Hey Bikers! My Name Is Benny Abhilash I Am From Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It all started when I was in 5th grade when my dad taught me how to drive his bike (HH Passion Plus). I was very passionate about bikes as a child. Let me tell you all that I am a big- big fan of Yamaha. Thus, I always wanted to have a product from Yamaha as i am 6’2ft tall my dad suggested me HH Karizma ZMR. After buying Karizma ZMR in 2010 December. I was not satisfied with the engine performance so I went for mods (Free Flow Exhaust, High Flow Air Filter) after again asking my dad to buy a YAMAHA YZF R15 he agreed to buy… 🙂
As of today, its 12700 kms on the odo and I remember every single moment spent with it. This machine is an awesome piece of engineering. I must say that Yamaha is back in business with the launch of bikes like the R15, Fazer and FZ16. And yeah R15 is the most technically advanced machine of the lot and I love it from the core of my heart.
Engine
Well, it’s a single cylinder 150 cc liquid cooled engine. It is high revving and the real fun begins only after 5,500 RPM. It is very frustrating to drive the R15 in city traffic. Commuters stay away! 150cc fuel injected engine throws some 17PS of raw power to satisfy all your 5 senses.
I never spent anything on the engine. Engine is maintenance free but you are just required to pour some new semi synthetic engine oil and coolant every now and then. As per my view engine is a gem and very reliable. The most advanced engine in India till date It is DiASil cylinder of Yamaha R15 that is unique to its manufacturer as it is made from Yamaha’s unique aluminum die casting technology. The benefit is in terms of efficient heat dissipation thus reducing heat-induced engine power loss to a great extent and less weight as well.
Additionally, to attain light weight, pistons are not the conventional ones, instead they are forged pistons and are all aluminum providing with excellent strength and much thinner too. This newly developed engine of Yamaha R15 with special features provides with excellent riding experience with power-packed performance. Being an urban super sport, Yamaha R15 adheres to emission standards as well.
Specifications for Yamaha YZF R15
- Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve, fuel injected
- Cylinder arrangement: Single cylinder
- Displacement: 149 .8cc
- Maximum power : 17PS / 8,500rpm
- Maximum torque : 15 N.m / 7,500rpm
- Transmission type : Return type 6-speed
- Frame type : Deltabox Frame
- Tire size (Front / Rear) : 80/90-17 / 100/80-17
- Brake type (Front / Rear):Hydraulic, single disc (Front / Rear)
- Suspension type (Front / Rear) : Telescopic / Linked type Monocross
Performance
As it’s the sibling of the monster R1, the power, handling, aerodynamics and looks are unquestionable. I touched 140kmph once and touched 138kmph regurlarly. It’s quite impressive for a 150cc bike. But the initial torque is not that impressive as the engine is tuned for fuel economy and for Indian traffic conditions. For avid bikers, Yamaha India has offered performance parts. But the pricing is so steep that most of us couldn’t afford to buy.
Even if you can afford for those performance parts, it won’t be a wise investment. Because after spending nearly 75k, you would get only 22bhp from 17bhp where you squeeze the engine. That too with the performance exhaust due to its high sound, it’s illegal to ride in the city. It costs around 2lakhs with the performance upgrade. By investing extra 50k you can get a Honda CBR250R which has 25 bhp with a relaxed engine. The simple concept of Yamaha for customers is “Buy it, ride it as we give it” or “Don’t modify”
Mileage
My bike gives me a satisfactory figure of 37kmpl in the city and 40-42kmpl on highway which is a pretty decent figure for an R15. The mileage differs with the riding style.
Handling
When it comes to handling, this bike is fun to ride! Its light weighted and pretty well crafted. Handling is absolutely superb! You feel very confident on the corners especially at high speeds! I never experienced such handling from any other Indian bike. What about the braking at those triple digits? As a common casual rider we think about it. How can a bike designer miss that part? They didn’t. With a good braking technique, you can make use of the front and rear disk brakes to stop the bike safely.
Gear Box
We get a 6 speed transmission and a single lever shifter. Gear shifting is very smooth especially at high speeds.
Engine Noise
Engine is surrounded by a water jacket (liquid cooling) which not only cools it but also reduces the engine noise. The engine is rather silent when compared to other bikes as you do not require any opposite flow of air to cool down the engine.
Suspension
Suspension deserves a special note. It is the first time in India we get such a suspension i.e. Monocross suspension which ensures stability cornering at high speeds.
Final Words
If you are serious about performance biking, this machine is meant for you. If you are seeking to get your hands on a super bike, this one is the right choice to start with. I will not suggest this bike for the commuters but then again if you are seeking power with looks this machine is enough to set your soul racing. This awesome machine is going to stay with me forever! YES YAMAHA!
–Â Benny Abhilash
