Top 5 reasons to buy the new Yamaha YZF-R15 V4.0

The Yamaha YZF-R15 has received a major upgrade in the 4.0 form, and the motorcycle has become more appealing than ever. The motorcycle gets styling revisions and updated features, and here we tell you five reasons to purchase the new Yamaha YZF-R15 V4.0.

Styling

One of the top reasons to buy the new Yamaha YZF-R15 V4.0 is its styling. The latest iteration of the YZF-R15 draws design cues from the new YZF-R7, making it one of the best looking motorcycles in the sub-200cc segment of the Indian market. The design comprises a full-fairing setup along with an M-air duct at the front, a single-pod headlight, twin LED DRLs, a muscular fuel tank, a step-up seat, and a side-slung exhaust. The new YZF-R15 V4.0 is available in five colour choices – Metallic Red, Dark Knight, Racing Blue, R15M, and Monster Energy MotoGP. The prices vary depending on the colour option selected.

Premium Features

The standard feature list across all variants of the motorcycle includes an LED headlight, LED DRL, an LED taillight, and a Bluetooth-enabled fully-digital instrument cluster. The Bluetooth connectivity gives access to features such as call alerts, SMS and email notifications, and phone battery level. The smartphone app shows data about the fuel consumption, maintenance recommendations, last parked location, malfunction notification, revs dashboard, and ranking.

Standard electronic rider aids comprise dual-channel ABS, traction control system, and side-stand engine cut-off function. The Racing Blue and R15M versions further benefit from a quickshifter as standard while the feature is available as an accessory for other variants.

Hardware Upgrade

Apart from the styling revision and newer features, the Yamaha YZF-R15 V4.0 also gets revised hardware. The suspension setup now comprises upside-down telescopic front forks instead of conventional units on the old motorcycle, thus bringing it at par with the international-spec model and with its rivals like the KTM RC125 and the RC200. The rear continues to use a preload-adjustable mono-shock to handle the shock absorption tasks. The anchoring duties are performed by a 282mm single disc at the front and a 220mm rotor at the back and the setup delivers commendable feedback.

Tried and tested 155cc Engine

The motorcycle retains the 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with the Variable Valve Actuation system. Linked to a six-speed gearbox, the motor makes 18.1bhp at 10,000rpm and 14.2Nm of peak torque at 7,500rpm. The gearbox continues to use an assist and slipper clutch mechanism. The variable valve actuation system kicks in above 7,400rpm to deliver strong performance throughout the rev range. The motorcycle is decently quick in the lower rev band, although the engine really comes to life post 4,500rpm.

Fun to ride

The Yamaha YZF-R15 has always been a great motorcycle to ride because of its incredible handling. The motorcycle feels agile and responsive thanks to the deltabox frame and the sporty tuning of the suspension setup. This does, however, comes at the cost of comfort. The assist and slip function delivers an incredibly light clutch feel.

Verdict

The new Yamaha YZF-R15 V4.0 is a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, and the motorcycle is more appealing than ever before. The updated styling is instantly likeable while the feature list enhances the desirability factor even further. The sporty, 155cc engine adds to the ride experience, and the YZF-R15 V4.0 remains one of the most fun-to-ride motorcycles in its segment. All the updates, however, come at a premium price tag, which may affect the buying decision of several buyers in the Indian market. Moreover, the aggressive rider’s triangle and the sporty tuning of the suspension may not work for everyone, and that may affect the buying decision of several buyers.

Check out the first ride review of the new Yamaha YZF-R15 V4.0 below.