Yamaha MT-15 Gets Greener

Yamaha has unveiled the BS6-compliant version of its popular R15 V3-based naked, the MT-15. The BS6 version is available in a new Ice Fluo Vermillion colour, which is essentially a white and black dual-tone colour scheme with red alloy wheels. Like the BS6 Yamaha R15 V3, this motorcycle also gets a standard radial rear tyre and a side-stand engine kill feature. While the price hasn’t been announced as yet, Yamaha is likely to command a premium of around Rs 4,000 over the BS4-compliant model, which retails for Rs 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Apart from the aforementioned updates, the motorcycle remains unchanged in terms of features and underpinnings. We’d have liked if Yamaha had offered a dual-channel ABS as standard. While Yamaha hasn’t revealed the technical specifications of the engine, expect it to make the same power and torque as the BS6-compliant Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0. The faired bike produces 18.6PS at 10,000rpm and 14.1Nm at 8500rpm (0.7PS and 0.6Nm less than the BS4 model). However, the MT-15’s secondary gear reduction ratio has been tweaked for better acceleration. Transmission remains the same 6-speed unit with assist and slipper clutch.

The bike also rides on the same telescopic fork and rear monoshock setup. Even the brake sizes (282mm front and 220mm rear) remain the same. The Japanese brand will be retailing this motorcycle along with the newly launched 125cc scooter range at the Yamaha Blue Square dealerships -- the first of which has been opened in Chennai. The brand plans to expand the reach of Blue Square dealerships to 100 outlets next year.