New Yamaha R15 version 2.0
Yamaha YZF- R15 2.0 Racing DNA Redesigned A fter months of speculation and anticipation finally the wait is over the n...
Yamaha YZF-R15 2.0
Racing DNA Redesigned
After months of speculation and anticipation finally the wait is over the new R15 version 2.0 is here. Yamaha launched the new R15 version 2.0 in New Delhi at Le Meridien on 6th of September. So let’s take a walk down the feature lane and see what are the upgrades in version 2.0 over the existing model which I think, now everyone will be calling as Version 1.0
Looks
Version 2.0 has been developed keeping in mind the customer feedback to provide that desire look which riders were desperate to see on the R15 like:
A new engine fairing or middle cowl-
This newly designed engine fairing gives a more dynamic look to the bike adding more super sport touch carried down from the R1 and R6 models and at the same time is very functional, providing 4% better aerodynamic resistance value than the existing R15 for improved high speed performance. The new engine fairing’s layer structure is designed to actively draw in airflow for cooling effect as well as contributes to rider comfort by directing the engine heat away from the rider’s legs with greater efficiency.
New Five spoke Alloy Wheels-
The cool new 5 spokes alloy wheels grouped by ten spokes(two by two) to form five pairs resembles the one on R125.Lets hope these are stronger than the previous version, as we all know the older ones could not take high speed beating and usually tend to bend or break.
New Exhaust-
The exhaust gets a brand new design with faux carbon fiber finish as well as a model nameplate which adds a rhythmic flow to overall styling.
New Design read mud guard-
The rear now sports a floating assembly which holds the rear turn indicators and number plate. The rear mud guard is now like other sports bikes but with an extension like the Pulsar 135 which we do not like and in our opinion it spoils the look from the rear. Many owners will take it off but we advise you not to as during monsoons people behind you as well as your pillion will get sprayed with dirt.
Split seat-
The rear of the bike has been raised and listening to the customer’s desperate call for a split seat they have finally provided it. The new seats come with a slip-resistant seat cover material, better cushion, optimized shape for thigh contact area and cushioned front edge of the rear seat that supports the rider’s rear.
The increase seat height of 800mm provides a relaxed riding posture, having said that we can’t confirm that the riding stance has changed to a more relaxed posture or not. A storage compartment has been provided under the rear seat for holding necessary things like tools and documents.
All new tail lamp-
Again, hearing to the customer’s call for a sharper rear Yamaha has provided a sexy and sporty rear with led tail lamps carried down straight from the R6. The tail of R15 now gives a real sports bike look and feel.
Wider Tyres-
A wider 90/80x17 low profile front tyre and 130/70x17 radial rear tyre has been adopted for better traction in day to day riding as well as sports riding. The rear tyre is the same MRF Zapper-S which does the duty on the existing R15 but now it’s a radial one and wider too, and has been renamed as Revz-S. The radial tyre reduces excessive flexing of the tread and increases grip as well as reduces rolling resistance which contributes to better fuel economy. All this has helped in increasing the high speed cornering stability and has imparted improved handling performance. By providing this upgrade Yamaha has answered people’s call for a wider tyre which makes the bike look really sporty and enhances the overall look as well.
Larger Rear Disc-
A larger 220mm rear disc with piston-slide type single-pot caliper does the duty of retarding the bike along with same 267mm front disc with twin-pot caliper which does the duty of stopping the bike on the existing bike, though there is a minor design change.
The larger rear disc is adopted to achieve a better balance with the new wider rear tyre.
Engine:-
The Engine of the version 2.0 is the same which is on the existing one, 4 stroke, Liquid cooled, 4 valve 150cc and even the power and torque figures are left untouched, Max Power of 17Ps@8500 rpm and Max torque of 15Nm@7500 rpm. This has led to huge wave of disappointment among the R15 fan following and people who were expecting for a power boost up. But people are not noticing that Yamaha has re-mapped the ECU and changes have been made in the drivetrain unit which has increased the secondary reduction ratio from 3.000 to 3.133 which may provide better off the line acceleration and coupled with new aerodynamics of the bike and new ECU may also provide a better top end. Yamaha does claims that there is improvement in off-the-line acceleration and high speed performance though we can only confirm it when we get the bike for a road test. There are other changes also, to improve the clutch operation feel, a more rigid clutch axle shaft than the one on existing model has been adopted. 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 to achieve a better throttle response. All in all the version 2.0 will convincingly be better than the version 1.0 or the existing model in the performance area.
Chassis & Suspension:-
The chassis is the same proven delta box frame with very minor changes as well as the rear and front suspension remains unchanged since there was no need for it.
The Swing arm has been upgraded to a wider and longer aluminum one which makes it a first Indian made model. This rear arm has been cast in one piece to provide greater rigidity. This long swing arm design has been taken from the famous Yamaha M1 which is used in the Motorcycle Grand Prix. So be proud if you are a proposed owner. It is very effective for ensuring outstanding rear tyre traction as well as stabilizing the bike.
The chain adjustment assembly is also upgraded to the one used on super sport models R1 and R6 to improve adjustment capability.
Other Features
Some other minor changes are:
·
New graphics to gel well with the new styling of the bike. Kerb weight has been increased from 131kgs to 136kgs. A double horn system with larger volume and sound quality has been adopted. This was a necessary change since no one pays attention to the horn on the existing one and customers have been complaining from the beginning.
New graphics to gel well with the new styling of the bike.
Verdict
The new Yamaha YZF-R15 version 2.0 will be available in three colours, Racing blue, Midnight black and Sunset red at a premium of almost Rs 5000 over the existing one at a price tag of Rs 1,07,000 Ex-Showroom Delhi .
The New R15 has actually left behind almost all the drawbacks of the existing model and is definitely a delicious upgrade. With new set of features the R15 now can be easily mistaken for a bigger 600cc as now the minor styling cues has been taking care very well. Yamaha has left no stone unturned in this upgrade to make it a treat for potential customers. If you are in any corner of your mind considering this as your next bike don’t wait, go, don’t stop for wearing you pants run in your boxers and book this at your nearest Yamaha showroom.
We will soon return with full Road test confirming all the details and claims from Yamaha once we get our hands on this fabulous machine. And me, sigh, let me check my savings.
-Ride Safe
Technical Specifications
Overall Length x Width x Height | 1,970mm x 670mm x 1,070mm |
Seat Height | 800mm |
Wheelbase | 1345mm |
Min Ground Clearance | 160mm |
Kerb Weight | 136Kg |
Engine Type | Liquid cooled, 4 stroke, SOHC, 4 valve |
Cylinder Layout | Single Cylinder |
Displacement | 149.8 |
Bore x stroke | 57 x 58.7 |
Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 |
Max Power | 17Ps@8500 |
Max Torque | 15N.m@7500 |
Starting Method | Electric Start |
Lubrication Type | Wet Sump |
Fuel Tank Volume | 12 |
Fuel Supply | Fuel Injection |
Ignition Type | T.C.I |
Battery | 12V, 3.5Ah (10H) |
Head Light | Low beam 12V/35W x1 , High Beam 12V/35W x2 |
Primary/Secondary Reduction Ratio | 3.042/3.133 |
Clutch Type | Wet Multiple-disc |
Transmission type | Return type 6-speed |
Gear Ratios | 1st=2.833, 2nd=1.875, 3rd=1.364 4th=1.143, 5th=0.957, 6th=0.84 |
Frame Type | Delta box |
Caster/trail | 26*/98mm |
Tyre Size (front/rear) | 90/80-17 / 130/70-R17 |
Break Type(front/rear) | Hydraulic, single disc (Front/Rear) |
Suspension (front/rear) | Telescopic/ Linked type Monocross |
Story by Ankit Williams
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