Yamaha YZF R15 V3 is a more potent motorcycle than any other R15 yet!
This R15 V3.0 is better-looking, more powerful, has more equipment on offer and is, crucially, faster. So, has its evolution come from a sense of performance-oriented righteousness or has it emerged, instead, from a sense of catching-up-to-do?
Looks are subjective, it’s terrific and, more importantly (and finally), it has a balanced overall design. Previous R15s have been underwhelming in some respect or the other but this one is a job completed perfectly. The new design has introduced twin-eye LED headlights which look sinister — especially with that air duct housed between them. The bubble visor is neatly integrated and feels substantial. The ‘gills’ on the fuel tank (now 11 litres, instead of 12) scream ‘R1’ and the tail-end does the same thing.
Another nice touch is the two-tone paint job, which adds to the lithe, aggressive design. The new all-digital instrument cluster is horizontally laid out (with a white backlight as well as a shift-light in the same shade) and is informative, but not complex. Overall, the R15 V3.0’s looks will have a magnetic effect on prospective buyers and it’s not hard to figure out why.
The 155cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve motor may be familiar in its basic construction, but it has noticeably different implications in its current form. To elaborate, the motor now has a 1mm-larger bore (hence the extra 6cc), a new intake and exhaust system, and it also sports Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). The VVA system essentially employs a solenoid coil-based valve operation mechanism that utilises low-cam and high-cam intake rocker arms. This has an appreciable impact on its performance at either end of the rev range. Not to mention, the motor now produces 19.3hp at 10,000rpm and 15Nm peak torque at 6,500rpm, which has contributed considerably to its performance. Also new is a slip-and-assist clutch, making the R15 V3.0 the first 150cc motorcycle in India to offer this feature. As a result, you get a clutch lever that’s light in operation and a rear wheel that’s no longer interested in hopping under hard downshifting.
Before you ask, yes, it’s a better performer, in every sense. The busy single-cylinder thrum is vocal right from idle and it takes a refined tone up to its 11,500rpm redline. The older R15s were perhaps a tiny bit smoother — but then the V3.0 is running a higher compression and makes more power, as well, which should account for some stress. This engine and gearbox are a match made in heaven and the combination translates to a happy performer. The R15 bike is forever excited about being ridden fast and hard and all of it is conveyed in a linear, progressive manner. It certainly has an enjoyable top end (and a top speed in the region of 135kph or so) and feels very usable even close to its redline. However, any rider above 5ft 10in will find it cramped; but that’s not a deal breaker and it does seem roomier than the V2.
Finally, coming back to the question we started with — Is this really a heartfelt evolution, then? Or is it a case of Yamaha finally deciding to catch up? The first-ever R15 set the tone right, but the V3.0 — with merits and improvements in abundance. It’s fun but not a fascinating new formula. Nonetheless, it’s a more potent motorcycle than any other R15 before; and at ₹1.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), that’s great news for us enthusiasts.
