Yamaha R15 V4

Yamaha R15 V4 Expert Verdict

Yamaha R15 V4 Detailed Review

• R15 V4 Looks and Design

  The Yamaha R15 has been one of the most desirable entry-level sports bikes in India. The recent update called V4 has brought new design changes that translate the new R15 into a more mean and aggressive-looking machine. The most significant and apparent change in the R15 v4 is in the design. The new full fairing cover of the R15 v4  clearly takes inspiration from the R7 (launched abroad), and te smooth aerodynamic design definitely strikes a chord. This is further accentuated by the minimalistic Class D bi-functional LED headlight unit, which is neatly tucked inside a small M air-duct design on the fairing’s tip. It is further flanked by the sleek LED DRL’s on both sides. This minimalism cleans up the styling and gives the new R15 a strikingly fresh stance and appeal. 

  The aerodynamic design continues on the side as well, which now looks more aggressive. The foot resting position is the same as was in the V3, but with the v4 there’s more space for the knees since the tank shape has been redesigned. There’s also more space on both the saddles and since they are now visibly narrower, putting your foot down will not be a struggle.

  Aside from the visual upgrades, another major upgrade has to be in the frame of the motorcycle. The new R15 v4 now has golden-coloured USD forks. Otherwise, both the aluminium swingarm and the rear-monocross suspension has remained unchanged. Other design features on the standard R15 include a new grey coloured muffler guard on the exhaust system and golden coloured brake callipers. The R15M gets special carbon-like seat covers with embroidered logos, and anodized blue fork caps, to help distinguish itself from the rest of the line-up. 

  Summary

  By keeping the overall design familiar, Yamaha has tried to perfect it with the new R15 v4. The new front suspension system should improve riding capability, and the new fairing design is sure to turn heads.

• R15 V4 Dimensions and Capacity

  The overall size and dimensions of the Yamaha R15V4 remain unchanged from the V3. Although, the new front design makes it appear that the bike has grown in size. Dimension-wise, the new Yamaha YZF  R15 v4 continues unchanged from the outgoing V3 model. The R15 v4 model weighs the same 142 kg, and the wheelbase also remains the same at 1325 mm. The height of the R15 v4 at 1135 mm is also the same, so is its seat height at 815 mm, but this time the seats are narrower, which makes matter related to sure footing easy as well. The overall length of the R15 v4 at 1990 mm, and width of 725 mm are the same. So, the R15 v4 is a very familiar bike, and with the same dimensions, its ride quality is left mostly unaffected. 

  Summary

  The Yamaha YZF R15 v4 has the same dimensions as its outgoing V3 model. Despite the slight drop in power and increase in torque, the same dimensions should not render the R15 v4 to ride differently.

• R15 V4 Engine Performance and Mileage

  The engine and technical calibration of the R15 was one of its USPs since its launch. The new R15 V4 takes the performance and the engine capabilities one step further. The new R15 v4 will continue with the same 155 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with VVA technology. However, the same unit has been slightly re-tuned to produce 0.2 PS of less power at 18.4 PS  and 0.1 Nm of more torque at 14.2 Nm. The transmission system is the same 6-speed transmission with a slipper clutch. The standard R15 with the Racing Blue exterior paint option gets the quick-shifter as standard, and for additional mullah, it can also be equipped with the traction control system. 

  Acceleration figures of the new R15 v4 should be the same as their previous model. Going by that, the R15 v4 should be able to do 0-60 kmph timing in 3.4 seconds and it can reach from 0-100 kph in 11.42 seconds. And with new ride-assist features, the new R15 v4 should be engaging and much more intuitive to ride. 

  Summary

  The engine in the Yamaha R15 v4 is slightly re-tuned, but that doesn’t affect its performance by any margins at all. Further features like traction control, quick shifter, will definitely make riding the R15 much more engaging

• R15 V4 Tyres, Brakes and Features

  It is the amazing tyres and brakes combination that makes the R15 V4 one of the best handling machines in its segment. The handling is spot on as the braking helps in creating more confidence among the riders to push the bike hard. The new Yamaha R15 rides on 17” alloy wheels at the front and a superwide 140 mm radial rear tyre that has higher sidewalls for better grip around corners. Both wheels have disc brakes, 228 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear, with dual-channel ABS that keeps the bike stable under heavy braking scenarios.

  One of the major features updates with the R15 v4 has to be its new fully digital LCD meter console that supports Bluetooth connectivity. The LCD screen displays notifications of SMS & E-mail, call alerts, and phone battery level status. Furthermore, it also houses a gearshift indicator and a new digital rev-counter - a feature that is usually found in litre-class bikes. In addition, data for Track mode and Street mode can be accessed on the console itself, by toggling the information switch on the right handle bar. There’s also an optional USB charger neatly located behind the clip-on handles, alongside a standard dual horn to top of the features list of the R15 v4. 

  Summary

  The R15 v4 does receive a refreshing feature list, and the new updated LCD digital console is quite versatile with all the information neatly laid out. The new Bluetooth system keeps things modern, and the rider informed.