Yamaha MT-15 likely to be launched in India on 15 March: What to expect?

The pre-bookings for the Yamaha MT-15 have already commenced and the bike is scheduled to arrive in India next month. However, as compared to the international model, the Indian version is slightly different. Here’s what you can expect from the India-spec MT-15.

Styling and Features

The MT-15 is a streetfighter motorcycle based on the highly-acclaimed YZF-R15 V3 which is available in India. Nevertheless, the MT-15 has a completely different identity that trickles down from its bigger sibling, the MT-09. It offers an upright seating position and a muscular fuel tank that dictates most bikes in the segment. However, the MT-15s alien face-like headlamp surely sets it apart. It consists of twin LED strips with a projector in between. 

Yamaha has equipped the MT-15 with the same fully-digital instrument cluster as the one on the YZF-R15 V3. It gets a fuel gauge, gear position indicator and clock along with the other basic information. 

Engine

Powering the MT-15 is a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill that generates 18.7bhp at 10,000rpm and 15Nm of torque at 8,500rpm. This motor is the same as the R15 V3 and gets the VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) technology and is mated to a six-speed transmission. The bike tips the scales at 133kg; 5kgs lighter than the R15 V3. 

Cycle parts

While everything on the MT-15 as of yet is similar to the international-spec model, here is where things change. The India-bound MT-15 will ride on telescopic front forks unlike its foreign counterpart although the rear monoshock will remain the same. It is likely to use a 282mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc with a dual-channel ABS system as standard. 

Furthermore, going by spy images, Yamaha India has fitted the MT-15 with a box-type swingarm that will change the riding dynamics of the motorcycle. It wouldn’t be as agile as the R15 V3 but will help the manufacturer price the bike well. We also expect the Indian-spec MT-15 to sport long-lasting MRF radials instead of sticky IRC tyres.

Price

Since the manufacturer is looking to price the MT-15 competitively in India, we can expect it to be priced around Rs 1.2-1.3 lakhs. The bike will be positioned below the FZ25 and directly compete with the KTM 125 Duke here. 

Image source: TMCblog