Could Yamaha MT15 go the XSR 155 way in India?

Yamaha has unveiled two bodykits for the MT-15 based XSR 155 in Indonesia. These kits transform the retro-styled motorcycle into either a café racer or a flat tracker.

The café racer kit includes clip-on handlebars, single-seat with cowl and a headlamp cowl that complete the look. On the other hand, the tracker kit consists of a short front fender, flyscreen, aluminium sump guard, headlamp cover and a competition-number plate on the side. These kits add to the visual appeal of the XSR 155. It is likely to be launched in India by the end of this year or early 2021.  We expect it to be around the MT-15’s Rs 1.38 lakhs (ex-showroom)  price tag.

Nevertheless, the MT-15 has seen a dip in sales in the last three months; going from 2,124 units in October 2019 to 578 units in December 2019. It, however, did see a marginal increase in January 2020 with 648 units sold. The motorcycle has been facing tough competition from the KTM 125 Duke since its launch in 2018. To tackle this sluggishness, Yamaha has introduced the BS6 model in an attractive new colour to garner more attention and is also offering optional accessories for the motorcycle.

However, in our opinion, introducing bodykits for the MT-15 similar to the ones offered with the XSR 155 could work in favour of the motorcycle’s sales. This would not only add flair and provide buyers with the option of customising the motorcycle, but also be in tune with Yamaha’s approach of positioning itself as a sporty brand in the country.