Yamaha India is gearing up to launch a more premium version of its highly popular R15 V3.0 motorcycle. It was recently reported that the brand had filed documents for the new R15 and R15M, and now one of the two models has been spotted undisguised at an event that seems to be a dealer preview function as the motorcycle has been put in the spotlight.
Going by the spy images, the new R15 will get an all-new front fascia that seems inspired by the global-spec Yamaha R7, featuring a single pod LED projector headlamps and sleeker LED daytime running lamps (DRLs). It also gets a new windscreen, revised body panels, a shining golden upside-down (USD) front forks and a sporty Monster Energy MotoGP-inspired paint scheme, similar to the recently launched MotoGP editions of FZ25 and MT15. However, this MotoGP ivory could be restricted to the R15M model only. Further, it could also be equipped with an updated instrument console with Bluetooth-aided smartphone connectivity.
The earlier leaked documents have also revealed that both these upcoming Yamaha bikes will produce 18.35PS of maximum power, which is 0.25PS less than the current R15 V3.0. That means the brand has slightly detuned its 155cc engine, probably for some good reasons. The brand is expected to recast the engine mapping to make it more provocative. However, its dimensions will remain unchanged that you can see in the image given below.
Yamaha is expected to launch the new R15 and R15M in the coming weeks. The R15M could be positioned above the standard model as a more premium offering that is expected to bear a premium of around Rs 6,000 over the existing model, which retails at Rs 1.56 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).