The Yamaha MT-15 made its debut in the Indian market in the year 2019, introducing riders to a dynamic and aggressive streetfighter motorcycle. Inspired by the renowned Yamaha MT series, the MT-15 combines sharp looks, cutting-edge technology, and exhilarating performance. At the heart of the MT-15 is a 155cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine that delivers impressive power and torque. It is known for its smooth and responsive performance, making it suitable for both urban commuting and spirited rides on the open road. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox, allowing riders to tap into its powerband effectively. The MT-15 showcases a distinctive and muscular design language, featuring a sharp LED headlamp, a sculpted fuel tank, and an aggressive stance. It embodies the "Dark Side of Japan" design philosophy, giving it a standout presence on the road.

Key Highlights:

Yamaha MT-15

The Yamaha MT-15 is a value proposition for buyers in the segment who seek something sporty, attractive, and refined.

How is the Design?

The Yamaha MT-15 comes with the same body panels in its newest iteration while getting subtle and flashy color choices alike. IT also comes with a new USD fork and the front portion has a more muscular touch to it. The new MT-15 also comes with gold anodized forks in front for better design appeal while it also has colors like Metallic Black, Racing Blue, Cyan Blue, and Ice Fluo-Vermillion. The alloy wheels are also attractive to look at while there is the same nose and face with the single-pod LED projector light and the eyebrow-shaped twin DRLs. Yamaha has considerably enhanced the overall fit and finish along with a better instrument console and switchgear.

How is the Performance?

The Yamaha MT-15 comes with a smooth and refined engine which maintains its performance throughout the entire rev range. However, there is a slight vibration that is apparent through the bars and pegs of the bike when you get closer to the limit. There gearing is shorter, and the engine does well at congested city speeds as well. The fuel economy and efficiency of the engine is also top-notch. The 155 cc liquid cooled and four valve engine makes slightly more torque than before. It now makes 18.4 PS of power and 14.1 Nm of maximum torque. The bike has more kerb weight this time and it is faster to the 60 kmph and 100 kmph marks alike. The gearing is more suitable towards city riding with the engine sounding a little off-key on the highway when you push it to 100 kmph.

The top speed is somewhere around 130 kmph although the 120 kmph mark is what sets off overall performance to be honest.

How does the Yamaha MT-15 Ride?

The Yamaha MT-15 has a USD fork now and this enhances ride quality sizably along with the aluminium swingarm. The wheelbase has also reduced by approximately 10 mm owing to a mounting point change for the fork. The motorcycle thus handles and rides much better than before due to these changes. The suspension is somewhat stiffer although it is not problematic. Yet, the front offers superior feedback while cornering. You can thus get up to higher speeds with the bike offering great stability overall. The bike has better riding manners, and you can feel it when you start pushing the engine. Riding in the city is a breeze and the tighter turning radius and sharper steering angle are major reasons for the same. The brakes have good feedback overall although ABS at the back has been given a miss again.

How comfortable is the Yamaha MT-15?

The Yamaha MT-15 with its rear-set position for the foot pegs ensures an improved riding posture. The upgraded version comes with a lower position due to the handlebar being revamped and reset. The riding position is more unique this time, but city commuting will be comfortable enough. There is a comfortable and broader seat for the rider although the pillion rider will face some limitations here. Comfort is clearly an issue for pillion riders on this bike.

How’s the Tech?

The Yamaha MT-15 comes with features like a reverse LCD instrument console with missed call/incoming call alerts, Bluetooth connectivity, email and SMS notifications, and phone battery levels. The instrument console also gets the Y-Connect smartphone app with email, message, and call alerts. There is also the side-stand engine inhibitor switch on this bike.

How’s the mileage of the Yamaha MT-15?

You can expect average mileage figures of 45-56.87 kmpl for the Yamaha MT-15.

Is the Yamaha MT-15 good value for money?

The Yamaha MT-15 offers better value for money this time around. It still remains a powerful enough motorcycle for varying roads and has a sporty and punchy engine with lower kerb weight and improved handling as well. The price is steeper, but it is still competitive against its rivals.

How is the after sales service?

The first service comes after 1000 km while the second one is after 4000 km. The third one comes after 7000 km and the fourth one comes after 10000 km.

Which motorbikes compete in the segment?

There are several rivals competing in the segment. The Yamaha MT-15 is a costly proposition, but it does come close to the KTM 125 Duke which is marginally more affordable. The Bajaj NS200 is also more affordable although by a slight margin. The Yamaha MT-15 has the most aggressive and radical styling out of these motorcycles, and it has a bigger engine than the KTM. However, the Bajaj NS200 offers the most powerful and largest engine of the lot. The KTM is the sole motorcycle here with upside-down front forks while there are telescopic front forks for the Bajaj and Yamaha models.

Verdict (Is it value for money?)

The overall value proposition is clearly defined. You get better riding comfort, a more refined engine and decent performance. There is aggressive styling and a decent feature list. The engine is refined, and fuel economy figures are excellent for this segment. You also get a fun riding experience overall. Yet, rear ABS is a big miss, and the motorcycle is clearly more focused on riding in the city.