2016 Auto Expo: Yamaha M-Slaz could set foot in India

Even before it was teased, and later launched, in Thailand, the Yamaha M-Slaz has managed to create a buzz for itself in India. And with its recent unveiling in Indonesia, at the hands of none other than Valentino Rossi, an India debut is now looking even more likely for the latest set of wheels from Yamaha.

The Yamaha M-Slaz was launched with the Xabre nametag in Indonesia and features young and dynamic decals along with sharp styling, which is highlighted by bright colours. The bike gets new LED headlamp and tail lamp, and a fresh set of turn indicators and switchgear clusters. Upside down front forks are also on offer. The bike comes with 110/70-17M C 54 up front and a 130/70-17M C 62 rear tyre.

The overall styling of the bike seems inspired from some of the bigger naked Yamahas that includes the MT-25, MT-07 and the MT-09. The rear end and the swing arm design of the M-Slaz look largely identical to the R15 as it is underpinned by the same Deltabox frame as the latter.

While the Indonesian Yamaha M-Slaz is powered by a 150 cc liquid-cooled SOHC engine with 16.32PS of power and 14.30Nm of peak torque, the India-bound M-Slaz is expected to get a 200-220cc single cylinder engine. At these sub-200cc specs, it could be a fruitful venture for the Japanese manufacturer, squeezed between the lines of the R15 and the R3 in the brand’s portfolio.

The branding could also get a slight tweak, with the Indian version rumoured to come with a Yamaha MT moniker. The new motorcycle will be manufactured in India, and a fully faired version is also said to be in development.

The M-Slaz, which was launched in Thailand last December, is priced at around Rs 1.66 lakh while the Indonesian Xabre bears a Rs 1.5 lakh price tag. With heavy competition in the sub-200cc segment in the form of the new TVS Apache RTR 200 V4, Suzuki Gixxer, Hero Xtreme Sports and Bajaj Pulsar AS 150 in India, it will be interesting to see what price range the new M-Slaz is slotted into. Expect Yamaha to value the M-Slaz (or the new MT) in the Rs 1.2 lakh – Rs 1.4 lakh range.