Yamaha R15 V4

• The Yamaha R15 V4 has marked a huge milestone by pushing the boundaries of what a 155 cc motorcycle can offer, like a top speed of 140 km/h and an approximate mileage of 40 to 50 km/l.
• One of the most striking aspects of the R15 V4 is its style, which is inspired by Yamaha’s larger supersport models, particularly the YZF-R7.
• The power output of the R15 V4 might be marginally lower than its predecessor; the real catch lies in the motor’s responsiveness.
• Yamaha has made a leap by introducing upside-down (USD) front forks, a first for the R15 series and a rarity in this segment.
• The R15 V4 carries a lot of technological features, which are usually reserved for higher-capacity motorcycles.
• When viewing from a practicality angle, the R15 V4 offers impressive mileage, which depends on the riding style and conditions.
• For young riders and enthusiasts in India, the R15 V4 delivers a taste of big-bike excitement at a relatively accessible price point.
  

• From an automotive journalist’s point of view, the R15 V4’s ex-showroom pricing range of INR 1.82 lakhs, reaching up to INR 1.87 lakhs, is a double-edged sword.
• This pricing range has sparked considerable interest and debates among enthusiasts and prospective buyers.
• While the motorcycle’s build quality, reliability, and performance are undeniable, the R15 V4’s price tag is often considered steep when considering the available alternatives.
• The on-road price escalation, which includes insurance, road tax, and registration, pushes the R15 V4 into a bracket where the customers might start considering bikes from higher segments, such as the 200 cc category.
• The R15 V4’s can once again be considered strong considering the extensive service network, which makes the investment more palatable in the long run.
  

• The Yamaha R15 V4 stands as a compelling choice and benchmark within the 155 cc sports bike segment.
• The heart of the R15 V4 is powered by a 155 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with SOHC and four valves.
• The inclusion of Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) is a feature that stands out in the segment.
• The R15 V4 makes use of a Deltabox frame, which is recognised for its rigidity and balanced weight distribution.
• The R15 V4 includes safety features such as dual-channel ABS as standard, supported by disc brakes at both ends.
• Another interesting feature of the R15 V4 is its digital instrument console, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and displays various information like speed, trip details, gear position, fuel consumption, and more.
• The R15 V4’s full-LED lighting setup includes a bi-functional LED headlamp, twin LED DRLs, and an LED taillight.
  

• The Yamaha R15 V4 is powered by a 155 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-valve engine.
• This setup generates a power output of 18.4 PS at 10,000 rpm and a torque of 14.2 Nm at 7,500 rpm.
• The VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) allows the engine to power efficiently at higher revs.
• The engine is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission and features a quickshifter (for upshifts), a feature rarely seen in this segment.
• The assist and slipper clutch provides a smooth and enriching ride experience by reducing lever effort and minimising rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.
• The R15 V4 is capable of reaching a top speed of 140 km/h, an impressive feat for its displacement and weight class.
• The engine’s character is complemented by a precise throttle response, thanks to fuel injection, and the overall mapping is tuned for both city traffic and open roads.
  

• The R15 V4 features upside-down (USD) front forks, which is a first for the Indian market.
• These 37 mm KYB USD forks are considerably smaller in diameter when compared to the R15 V4’s rivals and even the previous international versions of R15s.
• The front suspension offers a perfect balance between sporting through racetracks and everyday use.
• Coming to the rear, the R15 V4 features a linked-type monoshock, which has been retained from its previous generation yet tuned on the softer side, as comfort is a priority.
• The Deltabox frame complements the suspension really well in this case.
• The braking system in the R15 V4 comprises a dual-disc setup, now with dual-channel ABS.
• The brakes offer adequate stopping power in most scenarios, although the initial bite might not be as sharp.
  

• On paper, the R15 V4 claims an ARAI mileage ranging from 45 km/l to 55 km/l.
• Some variants of the V4 are even quoted to offer a mileage over 55 km/l and above.
• While in reality, combining traffic, riding style, and road conditions, the motorcycle typically yields a mileage range of 40-50 km/l.
• The numbers during highway commutes can climb over 50 km/l.
• With an 11-litre fuel tank capacity, customers can expect a range exceeding 500 km per fill.
  

• The dimensions of the R15 V4 are tight and efficient to suit most riding conditions.
• The length of this motorcycle amounts to 1990 mm, making it suitable for city manoeuvrability.
• The 725 mm width is convenient for a motorcycle during congested traffic.
• The height of 1,135 mm and a seat height of 815 mm strike a good balance. Tall enough for an aggressive stance and accessible enough for riders of average height.
• The 170 mm ground clearance is suitable for Indian roads.
• The curb weight of 141 kg is considerably lighter than most rival sport bikes.
• To summarise, the Yamaha R15 V4’s dimensions and weight present a harmony between track-inspired aggression and everyday usability.
  

Some of Yamaha R15 V4's rivals are:

• ​KTM RC 200​
  
• ​Bajaj Pulsar RS200​
  
• ​Suzuki Gixxer SF 250​
  
• ​Kawasaki Ninja 300​