Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0 likely to be launched in India in early 2017; what we know so far

Yamaha YZF-R15, one of the most successful fully faired motorcycles launched in India, is getting another update, with the YZF R15 Version 3.0 expected to enter the country in early 2017.

The company had launched the R15 way before the Indian biking fraternity got hooked on to sports bikes. Being an early bird, the Yamaha motorcycle enjoyed fantastic sales. A new model christened the R15 Version 2.0 was launched in 2011 with cosmetic changes. The facelift also received a positive response. 

Now, the new version of the R15 has recently been caught testing on Malaysian roads with camouflage. The R15 Version 3.0 will be based on the same Deltabox frame that underpins the current R15. It will come with reworked body panels and cosmetic changes. In the latest avatar, the R15 expected to share many components with the recently-launched naked version, the M-Slaz. The motorcycle will also come with a digital instrument cluster with blue background lights, USD front forks and LED headlamp.

The powertrain will not get major updates. The 149cc single cylinder liquid-cooled engine that does duty in the current R15 is expected here too. It develops 16.7bhp at 8,500rpm and 15Nm of torque at 7,500rpm. However, the figures may go up in the new model. The six-speed transmission will remain unchanged.

Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0 will compete against Honda CBR150R in India and will be costlier than the current model. The range will start at Rs. 1.18 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. The global unveiling of the new R15 is expected by the end of this year.