Auto Expo 2018 - Expected Yamaha Lineup

We witnessed two new bike launches from Yamaha last year: the Yamaha FZ25 and the Yamaha Fazer 25. The company is expected to kickstart this year with a lot more thrill, giving its R series of motorcycles some fresh air to breathe. With the Expo just around the corner, let’s take a look at the ‘R’ badged bikes that are making their way to the Yamaha India pavilion.

Yamaha R15 Version 3.0

Expected Price: Rs 1.25 – 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom)

Entering its third generation, the R15 look a lot meaner and sharper than ever before. As is evident from the pictures, the R15 v3.0 will continue to showcase a split headlamp setup, albeit with LED units, as seen on the international model. The R15 v3.0 also gets an all-digital instrument cluster now. The fairing too looks sharper and more aerodynamic in comparison to the outgoing model. The shape of the fuel tank is also revised, with a two-tone colour effect and R1M-inspired, gill-shaped design lines making their way to the centre of the tank, sitting in front of the fuel filler cap. Sadly though, the fuel capacity has dropped from 12 litres to 11 litres. Adding to its sportier design, the R15 v3.0 also gets a smaller pillion seat now.

We also expect the India-bound v3.0 to carry the slightly bigger displacement engine seen on the international version as well. The new 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine also features Yamaha's Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system, a fact confirmed by the graphics placed on the side fairing. This helps the motor produce 19.5PS of power and 15 Nm of torque, which is 3PS more than the v2.0, with no change in torque output. All this power and torque is transferred to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox.

The only two aspects that are not seen on the India-bound model are the USD front forks and IRC rubber, the latter replaced by MRFs. There is no ABS on offer either. However, we expect it to be available as an optional extra.

Once launched, the Yamaha R15 will continue to rival the Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi.

Yamaha R3

Expected Price: Rs 3.3 - 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom)

The previous Yamaha R3 was a locally assembled flagship offering from Yamaha India (barring the CBU motorcycles) in our two-wheeler market. We had to part ways with it as it didn’t live up to the BS4 norms set by the government. However, with the newly introduced Euro4 model seen internationally, we expect Yamaha to re-launch the flagship in India. In terms of styling, the new R3 continues to feature similar design elements, with sharp and edgy lines that appeal to the masses in general.

Powering the Yamaha R3 is the same 321cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor that is mated to a six-speed gearbox. What remains to be seen, though, is whether the transition to BS4 affects the current power and torque figures of 42PS and 29.6Nm respectively.

The bike will continue to feature telescopic front forks and a monoshock at the rear to handle the beating from our roads. Meanwhile, braking will be managed by disc brakes at the front and rear. While ABS was not available on the earlier model, we expect Yamaha to offer it as an optional extra this time around.

Once launched, the Yamaha R3 will rival the Kawasaki Ninja 300, DSK Benelli 302R, DSK Hyosung GT250R, TVS Apache RR 310 and the KTM RC390.