R15 v3 launch in India expected at the Auto Expo… Also listed in the second part of the article are the differences of India-spec version with the international motorcycle…
First ever spotting of the R15 v3 on Indian soil, broken by BikeAdvice, sent out an air of excitement among biking enthusiasts. The first image, however, was unclear and did not reveal many important bits. Later, we shared clearer pics, also inserted on this page. And since then the motorcycle has been in the news for various sightings.
Another spotting from a dealership (credit Rushlane) suggested that India will get a new colour theme – it is dark grey with red with minimum decals and graphics and it looks better than the international colours.
The other colour theme is expected to be this blue…
Few exclusively shots by BikeAdvice.
Yamaha R15 v3 Observations
Now that we have it in front of us – let us quickly share the noticeable bits on what is Yamaha planning to offer India…
- v2-like Front Fender – Unlike the richer (broader) mudguard of the v3, the India-spec motorcycle carries a V2-like front fender.
- Fairing – The good thing is that the fairing is the exact replica of the international v3.
- Tyres – Indonesian R15 v3 gets IRC tyres but we will be getting MRFs which is, kind of, expected.
- Brakes – The discs appear to be similar to the Indonesian R15 which means it COULD be the bigger 282 mm front rotor (existing v2 gets a 267 mm front disc). However, the calipers appear to be different.
- Pillion Footpeg Assembly – Unlike the aluminium assembly of the Indonesia-spec v3, we are getting the conventional iron rods very similar to the current model on offer in India.
- Alloys & Tyres – The mule is running with alloy design of the Indonesia-spec V3 and though we can not be certain but this R15 may also be running on broader tyres.
- No USDs: As we have mentioned earlier, India-spec R15 v3 does NOT get Upside- Down Forks which is a clear cost cutting measure but there is nothing wrong with that for a motorcycle of this capacity, if it helps in getting its buyers a significant cost advantage. Hope Yamaha does NOT take the slipper clutch away.
- No ABS: No motorcycle so far has been spotted with ABS which almost confirms that Yamaha has no plans to offer ABS in the R15 v3 as of now. We do not see an optional variant either.
Also Read: Is R15-S’ Engine Different From R15V2’s? We Clarify
R15 v3 Engine for India?
I tried to very carefully observe if I can deduce anything from these pics. From the V2 to V3, Yamaha has elongated the fairing and that engine oil window does not appear at its conventional position (or if it is present, it is not visible in the pics). Let me tell you what am I talking about through this pic.
- Point 1: The engine oil cap is placed exactly at the same place.
- Point 2: The only minor visible exterior changes between these two versions are – a) the frame is slightly contoured in, in V2 whereas it is not in v3 and b) the engine oil inspection window is visible in v2 whereas it may or may not be positioned at the same place in v3 (it is not visible).
Now notice the R15 v3 test mule’s pic for India. There is absolutely no way anybody can, just by looking at it, say with conviction that it is the same motor but based on the visible changes I have highlighted in the above pic, it COULD be the 155 cc motor of the original V3.
Update : VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) is confirmed from the decal in the latest spy pics. And, we have a sneaking bit that the motorcycle will, indeed, get the 155 cc bigger engine from the international version. However, its exact specs for India can not be ascertained at the moment.
Also Read: Yamaha RD350 vs Yamaha YZF-R3: One Brand, Two Cylinders, Three Decades
R15 v3 Launch India
Now that the motorcycle has been spotted in a showroom-ready condition, expect a formal launch soon. There were hopes of Yamaha introducing it before the Auto Expo but now that we are so close to the event, we expect it to bow down at the Yamaha’s podium at the Auto Expo 2018 on the 7th of February.
It appears that Yamaha had to advance the v3 for India because of the ABS norms kicking in from early next year. All new 150 cc and higher motorcycles launched from 1st April 2018 will have to have ABS as standard. However, all such motorcycles launched before this date can live for another year and they get this enforcement from 2019.
Also Read: 2018 Yamaha R3 Unveiled; Coming to India Soon
So, guys R15 with a bigger engine, more power, super-awesome looks – at a slight premium – will you buy it?
