The Yamaha YZF-R15 is finally here. But it packs less than 17 horsepower, and costs more than Rs one lakh. Oh dear..., another flop for Yamaha India?
The much-awaited, hugely anticipated Yamaha YZF-R15 has finally been launched. Positioned as a ‘true sportsbike’ for enthusiasts, the YZF-R15 is also supposed to herald Yamaha’s big comeback in the Indian market.
However, sportsbike enthusiasts who’ve been waiting with bated breath for the Yamaha R15 may be a bit disappointed when they look a bit deeper into the bike. For starters, the YZF-R15 is priced at Rs 97,500 ex-showroom, which means its on-road price will be in the region of Rs 105,000 or more.
The price would have been acceptable had the bike been more powerful than any other two-wheeler in the country. And yet, the YZF-R15’s fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-valve, SOHC 150cc engine only makes 16.8bhp at 8,500rpm and 15Nm of torque at 7,500rpm. Bikes like the Hero Honda Karizma, Bajaj Pulsar 200 and Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi are more powerful and cost much less.
Sure, the Yamaha YZF-R15 boasts of things which, for now, are not available on any other bike India. Things like a full fairing, six-speed gearbox, fuel-injection, Deltabox chassis (made of steel, not aluminium), monoshock rear suspension, disc brakes front and rear, 17-inch alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. The bike is also reasonably light, at 120kg dry, and top speed is a claimed 140km/h.
All things considered, a 17bhp, 150cc bike priced at more than Rs one lakh is a bit of a letdown. The YZF-R15 is neither here nor there – sportsbike fans are not likely to be enthused by the small, not-very-powerful engine. And teenagers are not likely to have more than Rs one lakh to spend on a 150cc machine.
We think Yamaha may have done better if it had launched a 250cc, 25-30bhp motorcycle at Rs 1.50-1.70 lakh. Now that could have been an instant hit with most sportsbike enthusiasts in India. Still, next year maybe…?
