Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0 spotted testing

The next-generation Yamaha YZF-R15 has been spotted testing in Indonesia. Apart from a few cosmetic updates, the new YZF-R15 will also get upside down front forks like its streetfighter sibling – the M-Slaz.

The new Yamaha YZF-R15 will get a redesigned fairing with a twin-headlamp unit similar to the YZF-R3. The tail section has been redesigned to look like the M-Slaz. The exhaust end can and the alloy wheels also get a new design. Under the skin, the R15 will retain the 150cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, though we expect it to be more powerful than the current engine. It rides on upside down front forks and a rear monoshock.

While sales of the R15 have been affected in Indonesia and Thailand with the introduction of the new Honda CBR150R and the Suzuki GSX-R150, the YZF-R15 Version 2.0 and YZF-R15 S continue to perform consistently in India. Yamaha's strategy of refreshing the YZF-R15 with new paint schemes every once in a while seems to have worked well so far. With the introduction of this update, we can expect numbers to keep growing. The YZF-R15 Version 3.0 will be launched here in the first half of 2017. For now, the company is planning to launch a quarter-litre streetfighter in January.