Jun 29, 2008 12:25 AM
13445 Views
(Updated Jun 29, 2008 06:15 PM)
As most of you here, I have been one of the very interested readers researching everywhere to get some information on this bike and compare it against the best we have, the P220. A brief background: My last bike was a pulsar 220 (had it for about a year) which I traded in to get the new Yam R15. My R15 was delivered today and I have taken it around for about 35 kms. I have outlined my opinions below:
a) The yamaha is the most advanced bike we have in its class. In every aspect, it is ahead of every other bike we have.
b) On the power front, as most of you are aware the R15 makes 17 bhp to the 20 made by the P220. My initial impression is the 220 is faster off the block, but on a straight line the R15 will catch up. On that aspect, I am slightly disappointed with the performance of the R15.
c) In every other aspect, the R15 is superior, be it looks, braking, cornering, the ride itself. I cannot describe how smooth the R15 rides, the 220 had a very harsh ride and if driven at a stretch would give you a bad back. The R15, I believe will have no such problems.
d) The R15 is light when compared to the 220 (and other 150's). This makes the R a lot easier to drive in the city. As mentioned in the previous point, the R is a lot smoother making it a better bike overall. The six speed gearbox is new and can only be used when driving on highways, but when used, the bike handles extremely well.
Finally the most important question: Is the R15 worth the 20k more over the pulsar? In my opinion yes, while the power aspect is slightly disappointing, the R15 scored in every other area. It is a superior bike overall and does deserve a premium over th 220.
One last note: I know a few users have expressed their displeasure over the R15 not being as good as the 125 sold in Europe, the bike in Europe costs considerably more hence its better. If Yamaha were to price the R15 at around 1.5 L, I am fairly confident, they can bring the same quality here. Having said that, I do belive we have an excellent bike available to us folks.
I live in Hyderabad and I purchased my bike at Pearl Yamaha in Kondapur. My experience with the dealer was excellent.
