Yamaha R15 v3 vs v2 changes – there are many of them….
So, probably the most awaited motorcycle, Yamaha R15 version 3 is here and frankly it misses out on nothing really cringing for! USDs you say? So, were you willing to pay another 5-8k for something which would have still saved you from bumps, in just a more stylish-looking way? See, USDs are all good and flashy (and technically better, agreed) but the gain is not something out of the world and specially versus the cost, in a cost-conscious country (who would have cried if R15 v3 – a 150cc would have been priced at 1.60+ Lakhs on road); it is something we can live without.
Nonetheless, as I said, the V3 packs in a lot more stuff that makes riding even more enjoyable! Let us, in this story, list the biggest changes the R15 v3 comes with…
Yamaha R15 v3 vs v2 Changes
Engine: The new V3 displaces 155 cc against the 149 cc of the v2. It is the same engine with a bigger bore (of 58 mm vs 57 mm of v2) with the same stroke (58.7 mm). Gear ratios have remained unaltered – 1st=2.833, 2nd=1.875, 3rd=1.364, 4th=1.143, 5th=0.957, 6th=0.84.
Power & Torque: This minor increment in engine size has given the motorcycle more firepower. It now produces 19.3 PS of peak power which is a significant 2.3 PS more than the v2 but comes in 1500 rpm later as well! The peak torque of 15 Nm has remain unchanged but it also comes 1000 rpm later. In generic terms this suggests that the meat of the range has further been pushed onto the higher side, which may signify a weaker low and low-mid range.
VVA – …to counter this, Yamaha has introduced VVA which stands for Variable Valve Actuation. Basically there are two intake valves – one for low end and one for the high end, with a switch at 7400 rpm. The VVA kicks in at this point and there is better top end performance. However, according to a graph shared by Yamaha, as compared to the non-VVA R15, the v3 has a much wider range, including a better low-end.
Assist & Slipper Clutch: There are majorly two advantages of A&S clutch – one, it keep the clutch lighter thereby making it easier to engage and two, it prevents excessive engine braking which means the chassis behaviour remains relatively composed under hard downshifts.
These four make for the biggest changes on the R15 v3. Let us also list the other smaller differences between the two versions of R15.
- Compression Ratio – V2 | V3 – 10.4:1 | 11.6:1
- Disc Brakes: The v3 comes with a bigger 282 mm front disc. The rear remains a 220 mm rotor. The outgoing v2 was shod with a 267 mm front disc brake.
- Tyres: Yamaha increased the width of the tyres in the transition from v1 to v2 and they have used even wider tyres on the v3. The motorcycle comes with 100/80 and 140/70 17 inchers front and rear respectively as compared to 90/80 and 130/70 spec tyres of the v2. They continue to be MRF Nylogrip Zappers – Metzelers are an optional extra.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: For some reason (must be something related to the design), R15 v3 comes with an 11 liter fuel tank, one liter less than the v2. This could mean a loss of about 40 kilometers in the overall range if the fuel efficiency does not go through a significant change.
- Seat Height: This remarkable transition to its current form has meant that the motorcycle has a 15 mm higher seat height (815 mm) – something which may not go down well with a lot of the motorcycle’s buyers! The ground clearance has also seen a 10 mm increment to 170 mm.
- Dimensions: At 1,990 mm x 725 mm x 1,135 mm (Length x Width x Height), the v3 is a significantly bigger motorcycle than the outgoing version. The wheelbase, on the other hand, has seen a 20 mm reduction to 1325 mm.
- Weight: With the added features, the R15 v3 now weighs 139 kg kerb, which is an increment of 3 kg over version 2.
Also Read: Yamaha Kills Ninja; Launches 2018 R3 with ABS & Metzelers at 3.48 Lakh
And then the motorcycle gets a slightly bigger 4.0 AH battery, front mudguard similar in design to the v2 (Indonesian motorcycle gets sportier mudguards), etc. There is an all-LED set-up along with fully digital instrumentation.
Also Read: Yamaha Unveils Hyper-Slaz (Naked R15) Concept in India; First Hints of its Oncoming?
R15 v3 vs v2 – Price
| R15 v2 | R15 v3 |
| Rs 1,18,838 | Rs 1,25,000 |
*both prices ex-showroom Delhi
Also Read: Has Yamaha Signalled the First Hints of M-Slaz Launch in India?
As you can see, the motorcycle has only seen a price increment of about Rs 6000 which is absolutely acceptable for the kind of added kit that is on offer. We have already ridden it recently at the Chennai Race Track and it left us extremely impressed. You can read the review here.
