Yamaha YZF-R15 launched, specs disappoint

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…?

Yamaha YZF R15 to be launched in India on the 11th of June

Yes, the Yamaha YZF R15 is coming next month!

The long-awaited Yamaha YZF R15 is due to be launched on the 11th of June. For ages, Yamaha have been promising that they will move away from low-cost, low-capacity, utilitarian commuter bikes in India, and move on to bigger, sportier and more stylish machinery. Now, the bike is ready and will be shown to the Indian automotive press on the 11th of June. Track riding/testing sessions with the bike have also been scheduled for some sections of the media.

While the Rs 12 lakh Yamaha R1 (which is imported in India as a CBU, hence the stratospheric price tag!) may not be for everyone, the YZF R15, which borrows styling cues from its elder brother, may well be within the reach of the Indian middle-class.

The R15 will be powered by a SOHC, four-valve, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder 150cc engine, that makes 20 horsepower. The Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi makes a bit more, but the Yamaha will pack in more technology and almost certainly much better, more consistent build quality.

The bike’s engine will have a cylinder made of die-cast aluminium-silicon alloy, which means advantages of light weight and efficient heat dissipation. The R15 will also get forged pistons, six-speed gearbox, disc brakes front and rear, 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, and aluminium beam frame. Those who’ve worked on Yamaha’s India project for the R15 say this will be the first real high-performance sports 150 to be launched in the Indian market. At approximately Rs 80,000 the bike will be affordable too.

More on the Yamaha YZF R15 when it’s launched on the 11th of June.

Yamaha G5 now available with electric start

The Yamaha G5 has been launched with electric start

After the Alba 106, it’s now the Yamaha G5’s turn to get electric start – the G5 is now available with ES and is priced at Rs 39,380 ex-showroom (all over India).

‘We plan to continue gearing up our existing product line and marketing initiatives. We are paying attention at the customer who always looks for more. The new G5 is equipped with electric start as a convenient feature,’ said Takahiro Maeda, Yamaha India’s executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer.

Old, small capacity commuter bikes with electric start notwithstanding, motorcycle enthusiasts all over the country still wait for Yamaha’s FZ150 and YZF-R15, both of which are due for launch later this year.

Yamaha introduces Alba 106 with electric start

Yet another 'new bike' from Yamaha, in the dying 100cc segment. When will this company learn?

Yamaha India, it seems, is not prepared to change . While all other manufacturers are going ahead with bigger, sportier and more stylish machines, the company has gone ahead and launched yet another rehashed 106cc machine – the Alba – which now comes with electric start.

Even as the Indian motorcycle market is ready to graduate to bikes with bigger engine capacities, and despite Yamaha promising to launch sportier bikes for ages, all we have from the company is another motorcycle in the 100cc segment. Can it really be that Yamaha has still not understood that it can’t beat Hero Honda in the 100cc game?!

‘The unique design of Yamaha Alba 106 blends youthful style and modernism with thoughtful decency. Giving it a sturdy, macho image are the new aerodynamic cowl, well sculptured tank, well-built side and rear panel. While the exciting graphics with the smooth flowing design give the bike its stylish, super cool looks,’ says a company press release. Ahem. But wait, there's more...

‘The launch of new Alba with electric start is in line with Yamaha’s true commitment to provide world class products to its customers. A lot of emphasis has been laid on shaping Alba for maximum comfort of the rider and its premium features will give consumers a new thrill in biking pleasure. Alba delivers comfort, style and solidity, which will make it the right choice for the discerning customers,’ says Takahiro Maeda, who heads Yamaha India.

What can we say Maeda san. We’re speechless. Just hurry up with the YZF-R15 and the FZ150, please.