Yamaha MT-15 launched at Rs 1.36 lakh: First look

NEW DELHI: Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha on Friday launched the latest naked streetfighter MT-15 in India at Rs 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Yamaha has tried to make inroads into the 150cc performance and style segment by rolling out the MT-15. We took the bike for a spin on the Buddha International Circuit, Greater Noida. Let us have a roundup of the first ride:
How does it look?
The aggressive front cluster, mimicking a Samurai helmet, hosts transformer-like headlights and projector headbeams.Yamaha has provided a fully-digital instrument dashboard similar to its sibling YFZ R15 V3. However, MT-15 is less muscular but boasts a sculpted build, especially a chiselled fuel tank and slim tail section.
MT-15 is up for grabs in metallic black and dark matte blue. The bike is 2,020 mm long and 800 mm in width. Moreover, the keyhole is mounted on the fuel tank with a shutter.

What sits at the heart?
A single cylinder, SOHC liquid-cooled, 155 cc engine powers the latest Yamaha entrant. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. The gear shifting is smooth and the clutch does feel light. The mill produces 19.3 PS of power at 10,000 rpm and 14.7 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm.
The motor feels refined and has a decent power delivery. Yamaha claims the bike revs between low and mid-range very smoothly. The overall output delivery is on par with its competitors.
How assuring are the components?
Brakes include discs at both ends, with single-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) as standard. MT-15 gets a telescopic suspension at the front and a monoshock at the rear. MT-15 races to 3-digit mark on the dial in a breeze.
How does the rider feel?
With a less committed sitting posture and footpegs not set too high, MT-15 gets an edge over R15. Yamaha also asserts that the one-piece handlebar affords easy maneuverability on the sharp bends of the track. MT-15 rolls on 17-inch alloy wheel shod with 110 section tyre upfront and meaty 140 mm section tyre in the rear.
Yamaha, taking a step ahead with the MT-15, has definitely ticked twin aspects of sportiness and comfort. The Yamaha street fighter would lock horns with the likes of Apache 4V 200R, KTM Duke 125 and Bajaj Pulsar 200NS.
A host of notable features are yet to be tested, as a detailed review awaits.