Planning To Buy The Yamaha R15 V4? Here Are The Pros And Cons

Yamaha Motor India pulled quite the surprise when it launched the new YZF-R15 V4 earlier this year. Arriving within three years since the R15 V3.0 was launched, the V4 does pack substantial upgrades that make it a far better motorcycle than before. India is the first market to get the R15 V4 globally, which speaks volumes of how important the motorcycle is for Yamaha India. The R15 has been an impressive machine over the last three generations and there's little that suggests the new model will be any different. While we are yet to ride the motorcycle, here's a list of pros and cons that you should consider before bringing one home.

Also Read: 2021 Yamaha YZF R15 V4: All You Need To Know

The new front and overall design language takes cues from the Yamaha R7

Pros

1. The new R15 V4 has been distinctly updated over V3. The model borrows styling cues from the larger YZF-R7 with the single projector lens headlamp replacing the twin units, while there are new LED DRLs flanked on either side. The sculpted fuel tank is new and so is the redesigned fairing. The model also gets a revised tail section with the new rider and pillion seats.
2. The new Yamaha YZF R15 V4 gets 37 mm USD forks up front with thicker outer tubes that have bolted to the chassis for better rigidity. That's a big update from telescopic forks on the predecessor and promises better control when braking and cornering. The motorcycle also features a new triple clamp for a better balance between strength and rigidity.
3. The Yamaha R15 V4 continues to use the same and likeable 155 cc liquid-cooled engine that continues in an identical spec as before. That said, power has dropped to 18.1 bhp at 10,000 rpm, while peak torque now stands at 14.2 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The fuel-injected motor with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) is paired with a 6-speed gearbox like before.
4. The new R15 now gets traction control and a quickshifter. It's standard on the Racing Blue colour and the R15M versions. There's also the slip and assist clutch and dual-channel ABS, along with a new fully digital negative LCD console with two displays - Track and Street.
5. Yamaha also offers the new R15 V4 in two main variants - standard and the R15M that brings aesthetic upgrades to the bike further giving an option to the customer.

The USD front forks on the Yamaha R15 V4 is a big update on the motorcycle and promise better handling and stability over the older model

Cons

1. The riding posture on the R15 V4 continues to be aggressive. While that remains a part of the track-friendly nature of the motorcycle, some street riders would find it too dedicated for day-to-day use. The same stands for the pillion who won't be too comfortable on long rides.
2. The R15M is particularly expensive at Rs. 1.79 lakh (ex-showroom), which makes it substantially pricier than the older version, bringing it closer to the more powerful KTM RC 200.
3. The Yamaha R15 V4's ride quality remains stiff and that would be another shortcoming for someone looking at a fairly comfortable motorcycle for day-to-day use. For the spirited rider though, the ride quality has always been adequate.