How does it look?
This bike is perhaps one of the best looking bikes in India. The design has been cloned from its dad, the Yamaha YZF R1. Except for a few minor changes including single silencer which does not fit under the seat as R1, it is almost R1 when looked from a distance. The dual head lamps, the rear view mirrors, shape of the tank, seating position all add up to a ‘WOW’ effect. This bike is definitely a head turner where ever you go.
To add to its looks, Yamaha did not include the center stand. This is perhaps the only bike in India which does not have a center stand. And another thing to notice is that the bike has no safety guard!
The handle bars are curved as it is in high-end sports bikes and adds to the grandeur of the sitting posture. Well, the rear part looks a bit disappointing because compared the front the rear looks too small and does not fit in with the whole bike’s look. I wished that Yamaha could provide some big manly tires, but I will justify this point in the performance review part below.
How does it perform?
When I was ready to take Yamaha YZF R15 for a test ride, I really did not expect much out of this machine. I thought it was just another 150cc bike with too much of external make up. But the actual ride did prove my thoughts wrong. Even with a pillion rider, the pickup was awesome. I went upto 30 kmph in the first gear easily without much resistance from the engine.
The bike never vibrates and the ride is so smooth The first thing that I felt (and the most important thing) is that the bike has a great acceleration in lower speeds. Also it went to 110 kmph pretty soon... If you take her to the limit she looks after you pretty safelly .Moreover the feel the bike is providing id awesome.
The dashboard has the tachometer dial… the only dial and the digital console incorporates the fuel gauge, ODO meter and a bold speedometer.
Do not be disappointed about the thin tires. I heard from some bike owners that the thin tires actually perform very well, the bike is very stable even on wet roads. Yamaha engineers realized that along with great looks, indians also need mileage - hence the thin tires which reduces friction and consumes much less fuel. The bike is said to have a fuel efficiency of 40 kmpl in cities and 50 kmpl in highways.
From safety point of view, the bike performs great. The user’s have reported that the rear disc brakes does make a difference. It wouldn’t be long before all the high end bikes in India comes with compulsory rear disc brakes. The bike comes with mono suspension as in the Unicorn and claims to have better stability. But personally I don’t find a remarkable difference in mono-suspension.
Conclusion:
If you give high importance to the looks and status of owning one of the costliest bikes in India, go ahead and buy this bike. There needs to be a match in looks and performance. If I buy the the original 1000c Yamaha YZF-R1, it wouldn’t really make a great difference because people will think that it is R15 in the first look.
Overall Rating: 4.25/5
Beauty Rating: 5/5
Performance Rating: 3.5/5
Pros: Great looks, 6 speed gear
Cons: Thin tires
Yamaha YZF-R15 Specifications:
Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve
Cylinder arrangement: Single cylinder
Displacement: 149 .8cc
Bore x Stroke: 57×58.7mm
Compression ratio: 10.4:1
Maximum power: 17PS @ 8,500rpm
Maximum torque: 15 N.m @ 7,500rpm
Starting system: Electric Start
Fuel tank capacity: 12 liters
Fuel supply system: Electronic fuel injection
Clutch type: Constant-mesh wet multi-plate
Transmission type: Return type 6-speed
Dimensions
Overall length x width x height: 1,995mm x 670mm x 1,070mm
Seat height: 790mm
Wheelbase: 1,290mm
Minimum ground clearance: 160mm
Dry weight / Curb weight: 120kg / 131kg
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