Yamaha M-Slaz (naked R15) spotted testing in India; launch likely in early 2017

Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha is reportedly planning to launch the naked version of its popular YZF-R15 motorcycle in India. Christened M-Slaz in Thailand and Xabre in Indonesia, the motorcycle has been snapped while testing in India.

The spy pictures taken by AutoblogIndia shows the motorcycle in black hue. Though it is difficult to identify the YZF-R15 at first glance, the head lamps give a clear idea about its looks. In Thailand and Malaysia, the M-Slaz is offered with USD forks upfront. Spy pictures indicate that the India-spec is likely to continue with conventional units.

The naked version of the YZF-R15 — the M-Slaz — features Kawazaki Z series-inspired head lamp unit, which is more angular and razor-sharp. The head lamps and the tail lamp feature LED lights. The digital instrument cluster comes with blue background lights. It shows a host of information and is positioned without any clutter. The motorcycle also comes with a push-start button similar to the other naked model of Yamaha such as the MT09 (on sale in India) and the MT07.

The M-Slaz will be powered by the same 149cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine in the R15. This unit develops 16.9bhp and 14.3Nm of torque mated to six-speed sport transmission. The M-Slaz features upside down 37mm suspension in front and mono-suspension at the rear. The naked motorcycle in the absence of fairing will add fenders on both sides of the fuel tank. The M-Slaz will also sport spilt seat, wide handle bar and body graphics.

Yamaha is also working on the third generation of the fully-faired YZF-R15. The company has already said that the YZF R15 Version 3.0 will not be just another facelift; it will be a completely re-worked model to take on Honda's newly launched CBR150RR globally. The R15 Version 3.0 will be based on the same Deltabox frame that underpins the current R15. The 149cc single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine will be tuned to track friendly configuration.

The launch of both the YZF-R15 Version 3.0 and the M-Slaz in India is expected in the first quarter (Q1) of 2017.