Yamaha MT-15 vs Yamaha YZF-R15 V3 vs Yamaha FZ25- Sibling Rivalry

The Yamaha MT-15's direct rival is the KTM 125 Duke. However, its positioning in the market is bang in the middle of its two siblings, the Yamaha FZ25 and Yamaha YZF-R15 V3. We compare the three bikes and see how they stack up against each other. 

Styling

The design language of the MT-15 and FZ25 is similar to each other. The streetfighters get a chiselled fuel-tank and tank shrouds along with a futuristic-looking LED-headlamp setup. They even share the same alloy-wheels. Now, the R15 V3 also gets LED headlamps although these are housed in a full-fairing. And unlike the MT-15 and FZ25's slightly-upright riding position, the R15 offers aggressive riding ergonomics thanks to the lower set bars and rear-set foot pegs. 

Features 

The MT-15 is based on the R15 V3 and shares most of its components and features with the latter. They get an assist and slipper clutch, Yamaha's VVA (variable valve actuation) technology and the 'Deltabox' frame. However, the MT-15 sports a box-type swingarm borrowed from the F25 which misses out on the assist and slipper clutch, VVA and is built on a 'Diamond' frame. 

All three motorcycles come with an LCD instrument cluster. While the MT-15 and R15 V3 get the same unit that shows gear position indicator along with other basic information, the FZ25's instrument cluster misses out on a gear position indicator. 

Engine

The FZ25 uses an engine with the highest displacement of the three. It has a 249cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve motor that produces 20.3bhp at 8000rpm and 20Nm of torque at 6000rpm. It is mated to a five-speed gearbox.

Now, the MT-15 and R15 V3 use a smaller engine although with better specs. The 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine produces 19bhp at 10,000rpm and 14.7Nm of torque at 8500rpm. The unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox and an assist and slipper clutch.

Cycle Parts

The Yamaha MT-15, R15 V3 and FZ25 use telescopic forks upfront and a monoshock at the rear for damping. Braking duties on the R15 V3 and FZ25 is handled by a 282mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc with a dual-channel ABS unit. Meanwhile, the MT-15 uses a smaller 245mm disc at the front with a 220mm rear disc along with a single-channel ABS unit.

Price

Yamaha has priced the MT-15 at Rs 1.36 lakhs. In comparison, the R15 V3  retails at Rs 1.39 lakhs. So for the extra Rs 3000 you get a full-fairing, dual-channel ABS and aluminum swingarm. On the other hand, the FZ25 is priced at Rs 1.33 lakhs which offers a dual-channel ABS. (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).