bike, we were really not willing to let it go. The head-turning looks, the near-perfect handling and adequate power to tackle the city traffic and open highways in equal measure had grown on us and we can assure you readers that it would be no different for most of you out there. Be advised though that the R15 V2.0 will not make sense as your everyday commute to the grocery shop or to drop your kids at school. Yamaha makes the SZ-R for chores like that. Leave the R15 V2.0 for the young and young-at-heart who spends the weekdays at work and weekends at track and doesn’t mind spending a little extra money for that.

What’s Cool

* Stunning Looks
* Supreme Handling
* Composed Ride and Stability
* Nirvana of sports-biking at an affordable price

What’s Not So Cool

* Excessive Engine Heat
* Lack of ABS even as an option
* Expensive for a 150cc bike

Yamaha YZF R15 V2.0 Specifications

* Engine: 149.8 cc, Single Cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve, Liquid Cooled
* Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injected
* Maximum Power: 17 PS @ 8500 RPM
* Maximum Torque: 15 Nm @ 7500 RPM
* Transmission: 6-speed Manual
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), Linked Type Monocross (Rear)
* Tires: 90/80/17 (Front), 130/70/17 (Rear)
* Brakes: Hydraulic, Single Disc (Front & Rear)

Yamaha YZF R15 V2.0 Dimensions

* Overall Length x Width x Height: 1970 mm X 670 mm X 1070 mm
* Wheelbase: 1345 mm
* Ground Clearance: 160 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 12 liters
* Kerb Weight: 136 kg

Text: Aravind Ramesh

Photography: Arun Varadarajan & Aravind Ramesh

Vinnu SV, the Hyderabadi based biker has successfully completed the Bun Burner challenge driving his bike nonstop for more than 2500 km in less than 36 hours, a race against time and every kind of physical and mental limitation. The Bun Burner challenge is certified by the Iron Butt Assosiation (IBA), USA. The IBA is a leading US based club which certifies people that successfully complete long endurance rides across the world and boasts of the world’s toughest riders. Vinnu also remains the only biker from Andhra Pradesh to have completed the Saddlesore in which you are required to cover a distance of about 1600 kms in 24 hours. When he came back after successfully completing the Saddlesore challenge, he has decided to do the Bun Burner challenge right away. Vinnu is a professional racer who quit his job a year ago to pursue what he does best, biking.

“Even before I reached Hyderabad, after riding on the road for 24 hours, I knew that I wanted to do the BB. I was diagnosed with disc bulges on my cervical spine. All the racing and riding on the track, stunt tours and 12-odd inter-state rides in the last year, had taken a toll on me. And after the saddlesore, my back and neck took a serious beating. I was told that just riding a bike can pose major health hazards. But I knew that the Bun Burner was something I had to do for myself… A fear that had to be conquered. I started my ride on my Yamaha R15 from Hyderabad and I had to come back by 11 am on October 21 — 36 hours to ride through Bangalore-Salem-Kanyakumari and back home. And the time includes all pit stops for fuel, food or rest,” Vinnu SV, said.

The Yamaha R15 has successfully become the most sort after performance bike in the country. Yamaha recently upgraded the bike to Version 2.0 and at the same time disappointed quite a few fans, who were looking for more power. However K&N, the maker of performance filters for most vehicles has launched a stock replacement filter specially designed for the R15. The K&N filter fits both the old and new Yamaha R15 and claims to increase performance and fuel efficiency by close to 7%. Furthermore, the filter maker also offers a Million mile limited warranty. The prices are yet to be revealed but we expect it to be similar to the filter for the Bajaj Pulsar. Expect the K&N filter for the Yamaha R15 to cost around Rs. 2700/-.

Yamaha R15 K&N Filter (Part YA-2018) Specifications

Product Style: Panel Air Filter
Height: 1 in (25 mm)
Outside Length: 7.563 in (192 mm)
Outside Width: 5.063 in (129 mm)
Filter Material: Cotton Gauze
Filter Re-Oiling Amount: 0.36 oz (11 ml)
Weight: 0.64 lb (0.29 kg)
Product Box Length: 7.72 in (196 mm)
Product Box Width: 1.75 in (44 mm)
Product Box Height: 9.69 in (246 mm)

Yamaha India has finally launched the new YZF-R15. Dubbed as the R15 Version 2.0, the bike uses the same 150 cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, fuel injected engine which produces 17 PS of power at 8500 RPM and 15 Nm of torque at 7500 RPM. The Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 gets a slight price hike and is priced at Rs. 1,07,000/- (ex-showroom, Delhi). The engine is mated to the same 6-speed manual gearbox and the bike will be available in Midnight Black, Racing Blue and a Sunset Red colours. The new Yamaha R15 has the mud guard and sari guard attached to the swing arm while the 5-spoke cast wheels get a new design. The new R15 weighs 136 kgs, which is 5 kgs more than the old bike. The front sports 90/80-17 tyres, while the rear now sports wider 130/70/17 tyres. The old R15 had 80 and 100 section tyres at the front and rear respectively.

The Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 features newly designed middle cowl, tail cowl, split seat, LED taillights, new exhaust pipe, new silencer specs and dual horn. The ECU control and drivetrain unit are claimed to be new and Yamaha says it gives better off the line acceleration and high speed performance. The newly designed middle cowl features improved aerodynamic performance at higher speeds (the aerodynamic resistance value is 4% better than that of the old bike) The new R15 also sports the first aluminum swing arm in the 150cc segment in the Indian market and has a truss structure that enables greater rigidity while improving handling in the turns.

The silencer protector has also been newly designed and adopts a carbon-look pattern on the surface as well as a model nameplate. A more rigid clutch axle shaft than the existing type has been adopted to improve clutch action. The pulley that serves as a medium between the throttle wire and throttle valve has been changed to a perfect circular type to improve the linearity of the throttle action and thereby achieve better response. A larger 220 mm diameter rear disc brake has been adopted to achieve a better balance with the new rear tire size and ensure good braking power. Yamaha claims the new tyres have low rolling resistance, so till we don’t test the bike we reserve our judgement on its performance. You can checkout the official website of the Yamaha R15 Version 2 here.

Many were expecting an upgrade in the engine power but Yamaha decided to keep the similar engine for fuel efficiency reasons. Apart from that, some styling changes have been made to the bike which are very evident. For example, the side fairings have got slots for additional cooling of the engine. The incorporation of split seats give it a more sporty look. The rear tail-lights are LED, another welcome change. Also, the exhaust profile is a bit different from the old one adding to the dynamism. Overall, good cosmetic changes but Yamaha claims this to be a completely new bike which we feel is a bit overstated.

Are you happy with the R15 Version 2? Please post your comments considering prices have not increased significantly and nor has the power.

- Joy Chatterjee
Special Correspondent

The very first official image of the Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 has surfaced on Facebook. The image showcases the new rear, which now features an LED tail lamp and bigger rear tyre. The front looks relatively similar and the new R15 features all new alloy wheels. Yamaha will continue to use the tagline Racing Instinct with the R15 Version 2.0. The above image, which could be an advertisement for print says – ‘The real race is not on the track. It’s in you. Because in the end, it’s always you versus you. YZF R15 Version 2.0 is here. Let the race begin.’ Stay tuned for our live updates right from the launch floor at 11:30 AM.