Yamaha R15 V3.0 Spied In India

After being unveiled in Indonesia back in January, the Yamaha R15 v3.0 has now been spotted in India. Unfortunately, though, it looks like we may not see many of its segment-first features that are available on the international model. 

From the spied images, we can see that the R15 v3.0 flaunts the same split headlamp design that is inspired from the previous generations of its older siblings, the Yamaha R1 and the Yamaha R6. The LED Headlamps have also made their way here from the international bike. There are some design changes as well when you compare it to the v2.0 model, with the sides of the fairing now getting sharper lines. It seems to sport the same shape fuel tank from the Asian-market v3.0, so we can infer that the tank capacity is now reduced to 11 litres, versus the 12 litres that we get on the v2.0. The instrument cluster on this new bike is now fully digital as compared to the semi-analogue unit seen on the current bike. Yamaha has also incorporated a smaller pillion seat on the new iteration, keeping in line with the bike’s sporty character. 

From the photos, we can clearly see that the India-spec v3.0 is equipped with conventional telescopic front forks instead of the upside-down ones on the international bike. This is sure to be a bit of a disappointment for enthusiasts expecting a massive equipment update on this baby sportbike. Along with this, the Indian bike was also spied using MRF tyres, and not the IRC pair which is seen on the international model. The spy shots also reveal the absence of ABS, something that the international bike also seems to lack. 

On taking a closer look, you can see that the engine of the new bike appears to be different from the current R15. What this means is we might get the new 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine that’s taken straight from the international model. This motor features Yamaha's Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system, which helps it make 19.5PS of power and 14.7Nm of torque - a fact iterated by graphics along the side which read ‘'VVA Variable Valve Actuation”.

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This points to the fact that the international engine will be coming over as is. This is a more high tech engine and should definitely be more expensive than the 149cc mill from the current v2.0. So it makes sense that Yamaha would be skimping on some of the other equipment to keep the overall costs of the new bike down.

If we had to speculate, we can expect the bike to be launched sometime early next year. And it will likely be priced higher than the v2.0, which currently retails for Rs 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), although we suspect that the price jump might not be huge.