Yamaha Motor India has launched the YZF-R15 V4.0 in the country bringing a number of upgrades to the full-faired motorcycle. The 2021 Yamaha R15 V4.0 is priced from Rs. 1.68 lakh going up to Rs. 1.72 lakh depending on the colour option, while the more track-focused R15M will set you back by Rs. 1.78 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom Delhi). The R15 V4.0 arrives barely three years since V3.0 arrived in 2018, and the company has brought a new design language, new features, and even a new and sportier R15M version joining the line-up. Online bookings for the new R15 range begin from today while deliveries will begin by the end of September.
Also Read: 2021 Yamaha R15 Range Launch: Highlights
The new front and overall design language takes cues from the Yamaha M1
The 2021 Yamaha YZF-R15 V4.0 and R15M get a host of segment-first features. The R15 V4.0 is available in three colours - Racing Blue, Dark Knight, and Metallic Red. The R15M is offered in two special paint schemes - Metallic Grey and the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition.
The big update though is the new design language on the 2021 R15 range. The bike borrows design cues from the new R7 that made its global debut in May this year, bringing the 155 cc models in line with the brand's R-DNA. Notably, the bike gets a new single bi‐functional Class-D LED headlight with the new M-shaped intake duct in the centre and seen on the M1 in MotoGP. The headlamp is flanked by LED DRLs on either side. The upgrade also includes a reworked fairing and tail section on the motorcycle.
The new negative LCD instrument console packs more information than before and also gets Bluetooth connectivity
Yamaha has also reworked the suspension set-up on the 2021 R15 V4.0 with the inclusion of USD front forks. The units replace the telescopic forks that were seen on V3.0. The 37 mm USD forks get a light (unsprung) lower end, while the upper end (sprung) gets thick outer tubes bolted to the chassis for higher rigidity. Yamaha says the new structure offers more stability under braking while improving comfort and cornering performance.
In order to accommodate the new front suspension, the bike gets a new upper triple clamp (handlebar crown) with the rib shapes contributing to the strength–rigidity balance, similar to the M1. The new R15 now also comes with traction control, along with a quickshifter that is standard on the R15 V4 Racing Blue colour and the R15M. It activates at speeds over 20 kmph or when the bike is over 2000 rpm and accelerating. The model also gets a slipper and assist clutch and dual-channel ABS.
The 2021 Yamaha R15M gets the special metallic grey shade, new seats, 3D emblem and quickshifter as standard
The 2021 YZF-R15 and the R15M continues to draw power from the 155 cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine that produces 18.1 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 14.2 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. Power is slightly less than the V3.0 while torque has gone up by 0.1 Nm. The fuel-injected motor with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike has a kerb weight of 142 kg.
Meanwhile, the R15M further differentiates itself with special seats, 3D emblem and new ByBre brake calipers. Both bikes come with a new LCD instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity. There's also a new Trip/info button on the right side of the handlebar stalk that allows accessing different visual modes - Track and Street. Yamaha also claims a lower drag coefficient of 0.293 cd on the new R15 range.
