New Yamaha MT-150 and MT-250 for India?

Yamaha has just unveiled the MT-125. It is a street naked based on Yamaha's entry-level sports offering the R125. The MT-125 uses the same chassis but slightly different cycle parts. More importantly, it has fresh, in-your-face styling, and seating ergonomics that seem wonderful for daily riding be it to office or the cafe or to the gym. It's a recipe that's bound to do well, especially in a country like India. But, a 125 might not be the answer; we need something bigger, something more powerful.

The good news is if there's an MT-125 based on the R125, there's no reason for Yamaha not to have the MT-150 or even the MT-250, based on, of course, the existing R15 and the soon to be launched R25. There's nothing official about it yet (it's too early they tell us) but it stands to reason that if Yamaha can go naked with one of its baby sports models, it can do the same with the others. And we think it will. Here's why...

Now we are taking about India specifically here. So far, the Yamaha YZF-R15 - to state its complete name and rank - has done wonders for the Japanese bike maker's image.  That it is an absolutely wonderful motorcycle - styling, handling, braking, pride of ownership, it seems to have it all - which comes at a very good price point has ensured it never really got criticised, unlike the likes of the Honda CBR250R and more recently, the Suzuki Inazuma.

But, the R15 hasn't sold too well. It is one of the cheapest motorcycles in its class; only the Pulsar 200 NS is priced lower, but even so, the off-take for the sporty Yamaha hasn't been remarkable. The FZ series on the other hand, has taken off like a fire cracker. Sure, the timely colour and sticker jobs have kept the interest around it going, but for a motorcycle to consistently feature on top in the consideration list, especially when there are so many capable options in the market place, must mean that Yamaha has understood something the others haven't.

I guess offering a pumped up naked (in just looks, mind) which is cost effective, fun and easy to ride, and hugely aspirational, must be the key to the FZ's success. The MT series of motorcycles - and we are talking about the latest MT-125 here - has taken this understanding to a new level. In fact, the FZ series now looks passé in the MT's company to my eyes. Yes, Yamaha will launch the new FZ in a month's time - updated with revised styling and a few mechanical updates - and no, Yamaha will not get rid of the FZ series in a hurry (or ever, given its sales), but it needs to move up the price chart. It needs to introduce new bikes that will help the Japanese bike maker (and its dealers) make more money, which can only happen in the premium class thanks to higher margins.

And the bikes to do it, along with the R-series motorcycles, of course, will be the MTs. The new MT series will sit above the FZ series - it will have more performance, more likeable cycle parts, and an aspirational co-efficient that's at least a couple of levels higher. As a result, Yamaha can ask for more money, and buyers will be willing to pay. College students, young executives, enthusiastic motorcyclists, stunt people or even the general show-off types, will all queue up for both the MT-150 and the MT-250, we are sure.

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The MT series will also give the upwardly mobile FZ customers a reason to stick with Yamaha for he will be able to upgrade within the family. Yes, we Indians prefer a fully faired motorcycle as we move up the performance and price spiral, but not everyone wants committed seating ergonomics and a pillion sitting at least two stories higher. Plus, the MT will be cheaper to buy than the R-series and will be more comfortable while being reasonably quick. To me, developing the MT-150 and the MT-250 for India seems like a no-brainer. I am sure Yamaha must feel the same way. And if it does, expect the MT series to make its Indian debut by mid-2015.