Yamaha is all set to launch the awe-inspiring MT 15 in India and will be priced under Rs 1.2 Lakh
Ever since Yamaha launched the R15, it saw huge success in the Indian market. Even after 11 years of R15 Brand, the sales are strong and is actually picking up pace since the launch of YZF R15 Version 3.0. The latest version of R15 is far better than the original version launched in 2008. The performance has sure shot gone up as well as the styling which makes R15 a feast for the eyes.
Coming back to 2019, Yamaha just launched the FZ version 3, not to mention the ABS-equipped FZ25 and Fazer 250. Now Yamaha has focused its concentration on MT 15. We have seen few spy shots where Yamaha rider is seen testing Indian-spec MT 15. According to some sources, bookings for MT 15 are unofficially opened by some dealers for a fully refundable amount ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.
The Naked Street looks gorgeous yet beasty
MT 15 is apparently a naked version of R15 V3.0. The Naked Street bike is powered by the same 155 cc liquid cooled, single-cylinder engine. The fuel-injected powerplant belts out 19.3 bhp and 14.8 Nm of impressive torque. The VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) Engine is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox, assisted by a slipper clutch, with a tall 6th gear for higher top speed.
Also Read: Yamaha R15 V3 accessories price announced
Indian variant of MT 15 will not feature USD forks in a step to save cost. Other cost-saving measures include sharing of parts with R15 like delta box frame, digital meter, disc brakes, MRF tyres etc. A Dual-channel ABS safety-net from R15 will also be included. The swingarm though will be regular box section to further reduce the manufacturing cost. This heavy sharing of parts will lead to a pretty lower price point which is a boon for any manufacturer in India‘s price-sensitive market.
P/W ratio of MT 15 will be 143 bhp/ton whereas KTM 125 Duke settles with mere 97 bhp/ton
According to the sources, the naked R15 (I mean to say MT-15) is slated to launch at an attractive price of Rs 1.2 Lakh ex-showroom which will undercut Yamaha R15 V3.0 by Rs 20,000. Moreover, MT 15 will rival KTM 125 Duke which is currently priced at Rs 1.18 Lakh ex-showroom. It will be interesting to see the attacks of the Naked bikes. Yamaha MT 15 will surely crush the KTM 125 Duke into smithereens because it packs a better punch coupled with the lower kerb weight of just 135 Kg, which shoots the power-to-weight ratio towards the ceiling.
Also Read: Yamaha FZ V3 launched at Rs 95,000, gets ABS and more
One of the major concern of people who don’t buy R15 is the aggressive sitting position. The committed sitting posture is prone to wrist and back pain for newbies and cannot be taken to long tours in utmost comfort. Yamaha MT 15 will solve this problem and this might attract few potential R15 buyers.
Watch Yamaha MT 15 teased at FZ Version 3.0 launch event Here
