R15

R15 is Yamaha’s new baby for India. The bike should be able to generate 20 BHP at 14,000 rpms. The bike is based on Yamaha R1, which in tern is produced on lines of experience from moto GP.

Yamaha YZF R 15 is the first model for the Indian market designed in the true supersport image and featuring a high-level balance of enjoyable running performance on winding roads, enjoyable performance and riding comfort with a tandem passenger and agile handling through crowded city traffic. Packed full of state-of-the-art technologies, the new YZF-R15 boasts performance worthy of a supersport model and a body design that evokes the image of the YZF-R series and gives visual expression to the quality of its ride.

It is based on totally race technology with which MotoGP bikes runs, technology with which R1 is built. It has India’s first 150cc 4 valve engine with forged pistons, Deltabox frame & 6speed gear box. It’s overall length is 1070mm, overall width is 670mm and its wheels base is 1290mm. Since sporty YZF R15 is shorter too and its height is just 1070mm. YZF R15 150cc features F 80/90 -17 inches tyres in the front and 100/80-17 inches tyres in the rear. Both the tyres are tubeless.

The YZF R15 has a 150cc Fuel Injected liquid cooled engine that will be producing an almost impossible 20bhp which will make it like the most powerful bike under 200cc range and has a 6-speed Transmission but the bhp is not completely confirmed. Yamaha is showcasing its potential for India with some real performance Yamaha bikes at affordable rates like below Rs 95000.

- From External source

So what does all this mean?
In short it means that R15 is going to be India’s first sports bike (if you don’t count the imported R1). The bike is based on R1 – so its a racing bike. Compared to both Karizma and Pulsar 220, R15 is going to be a better racing bike. While Karizma might be favoured by tourers, and Pulsar 220 by people who would like both, but for a true racer – this should be the bike. But if one has more money and patience then its a good idea to wait for Kawazaki Ninja 250CC bike, which would be in many ways superior to the R15.

But a lot would also depend on after sale service response and marketing. There have been cases where the owner of Rs 12 lakh R1 feel that the service is not done. Lets see what happerns.

~ by nalinbakshi on March 28, 2008.