In 2008, the sleeping giant woke up with all cylinders firing and announced the launch of the R15 – the legend was re-born! With a single master-stroke, Yamaha Motors India had managed to recover its former glory.
The first gen R15 or V1 as it is now called, featured a liquid cooled, free-revving, 150cc motor that was paired off with a chassis that allowed the rider to literally dance around the track. With quality parts all round and a styling package that were a tribute to the bigger R6/R1 cousins, the sales charts simply took off.In the braking department too, the R15 V2 has begun to show its age.
The 270mm stopper at the front had sufficient bite and feel to scrub speed, but the 220mm rear end was rather wooden in feel. Adding to that experience was the positioning of the rear brake pedal. The placement means that the foot is angled awkwardly over the pedal, thereby adding another pain point to the riding position. Apart from the pain, this becomes a critical fatigue inducing factor, that comes into play over longer rides. Also, the lack of ABS means that the rider is without this critical safety net. It puzzles us no end, to see Yamaha not offering this crucial bit of safety kit, especially on a model that’s their performance flagship!.
The R15 V2 has an efficiency on par with the segment. She’s not exactly a miserly sipper, but doesn’t gulp down the yellow nectar with every handful of the throttle either. Expect to get anything between 40 to 50 kilometres to the litre, which coupled with a 10 litre tank(+2 Litres in reserve), gives an operational range of about 400 odd.
The R15 V2 is a motorcycle that appeals greatly to the youth. It’s sporty styling, mini-superbike looks and a reasonably good price, mean that buyers flock to it, even in the face of newer competition. The Yamaha pedigree too plays its role and all in all, the R15 V2 does look good in the parking lot filled with newer, more powerful motorcycles. So, if you too have fallen for the sporty looks and the decent package on offer, then go ahead and make her yours. Just make sure that you change those unforgiving seat cushions though. And, be prepared to pamper your wrists and back, after every ride.
