Ownership experience after 300 KMS. Review on Yamaha R15

I had been waiting to write a review on R15 for ling time but I decided that I will not write one until I own one. After lot of considerations and discussions with my family, finally booked a Sunset RED R15. Within 6 days bike got delivered. This one cost me 1.10 Lakh on road Pune. Arguably this is the best looking low capacity bike in India by a far margin. U always receive a glance whenever out on road. This bike is one head turner. Even much mightier NINZA doesn't hold up to R15 when the front treatment is concerned. Also NINZA's analog meter is a far cry from R15's digital display. On the rear department, definite NINZA holds an edge over R15.

Soon after I got the R15 keys, I zoomed to nearest petrol pump and filled the tank. This was one of the happiest moment for me. My home from showroom is around 10 KM so really enjoyed the short ride. But there are few things I would like to mention.Though R15 150cc is rev happy, 17 BHP output is wat too less for being called a true sports bike. I wish they had given a 200cc engine with maximum output of 25 BHP. Also low end torque is almost non existent. This engine is dead below 4000rpm or say at least 3000 rpm.

For a good pulling effect u must shift the gear at 4500+ rpm. But to say engine is supremely refined and no vibrations whatsoever even at redline. Still this engine is best in business. Once above 4500rpm, it goes into its own league. Till now I rode 100KM. Maximum speed I have done is 57 KM at 4500 rpm.The chassis of R15 is its biggest virtue. This vehicle handles like a dream. I have put this vehicle to some tough corners and it dint disappoint me. Chassis is definitely racing spec so this kind of handling is expected.

I have riddnen almost all the bikes including latest Pulsar 220 s. I guess outright power of 220 is amazing and definitely burns a hol in R15s reputation. 220 is faster than R15 in 0-60, 0-100, top speed, But handling is where R15 scores. A recent track test done by BIKE INDIA shows that r15 is miles ahead of other bikes when it comes to track. It is full 2 sec quicker than p220.

Regarding suspension. This bike had got monoshock at the rear so high stability is maintained. Since my bike is only 3 days old, it still stiff so cant comment on this. Also fuel economy has not been tested but I expect this bike to run 40 KM for per litre of gasoline.

Build quality is also very good and best in the business. Though the front fairing is very flimsy and easily breakable. My biles front side indicator(right) came out on 2nd day which is a great embarrasment.

Lot had been said about sitting posture. But what I must say that you cannot exoect a upright rosy sitting posture in a sports bike. . Upright sitting posture may be comfortable but it is really harmful for ur spine coz coz any vibrations in the bike or movement due to bad road rubs the joint of the bones in spine coz it is perpendicular to the moving bike(confirmed by many orthopedics).

Some of my friend own r15 and have gone for frequent long rifed. I will tell u. this bike is as reliable as a hammer. U put this bike to any condition and this will surpride with its amazing reliability. U run this bike for 200 Km flat out still it will ask for more. you cant expect such kind of reliability from a Pulsar or a Apache. This bike has been winning heart all over India since its launch.

Everytime I take out this bike for a ride, its brings a big smile on my face and prompts me to go for another ride. Due to run-in constrains due 1st service, I cant take this bike for more than 60KMPH and thats a real pain. Lot of self control is required coz this beast just wants to ridden hard.

I think price tag of 1.1L is really justified. If u look at the 3.1 L price tag for 250cc ninza then this bike seems a steal for such a price.

I just hope that yamaha launch a higher displacement version of R15, may be R25 with 250cc engine and 30+ BHP.

Ride safe and wear ur helmets.

thankyou all