Yamaha M-Slaz (naked R15) with bigger engine capacity in the works for India: Report

Yamaha Motor launched its new 150cc naked street motorcycle the M-Slaz in the Thailand market in December 2015. The naked version of the YZF-R15, with the same engine and cycle parts, was expected to reach India in early 2016.

A report in BBC Topgear claims the strategy for India will be slightly different.  The India specific M-Slaz is expected to come with 200-220cc engine and will bridge the gap between the R15 and the R3. The model, which is named M-Slaz in Thailand and Xabre in the Indonesian market, might be sold with just MT badge in India. The M-Slaz with bigger engine will be manufactured in India and the India specific model, with an estimated price starting at Rs 2 lakh, is expected to be unveiled at the Auto Expo 2016.

On the design front, the India specific model will be similar to M-Slaz. The M-Slaz features Kawazaki Z series inspired headlamp unit which is more angular and razor-sharp. The headlamp and tail lamp feature LED lights. The digital instrument cluster comes with blue background lights and also shows a host of information and is positioned without clutter. The motorcycle also comes with a push start button similar to the other naked models of Yamaha such as MT09 and MT07.

The M-Slaz in the international market is powered by the same 149cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine in the fully fared R15 which is currently sold in India. The engine is mated to six-speed transmission.