Yamaha Unveils 2018 R15 V3.0

Yamaha has come out with some updates for its R15 V3.0. These updates are merely cosmetic and restricted to the Indonesian market for now. India might get these updates later on in the year since the V3.0 has just been launched in the country, and as such does not warrant one immediately.

The R15 V3.0 gets two new paint schemes: Racing Yellow and Racing Black. Interestingly, the colours receive different graphics treatment too. They also have one in blue, similar to the one sold here, but that one gets blue-painted wheels while we get black ones. Other cosmetic updates include golden upside down fork stanchions which lend the bike a premium look. We won't be getting that in India since the R15 V3.0 sold here comes with a conventional front fork setup.

In India, the Yamaha R15 V3.0 is offered in two colour combinations: Racing Blue and Thunder Grey (with red accents).

In terms of design, the R15 V3.0 features a modern look which is in line with the larger Yamaha R6 and R1. It gets a split headlamp setup with LED lighting. The LED tail lamp is similar to the R1.

Mechanically the bike remains unchanged. It still comes with the 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor that makes 19.3PS at 10,000rpm and 15Nm of torque at 8500rpm. The six-speed transmission comes with a slipper clutch. The international-spec version gets higher spec suspension in the form of upside down front forks, rear monoshock, IRC tyres and ABS. The India-spec one, meanwhile, misses out on the USDs, ABS, and uses MRF tyres instead of the IRC ones. Yamaha does provide a rear Metzeler tyre as an option.

We rode the new R15 V3.0 at the MMRT racetrack in Chennai. Read our review here.

The tech laden R15 v3.0 is a fantastic option for an entry level sports bike, and at Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) offers fantastic value for money. It competes with the Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi ABS and Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 ABS.