Yamaha MT 15 2020 Review - Prices, Specs, Variants, Features and Mileage

What’s at the heart of the 2020 MT 15?

Do performance and Efficiency go hand in hand?

Yamaha will never disappoint you in terms of sheer performance. The MT 15 shares its heart with the R15 V3. Yes, it is the same explosive pot and in the same state of tune. This makes way for a thrilling ride as the engine never runs out of energy. It is a high revving unit which is backed up with a unique variable valve timing(VVT).

Let’s just say that this helps you get a laid back experience, literally, after 8000 RPM. And believe me, you will never get over it! It's addictive and so much fun. This engine is pure fun as it revs up to the redline of 11000 RPM and the exhaust note sounds glorious!

There are no vibrations from the high revving engine and you can keep the throttle pinned down, all day long. All of this exhilarating attitude might give you the wrong conception of a not so efficient ride, but that's where you are wrong. The VVT feature helps you have a guilt-free riding experience. This helps conserve fuel when sober and only give out the needed juice when it senses you twisting all the way.

Yamaha makes impeccable engines and its long list of immortal engines are a testimony for dedicated Japanese engineering. This engine has a fine balance of extreme performance from a puny 150cc motor and fuel efficiency to not put a hole in your wallet. This feat is tough to attain and is visible from the competition’s struggle.

How quick is the MT 15 from 0-60?

An engine this energetic loves to be revved hard! You feel the whole rev-band through all of the sleek 6-speed gearbox which helps propel this motorcycle forward with a mouth wide open.

The MT 15 takes just 3.78 seconds to cross the 60 kmph mark and it is downright insane. Even well versed 200cc offerings sweat it to record such insane times. The 10 kg less kerb weight is what gives this Yamaha the edge to sprint at such a pace.

Top speed is also impressive at over 118 kmph which will surely get your adrenaline pumping hard. Yamaha uses the same engine setup from the already quick R15 V3 minus the fairing. So, same power and less weight equals a heavenly experience. The competitors are nowhere near this level of performance and Yamaha has finally achieved the highest state of tune in the 150cc segment unless KTM or some other mental manufacturer plans to blow us off!

How sure-footed are the brakes?

Braking is top-notch on the MT 15 as it gets the same braking setup as its clothed brother. Disc brakes at both ends and lower kerb weight helps the MT 15 stop quickly and thus instil confidence for the rider.

It gets a single-channel ABS unit but we wished it to flaunt the same dual-channel ABS that has been added to the R15 V3. But we will have to wait for it. Braking is spot on and the bite is strong with this one. Brake levers are properly modulated and you will not need time to get a hang of things.

This is a short motorcycle and so you won’t have situations of skidding off-line. You will be able to get things back in control easily. Bajaj Pulsar NS160 also shares its brakes with its big brother but it is also plagued by the soft suspension-strong brake combo that makes it ride like a horse, not so comfortable. KTM has a very good set of brakes but Yamaha has it all sorted out here without any room for complaints.

How does handling and comfort complement each other?

This is where this Japanese offering stands out. We know that R15 V3 is a very potent handler. It changes direction with the slightest flick and stays put to the road even in aggressive cornering. The only downside of R15 V3 was its extremely dedicated riding position. It was too aggressive for the likes of common men. People used to get sore backs after a day's ride. Now, the MT15 is all of what the R15 V3 was minus the extremely uncomfortable riding posture. This is a hoon to ride and you won’t even feel a twitch.

Seating is on the harder side but isn’t the uncomfortable type. You sit higher and it might be a bit of an issue for shorter riders. Pillion seat is not so pillion friendly. It's much better than the one on R15 V3 but is still uncomfortable. Riding posture is upright and you sit relaxed. No vibrations are creeping in and you will be as jumpy as a pup after a whole day of riding.

MT 15 uses the same potent delta box frame from R15 V3 and so no complaints there. The ride is very nimble, courtesy of its low kerb weight. The suspension is soft but not too soft to get you all airy. It is performance-oriented and so stiffness comes standard. The competition is well versed but doesn’t provide with the amount of sheer fun you experience on the “Dark side of Japan '' except for the orange monster!

How insanely cool does the 2020 Yamaha MT 15 look?

Oh, man! You would just stare and stare and stare. That's how insane the MT 15 looks. It has design cues borrowed from the likes of MT 07 and MT 09 which are beasts from the dark side. The highlighting feature is the sinister-looking headlamp setup which has a single LED unit for both high and low beam and gets angry looking LED DRLs on top, more like a glowy-eyed ninja! It flaunts the naked look beautifully with the tall tank complementing the streetfighter look.

The negative LED instrument cluster is crystal clear even in harsh sunlight and shows a dozen pieces of information. The top has a solo indicator for when the VVA comes into play and remind you of the oncoming rush. The rear tyre gets a hugger so that you don’t have to wash your attire every single day. The design is front-heavy as the rear has a minimal approach.

Aesthetic Features

• Sinister headlamp assembly

• Uni-seat

• Full digital negative LED instrument cluster

• Rear tyre hugger

• Tall tank des

The short wheelbase gives it a compact look and thus helps you filter through the densest of traffic with ease.KTM Duke 125 is the other one in this lot that has a similar character and look. Bajaj Pulsar has a bulky approach and can be named as the elephant in this room.

What are the safety and class-leading features available?

Yamaha has incorporated MT 15 with a set of features that gives the rider immense confidence to take the roads ahead. It gets single-channel ABS and a standard slipper clutch. These two features make it possible to exploit it to the maximum without a second thought.

The full LCD instrument cluster helps you keep an eye on all the important stuff and a small light blinks to remind you of upshifts. The lean angle sensor helps during your weekend track days and keeps you safe.

KTM Duke 125 has a similar set of upmarket features that includes a trellis frame, aluminium swingarm and a neatly tucked underbelly exhaust which still doesn’t cover up for the amount of features on the Yamaha. The standard slipper clutch is enough to pull you towards the dark side. Bajaj has a dull list and we want Bajaj to get back in the game before it's too late.

How does the competition stack up against this dark force?

Yamaha MT 15 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS160

Bajaj tried to take on the leaders in the 150cc segment with a similar approach as KTM. It slapped on a 160cc pot onto the same body of NS200. This sounds good on paper but is very sluggish in person. Yamaha offers much more than the NS160 and the added premium you pay is well worth it. You will surely have a lot of fun without breaking a sweat.

Yamaha MT 15 vs KTM 125 Duke

Now we are talking! The only other motorcycle in this segment that can stand head to head with the MT 15 in this trio. KTM has always been explosive in its offerings and the 125 Duke is nothing different. But it is, in fact, the most subtle offering in the KTM stable. This is a tough one but Yamaha is the one to go for here as it has more firepower and thus will give you a wider grin!

Whom will the 2020 Yamaha MT 15 cater to?

Yamaha has struck the right chords here with the MT 15. It is for that set of riders who loved the performance and riding dynamics but was let down by the much aggressive riding dynamics of the beast. This is the perfect ride for those who would enjoy every moment on the saddle and its flexible nature allows it to be done in a lot of ways. The 2020 Yamaha MT 15 is truly the dark side of Japan that will give you a bright time!