2011 Yamaha R15 version 0

 

            2011 Yamaha R15 version 0

 

Yamaha set a new example with the launch of their most anticipated sporty motorcycle the R15 in the year 2008, the motorcycle was an instant hit in India, there were no other motorcycle in the Indian market which could match the technology and performance of this sportsbike from Yamaha. However after 3 year of its launch it was time for Yamaha to bring the updated version of the R15 in the Indian market, so in the year 2011 Yamaha launched the newer and meaner version of the Yamaha R15 and christened it as R15 version 2.0. The Motorcycle looks like a proper racing machine and has the DNA of a sportsbike in it, the R15 can also be called the baby R1. The R15 version 2.0 has the looks and performances which will definitely attract everyone’s attention.
The R15 version 2.0 is powered by a 149.8 cc Liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine which generates 17 PS of maximum power at 8,500 RPM and 15 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM, the engine has been mated with a 6 speed gearbox. There are lots of interesting features about this motorcycle, Let’s find out in details about them.

Design

The R15 version 2.0 is an unique looking motorcycle in the Indian market. The front of the Version 2.0 remains almost same as the R15, it has duel headlamps in the front which almost looks like the bigger Yamaha R1 and is the signature styling of the R1 family. The major changes that has been made in the motorcycle starts from the mid section of the motorcycle, the mid-fairing has been tweaked to give it a more meaner and muscular appearance , the advantage to that is the aerodynamics of the Version 2.0 is improved by almost 4% which also has made its mark in its performance. A new mock carbon fiber side panel has been added which almost stretches to the rear seat and looks stylish and adds to the sporty elements of the motorcycle.
The new rear seats looks more aggressive and now and has a separate section for both front and the pillion rider, it also has slip resistant seat cover for the safety of the rider, although the pillion might face problems seating at the back. Version 2.0 has been fitted with a brand new more aggressively angled exhaust which looks sporty and stylish, it also has a new sculpted cover with mock carbon fiber finish to it and the R15 embossed metal plate has been attached which looks good on the exhaust. The rear tail section has also been angled aggressively and the rear tail light now has an LED unit which looks almost like the Yamaha’s very own R6. An alloy frame also has been fitted at the rear which holds the number plate along with the side turn indicators of the motorcycle, but there is no rear handle grab bar which adds to the disadvantage. Another major change that the motorcycle received are the tyres, the new Version 2.0 has been fitted with wider tyres at the rear which enhanced the overall looks of the motorcycle but hampers its performance part by little margin. The front section now has a more wider tyre than its predecessor. Overall the Version 2.0 is almost a new motorcycle and looks meaner and sportier than the older version for sure.
The overall dimension of the R15 version 2.0 is given below:

Length	1970mm
Width	670mm
Height	1070mm
Wheelbase	1345mm

Engine and performance

The engine remains the same as it was in the previous version of the R1, the version 2.0 is powered by the same 149.8 cc Liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine which generates 17 PS of maximum power at 8,500 RPM and 15 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM, the engine has been mated with a 6 speed gearbox.
The new R15 version 2.0 is 5 kg heavier than the older R15 but it is powered by the same engine so that can certainly raise a question that has the performance been degraded in the Version 2.0? and the answer to that is No the performance has increased by a little margin in the new R15 version 2.0 and this was possible because of the recalibrated E.C.U and tweaked gearing. The R15 version 2.0 is faster than the old R15 by a little margin. The R15 version 2.0 is a sports bike and the best place for riding this motorcycle is open highways but it does perform well in the city traffic too.

Ride and handling

The motorcycle is a good handler both in the straight as well as winding roads. The Motorcycle and the good tyres gives the rider confidence in leaning into corners, this motorcycle has got the racing DNA of Yamaha and thus have racing spirit in it. The motorcycles uses telescopic suspension at the front and mono-cross suspension at the rear which is capable enough to handle Indian roads exceptionally well.
The braking hardware also has improved than its previous version, the rear now gets a 220mm bigger disc brakes and the front wheel has been fitted with hydraulic disc brakes which provides excellent braking power to this mean machine. The motorcycle has stronger torque at lower revs which is a good news for many Indians because most of the people can ride this machine in city traffic also, Yamaha’s Delta box frame gives the R15 an edge over other motorcycles of its class, the new and improved tyres also does its job pretty well by sticking to the tarmac.

Pricing

The R15 version 2.0 is priced at RS.1,10,750 (Ex showroom Delhi).
The R15 version 2.0 is available with following color options:
 Invincible Black
 Raring red
 Thundering Green
 Racing Blue

Competition

The R15 version 2.0 faces tough competition from the
Pulsar 180
Although the Bajaj Pulsar 180 is powered by a 178.6 cc engine it generates the same amount of power that the R15 generates, the Pulsar generates 17.02 PS of maximum power at 8500 rpm and 14.22 NM of maximum torque at 6500rpm. The R15 version 2.0 has more racing features than the Pulsar 180 DTSi.

Conclusion

Yamaha R15 version 2.0 is more meaner, stylish and the performance level has also increased by a fair margin, the new and improved motorcycle will certainly attract the attention of young generation of India for sure and with that pricing they can afford a racing motorcycle for themselves which is meant for both the track as well the roads.

Quotes

“The R15 is easier to ride faster around corners, it is better when powering out of corners and very stable down the straights. While the difference may not be startling Yamaha has managed to improve the R15 discernibly in every area. And, while that is no small feat, more performance is needed to really spice things up. The R15 V2.0 is priced at Rs9,500 premium over the out going model”—Autocar india
“With handling of a true race-bike, the new Yamaha YZF-R15 2.0 now looks the part too”—Zigwheels India

 Great looks
 Good handling and performance

 Fuel economy needs improvement
 Pillion might face problems seating at the back

Press Release

Cementing its foothold in the premium segment, India Yamaha Motor today launched the YZF-R15 version 2.0 – a 150cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke fuel injected bike. The YZF-R15 version 2.0 is a new model that has been developed under the concept of a “Graded Up R15.” While maintaining the proven ease of handling of the existing R15, the R15 version 2.0 boasts of spruced up looks and better performance in circuit riding. The design elements are borrowed from the supersport model YZF-R1 that is adapted from YZR-M1 MotoGP race machine. The new bike is priced at Rs. 1,07,000 (Ex-showroom, Delhi) and will be available in Racing Blue, Midnight Black & Sunset Red colors.
The R15 version 2.0 has undergone changes as compared to the present YZF-R15 in the specs of the Engine Control unit (ECU), drivetrain unit, a long aluminum swing arm, wider front and rear tires (radial tire for the rear), split seat, LED taillights and new-design middle cowl & tail cowl.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & Managing Director, India Yamaha Motor, said, “Having witnessed the tremendous fan following received by the existing YZF-R15, we are very excited about the launch of the YZF-R15 version 2.0 which promises to deliver greater performance and enhanced features. Seeing the trend, the market for premium bikes in India offers immense scope as this segment consists of people who are looking for performance characteristics.”
“The YZF-R15 version 2.0 is an upgraded version of our flagship bike YZF-R15 and is designed keeping in mind the comfort as well as the thrill of a sports ride. The YZF-R15 has been continuously gaining ranks in the hotly contested premium segment since its launch 3 years ago and we are sure to repeat the same feat for the new version too. With the festive season round the corner, we expect the new model to be an instant hit amongst biking enthusiasts”, he added.
Based on the “Graded Up R15” concept, the development focused on the two main areas of body styling and sporty performance, and an array of optimum features were adopted throughout the machine to make sure that customers enjoy the thrill of a refined and impressive body styling in the supersport image with the newly designed middle cowl, tail cowl, split seat, LED taillights, new exhaust pipe & silencer specs. The newly designed middle cowl features improved aerodynamic performance at higher speeds - the aerodynamic resistance value is 4% better than that of the existing YZF-R15.
The R15 version 2.0 also sports the first aluminum swing arm in the 150cc segment in the Indian market and has a truss structure that enables greater rigidity while improving handling in the turns. The new seat design enables a better feeling of seat grip in sporty riding. Also, “low front, high tail” design enables a riding posture that is well suited to both sporty riding and everyday riding around town.
The new ECU control and drivetrain unit specs ensure that riders enjoy improved off-the-line acceleration and high speed performance. The silencer protector has also been newly designed in a way that adds cadence to overall styling. It adopts a carbon-look pattern on the surface as well as a model nameplate to add to the high-performance image and the feeling of quality. To improve the feeling of clutch operation, a more rigid clutch axle shaft than the existing type has been adopted. Furthermore, the pulley that serves as a medium between the throttle wire and throttle valve has been changed to a perfect circular type to improve the linearity of the throttle action and thereby achieve better response. The wider 130mm radial rear tire and 90 mm front tire impart reduced roll resistance, high-speed cornering stability and improved handling performance. A larger 220mm diameter rear disc brake has been adopted to achieve a better balance with the new rear tire size and ensure good braking power.

Another interesting aspect of the bike is the mud guard and sari guard attached to the swing arm which enhances the exterior design product value. The new design of 5-spoke cast wheels achieves the necessary strength balance while creating a sense of lightness at the same time.