It’s hard to believe that the Yamaha has re-launched the first-generation Yamaha YZF-R15 dubbed as ‘Yamaha YZF-R15 S’ in India, yes you read it right! The company today silently launched the YZF-R15 S without much fanfare.
Just few hours back, we posted an article on the launch of same YZF-R15 S in Nepal. In Nepal the R15 S is priced NR 3,34,900 (INR 2.08 lakh) whereas the R15 Version 2.0 is priced NR 3,42,900 (INR 2.13 lakh), it’s about NR 8,000 (INR 5,000) cheaper (all prices ex-showroom, Kathmandu). Surprisingly, In India the R15 S costs Rs 1,14,741 while the regular R15 Version 2.0 is priced at Rs 1,14,241 which is about Rs 500 more than the R15 Version 2.0 (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
Coming back to the YZF-R15 S, the company says that the first-gen YZF-R15 was re-launched based on the customer feedback, as a particular customer segment desired for a single seat version as it is high on comfort for the pillion rider. We say this pillion friendly single-piece seat not only adds convenience but also comes handy to load luggage for road trips.
The changes are not limited to the body panels, the wheelbase too is reduced from 1,345 mm to 1,290 mm. Like the first-gen R15, this 55 mm reduction in wheelbase might be extremely fun to throw around sweepers and corners. The kerb weight is also reduced from 136 kgs to 131 kgs that is 5 kgs reduction for increased lap timing. However the minimum ground clearance is the same 160 mm on both the motorcycles.
Apart from the above changes, the YZF R15-S will get an LED tail-lamp, tail-kit, grab rails and rear fender from the first-gen version. Underpinnings will be carried over from the current R15 Version 2.0, powered by the same liquid cooled, fuel-injected, 4-stroke, 4-valve, SOHC unit displacing 149.8cc and generating max power of 17PS at 8500rpm and top torque of 15Nm kicking in at 7500rpm, mated to a 6-speed transmission.
Commenting on the launch of Yamaha YZF-R15 S, Mr Roy Kurian, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd, said –
“Yamaha R15 is a pure sports vehicle designed especially for racing enthusiasts so that they can experience the power and passion that a sports bike has to offer. However, our research showed that a particular customer segment desired for a single seat version as it is more convenient for the pillion rider. Even so, the split seat version 2.0 will also continue to be in the market along with the new single seat variant. We, at Yamaha keep our customers first and hence this introduction was imperative.”
To read more on Yamaha YZF-R15, Click here
Also see: First-gen Yamaha YZF-R15 renamed ‘YZF-R15 S’, launched in Nepal
GALLERY: Yamaha YZF-R15 S
Source: BikeAdvice
