The introduction of the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 resulted in a major boost to the sales of the entry-level performance motorcycle. The YZF-R15 sales witnessed a 165 per cent jump in September corresponding to last year. Yamaha sold a total of 13,054 units of the YZF-R15 in September 2018 as against 4,921 units last September.
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Sales have been consistently high since the launch of the motorcycle:
- In March 2018, the YZF-R15 sales saw a 54 per cent rise (5,252 units in March 2018 vs 3,411 units in March 2017).
- April sales of the motorcycle grew by 87 per cent (6,034 units in April 2018 vs 3,230 units in April 2017).
- The growth remained consistent in May as the YZF-R15 clocked 105 per cent growth (6,611 units in May 2018 vs 3,220 units in May 2017).
- There was another 163 per cent jump in the sales in June 2018 (7,847 units in June 2018 vs 2,985 units in June 2017).
- In July 2018, Yamaha registered 133 per cent rise in sales (8,404 units in July 2018 vs 3,603 units in July 2017).
- August sales showed promising performance too and YZF-R15 scored another 95 per cent increase (8,081 units in August 2018 vs 4,103 units in August 2017).
Yamaha launched the R15 V3.0 in February 2018. The motorcycle, unlike the international spec model, features conventional telescopic front forks instead of upside-down telescopic units. At the rear is a monoshock unit.
Similar is the case with the limited edition MotoGP version of the motorcycle. Launched at an ex-showroom price tag of INR 1.3 lakh, the MotoGP Limited Edition is available in ‘Yamaha Racing Blue’ colour. It gets Yamaha MotoGP branding on the fairing, tank and side panels. The standard version is sold at INR 1.27 lakh (ex-showroom).
Technical specifications include a 155cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that gets a first-in-segment variable valve actuation (VVA) technology. The VVA system gets two intake valve cams – one for low- to mid-range rpm and another for high rpm. They switch between each other at the 7,400 rpm mark to provide power and torque throughout the rev range. The system is aimed to offer good mid- and top-end power without compromising on either.
This engine is tuned to deliver 19.3 PS of maximum power @ 10,000 rpm and 15 Nm of peak torque @ 8,500 rpm and comes mated to a 6-speed transmission. The bike also gets a slip and assist clutch.
Stopping power comes from 282 mm hydraulic single disc at the front and 220 mm hydraulic single disc at the rear. ABS is not available yet but a report from earlier this month suggests that Yamaha is currently testing the safety net equipped model. The government of India has set April 1, 2019, as the deadline to install the complete product portfolio (125cc and above) with ABS. The inclusion of ABS could see a rise of INR 15,000 in the price (ex-showroom).
Also read: Yamaha YZF-R15 transformed into a BMW S1000RR HP4 Race
Optional accessories for the R15 v3.0 include Metzeler Sportec M5 H-rated rear tire and a track-only Daytona muffler.
