Yamaha MT-15: First ride review

dr.gautam · 发表于 2019-05-11 16:04:13

Yamaha MT-15 brings the dark side of Japan to India with the revered R15 hiding underneath. So Yamaha's newest streetfighter promises a lot more for the streets than its track-focused sibling.[br][br]

[br]Yamaha MT-15 was launched in India on March 15, 2019, at a starting price of Rs 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).[br][br]HIGHLIGHTS[br][br]Yamaha MT-15 in essence, is the R15 stripped off its fairing but the styling cues go deeper than that.[br]MT-15's powerplant is the same 155cc, 19.3bhp unit as in the R15 v3 but has been tuned to dish out power lower in the rev-range.[br]The MT has its rider sitting upright with just a hint of forward lean while the rearset footpegs are spot on making for a sporty riding stance.[br]The Yamaha YZF-R15 brought about a marked shift in the 150cc segment back in 2008 yet for long, many enthusiasts have also been asking for a naked version of the motorcycle. Well, let's be honest, the FZ despite its positives simply didn't match up to the R15's performance. 2019 finally sees and we sampled it at the Buddh International Circuit.[br][br]

[br]Yamaha MT-15 in essence, is the R15 stripped off its fairing but the styling cues go deeper than that.[br]The Yamaha MT-15 in essence, is the R15 stripped off its fairing but the styling cues go deeper than that. The seat for instance, is a single piece unit that doesn't bear any resemblance to the R15's. The tail end of the design is more in line with the MT 09 and MT 07. The fuel tank too isn't a direct lift off the R15 and of course, the headlamp inspired by the Samurai, definitely bears semblance to the bigger MTs.[br][br]

[br]Yamaha MT-15 gets a 155cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine that is a free-revving and effortless performer.[br]Styling though is far easier to change than the engine and its sub-components. Yamaha MT-15's powerplant is the same 155cc, 19.3bhp unit as in the R15 v3 but has been tuned to dish out power lower in the rev-range. This becomes possible with revised ECU mapping and ignition timstreets[br][br]

[br][br]Samurai inspired DRLs and exposed projector underneath complements the aggressive overall design.[br]The final drive ratio has also been altered with a 52 teeth rear sprocket compared to the 48 of the R15 for better acceleration and mid-range grunt. Yamaha didn't stop at that and decided that the already sharp steering geometry of the Yamaha R15 had to be sharper still for the streets[br][br]

[br]Box section swingarm replaces the aluminium unit on the R15 along with a larger rear sprocket.[br]More stability has been afforded thanks to the 10mm increase in wheelbase and a box section swingarm too. The famed Deltabox frame remains as do most of the cycle parts from the v3 R15.[br][br]

[br]LCD display, borrowed from Yamaha R15, has similar levels of information display besides looking great.[br]All this means that Yamaha MT15 is just as able in its handling and a few laps around the north section of the BIC proved that. The BIC being a Formula 1 track is obviously very fast for a 155cc motorcycle, so much so that we never hit the sixth cog. Nevertheless, using the engine's top-end power in fourth and fifth displayed the changes brought about by the modifications. The revs rise strong from the get go and the MT accelerates a little harder than the R15 but the power tapers off sooner, nearing 9,000rpm and higher. This is where the R15 still feels stronger while the MT feels a little lack lustre despite the variable valve actuation. The MT's intentions are clear in this respect.[br][br]

[br]While the R15 feels at home on a track, the MT will suit the streets.[br]While the R15 feels at home on a track, the MT will suit the streets, where its sharper dynamics will shine through aided by quick bursts of acceleration that it's more adept at than its sibling. Turn in is quick, sharp and surefooted while the MRFs offer a good amount of grip. The smooth surface of the BIC doesn't say much about the suspension when considering road use but on track, the firmness and supple damping was perfectly suited for sport riding.[br][br]

[br]Single seat on Yamaha MT-15 seems spacious but doesn't allow for much movement.[br]The ergonomics is another stand out difference. The MT has its rider sitting upright with just a hint of forward lean while the rearset footpegs are spot on making for a sporty riding stance. Although, the rider's triangle doesn't allow for much movement in the saddle.[br][br]Verdict[br][br]The MT-15 makes its street focused dynamics clear but a true picture of the MT-15's capabilities shall be revealed when we ride it on public roads. Meanwhile, the question to be answered is the number of people willing to put their money on the MT and its popularity against the FZ16 and the FZ25. The steep pricing might be its only shortcoming as Rs 3,000 separates it on either side of the FZ25 and R15. A fully-faired motorcycle is still a clear choice for many while a bigger engine is always more enticing.[br][br][br][br][br][br]source : intoday.in[br][br]