Sunday, 26 June 2016

Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 2.0

OverviewYamaha R15
was thefirst affordable sports bike in Indiawhich shared most of the styling bits with Yamaha’s much expensive bikes from R series. The looks and performance of this bike made it famous instantly and looking at its popularity and rising competition, Yamaha launched the second version of this bike – R15 Version 2.0. For 2016 Yamaha has introduced 3 new shades for the R15 V2.0 - Revving Blue, Adrenaline Red, Sparky Green. The company has discontinued the GP Blue Edition, Streaking Cyan Special Edition, Grid Gold Edition and Racing Blue Edition and they are no longer available inthe showrooms.Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 featuresall-new designfor engine fairing, new design for alloy wheels, split seat which is now better cushioned, new graphics and decals, fatter rear tyre - 130/70 - R17, bigger 220mm rear disc for better braking, all-new LED tail lamp which looks much better than 2010 model of YZF-R15,new ECU mappingfor better pick-up and fuel efficiency, weight increased by 5kgs (now it weighs 136kgs), new design for saree guard and mudguard plus new design for the silencer/exhaust pipe.

Design & Style
Yes, Yamaha has made some noticeable changes in R15 Version 2.0 but if you are searching for them at its front then you will be disappointed. Apart from thewiderfront tyre and darker visor, there is nothing else which differentiates it with the earlier version. Only when you move to the side of this bike then you can notice the major changes which make thisbike look extremely cool and sporty than before. The middle cowl in the full size fairing has been redesigned to improve the aerodynamics of this bike which also manages to impress you visually. Moreover you can notice the aluminium swing arm at the back which is first in any Indian bike. The bike also gets new silencer with carbon finishing and a nameplate on it. The rear section of the bike is much improved and looks much sporty than any of its competitor. Thefatty rear tyre(130/70) is a welcome feature which was needed desperately inthis bike. It features new split seat, sareeguard and mud guard. However, the triangular LED tail light could have been better. The new tail cowl is also appealing and comes without any kind of grab rail.

Engine & Gearbox
Sadly, there are no changes in this department which means the bike is still powered by the liquid cooled 4-stroke 149.8cc engine. It’s a mono cylinder, 4-Valve; SOHC engine which is designed to pump out a power of16.8 bhp at 8500 rpmwith utmost torque production of15 Nm available at 7500 rpm. This engine is equipped with a six speed gearbox with one gear down and five gears up- shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance
More or less, the feel and throttle response of this engine is same to that ofthe outgoing model. Yamaha has slightly tweaked the engine which is hardly noticeable due to its additional weight of around 4kgs. The initial gear ratios make it perfect for daily usage. Its only when you go pass 6000rpm then you can noticethe slow behaviour of this engine. However there are no vibrations till 8500rpm and the refinement level is also very satisfactory but the high end performance of the engine indicates at itslower displacement. The bike has become faster than before and does0-100km/hour in just above 13 seconds. One can reach the top speed of 130km/hour with this bike but while doingso, it may not feel as eager as most of itscompetitors. The high end performance isnowhere near to Bajaj Pulsar 220 and Honda CBR 250R.

Mileage
In city conditions, the mileage of R15 ranges from30-35 kmplwhile on highwaysone can expect anything around 40-45 kmpl.

Instrumnet Console
Itshares its instrument console with the outgoing version. It has a round pod for its analogue tachometer while it features a digital speedometer, fuel gauge and odometer with other LED indicators. The blue back light looks funky at night but could have been darker in colour.

Comfort While Riding
Yamaha R15 isknown for its sporty stancewhich was never offered before in any premium bike in India. The aerodynamic design of the bike allows the rider to bend forward with knees rolled back in perfect position. With its low seating, one can easily find a firm hold on this bike which gives you the confidence to rule the road which is absent on bikes like Pulsar and Hero Karizma ZMR. New seat isalso very comfortable with foot pegs being placed much behind than normal. The clips on handle are nice and convenient to hold and the overall feel while you drive this bike is magnificent.

Safety Features
The dual headlights of R15 Version 2.0 allow you to get a clear view of roads at night and confirms you safe driving.

Suspension
Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 has the sametelescopic forks at its frontwith linked type mono-shocker at its back. The bike takes most of the bumps with ease and feels free to cross most of the speed breakers and potholes without any complain. The suspension system confirmsthat the high seated pillion rider also get stress free and comfortable ride.

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