Yamaha R15 V3 2020 Review - Prices, Specs, Variants, Features and Mileage

What’s at the heart of 2020 Yamaha R15 V3?

How robust is the new R15 V3’s engine?

Yamaha is known to produce some of the finest and refined engines in the industry. This feat is adapted here for the R15 V3 as it has a very happy high-revving engine. A lot of work has gone into this engine when the transition from V2 to V3 happened. The most notable is the Variable Valve Timing, which is basically “V-TEC” for two wheels! 

You will always have a balanced combination of power and torque which helps you race forward at any given gear or speed. This helps a lot on the busy urban streets as well as the racetracks! Forged pistons make the engine purr confidently even at the redline of 11,500 RPM.

The engine comes alive after 7000-mark on the rev-meter and so is tuned in a very aggressive state which helps extensively on the racetrack and city but would be lethargic on the open roads. This engine is so unique that there isn’t a direct rival for it, it's either the entry-level KTM RC125 or the 200cc Bajaj Pulsar RS200 which are on the ends of this palette.

How unreal is the acceleration for a 150cc motorcycle?

This is where you have a shock on your face! as once you twist the throttle, it takes time to digest the fact that it is a mere 155cc pot powering this sprinter. The precise 6-Speed gearbox is well-timed and doesn’t clutter at all. The now-standard slipper clutch helps in maintaining speed through the corners as well.

Twelve seconds for a sub 160cc motorcycle is very impressive and as the peak performance is available way up in the rev range after 7000 RPM, you get to enjoy through each gear till the end.  

If you are still dissatisfied with the thrill it provides, which we believe will not be the case, you can opt for the optional Metzeler tyres and the full system Daytona race exhaust which would help provides the needed adrenaline rush. Keep in mind that the exhaust kit is not street legal and costs Rs. 16,700.

How quick can you stop from 80-0 kmph?

Finally! Yamaha has listened and gifted us with dual-channel ABS which helps in an eager machine like the R15. Things happen quickly on a race machine and it's best to be prepared and so we are grateful to Yamaha for the added tech.

The disc brakes provide ample bite but the squishy brake pedal feedback takes away its swift interaction which is kind of disheartening. You need some time to get used to the different brake actuation of this Yamaha which will then make sense.

Its lightness helps in stopping quicker than the competition which gives it an edge. There is no evident wobble under hard braking as well and the ABS unit comes into play at the right moment, not too soon and not too late.

How efficient is this foolproof Yamaha engine?

Yamaha did their homework before providing the Indian audience with a sub 200cc “performance” machine. Yes, they don’t go very well together, but Yamaha with its reworked engine made it possible to fuse a fine balance of blood-pumping performance and not so draining efficiency figures.

Yamaha has used lighter forged internals to maximize efficiency without losing on the performance front. The lower kerb weight also helps in adding up on the mileage figures and thus, not make you feel guilty while you rip through the gears.

Yamaha has provided a sweet proposition which can even survive at the hands of college-goers with their strict funding! A decent 11-litre fuel tank helps you stay aggressive on the R15 for a longer duration without a pitstop.

How good is the Handling and Comfort on Yamaha R15 V3?

The handling is praiseworthy and is not exactly for the sober kind of rider. You go all out in the R15 V3 and that is where it feels like home as well. The wider section rear tyres help you lean more in the corners and so instigates confidence.

The motorcycle is precise in changing directions and is so quick at manoeuvres that you will surely be mesmerised. The only downside we found here is the not-so cooperative MRF zappers as they limit its potential by large. The optional Metzeler tyres for rear should have been available for front as well and as standard too.

The suspension setup is on point with ample travel to soak in the imperfections and not be too soft to coincide with this track weapon’s planted riding character. The Yamaha specific Deltabox frame eliminates any vibrations and helps this engine scream to glory up until 11,500 RPM.

We know that you might have heard from many about the infamous seats of R15. Yes, those were true. But Yamaha has done its best for the V3 and things have drastically improved. The rider’s seating is aggressive, as this motorcycle has been built for speed. The footpegs are towards the rear and clip-on handlebars are set lower for the focused position. The pillion seat has been lowered and now sits 20mm lower than the V2 variant. So, now the pillion will sit a bit lower than the first floor!

It is impressive that Yamaha managed to strike a chord between commuting and lap timings. The seating will surely put a load on your wrist and hands but that will eventually buff you up! This motorcycle can also be your learning step into the world of higher supersport companions later on.

How sharp does the 2020 R15 V3 look?

You will see a lot of resemblance in the R15 with Yamaha’s flagship R1 as well as the R6. This peppy monster takes inspiration from Yamaha’s best and with it also a chunk of the charisma. The LED headlights are split in between by a cut-out that resembles the ram-intake module of its big brothers.

The whole motorcycle is dominated with sharp lines and muscular edges. Yamaha is known for its impeccable quality but we were disheartened to find loose ends on the R15 V3. These were also the cause of rattles at high RPMs. But then, what’s a race bike without a few rattles and squeaks!

Aesthetic Features

• Split LED headlamps

• Floating rear seat cowl

• Rear tyre hugger

• Muscular sculpted tank

• Split Seat

The incorporations from the big daddies of Yamaha has given the R15 its distinctive looks that can easily distinguish it from the sea of motorcycles on any of Indian Roads. You become one with it as the tank has been perfectly sculpted to tuck in the rider. None of the competition provides the racer vibe as R15.

What are the various safety and class-leading features in R15 V3?

It surely took Yamaha three generations to give what was long overdue for this performance machine. It finally gets dual-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. The winning factor is the list of add-on parts available from the factory. It helps you convert this “almost” track machine to a full-blown one!

Yamaha is not light-hearted about its product when it comes to safety and it bundles up the best features available without hurting its delicate pricing. The addition of features to compensate for the BS6 onslaught seems sensible and satisfactory.

How does the Competition add up against the sporty R15 V3?

Yamaha R15 V3 vs KTM RC125

KTM is following the same recipe which Yamaha used a long time ago and they are doing pretty good as well. It is trying to provide what the R15 does in a still smaller package which is a pretty bold move. But so much drama for a mere 125cc motorcycle feels to be an overkill. It surely provides the content to back up its argument but we believe that the race-bred R15 V3 with all its improvements and flexible add on package will be the easier one to live with, except for the insane fun that the RC125 comes with!

Yamaha R15 V3 vs Bajaj RS200

We don’t get Bajaj’s strategy with the RS200 as the motorcycle fails to impress. It surely packs more punch for the similar price but doesn’t put that wide grin on your face as you rev high and shift through the gears. The R15 will always be on top to provide you with a content riding experience and that is what this segment is focused at. The Jap steals our heart here.

How does the 2020 Yamaha R15 V3 manage to woo the college-goers?

Yamaha showed us to dream big with thin pockets and so gave us the R15. It has satisfied the adrenaline rush of millions over the years and still does so. It gives you a sore back and painful wrist but the sheer riding pleasure which it provides is the sweet reward for all of these hardships. It manages to put a wide grin on our face and will not disappoint you as well.