Yamaha MT-15 V2.0 Price Analysis: Worth The Extra Moolah?

Yamaha finally launched the MT-15 Version 2.0 in the country at Rs 1,59,900, making it a whole Rs 13,000 dearer than the previous gen model, which retailed at Rs 1,46,900 (both ex-showroom Delhi). Yamaha has offered a host of updates in the new version, but is the new bike worth the premium? analyse:

Premium underpinnings:

Yamaha has finally blessed the India-spec MT-15 with the kit that it deserves: a Yamaha R15 V4-derived gold finished inverted fork and a proper cast aluminium swingarm. These additions should enhance the bike’s dynamics but we’ll reserve our final judgement when we actually ride the motorcycle. Also, interestingly, despite having an aluminium swingarm, its kerb weight has gone up by 1kg, to 139kg.

Slightly torquier engine:

The Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0’s 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine churns out 18.4PS at 10,000rpm and 14.1Nm at 7,500rpm, which is 0.1PS less and 0.2Nm more. The slight bump in torque should theoretically improve the bike’s bottom-end performance marginally. But again, we’ll have to test the bike to see whether it really makes a difference in the real world. As its predecessor, the bike continues to be equipped with a 6-speed transmission with slip-assist clutch.

Smarter instrument cluster:

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Yamaha has finally equipped the MT-15 with an updated LCD instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity. Using the Yamaha Y-Connect app, one can access features including call, SMS, email alerts, last parked location, service reminders, fuel consumption, ride statistics and ranking.

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Snazzier Colours:

The Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 comes in two new colour schemes: Cyan Storm, and Racing Blue. Additionally, it is also available in Ice Fluo-Vermillion and Metallic Black, but with revised graphics.

But….

Homologation documents of a dual-channel ABS variant of the Yamaha MT-15 had leaked earlier, but sadly, Yamaha has still not equipped the bike with one. Moreover, the instrument cluster, though smarter now, still does not get turn-by-turn navigation, which is by far a much more useful feature than SMS alerts and ride statistics.

Moreover, the Version 2.0 does not get traction control and quickshifter - both of which are present in the Yamaha R15 M. The Japanese bikemaker should’ve offered these at least as a variant.

With these misses, the Rs 13,000 premium feels a tad too much for what the bike offers. If Yamaha had at least added the dual-channel ABS and turn-by-turn navigation, it would still have been a much more wholesome proposition than before.