The Yamaha MT-15 has established its personality in the Indian two-wheeler market as a machine that incites aggressive riding through its intimidating design and superior technology with a promise of thrills on every ride. Designed for city riders who want a strong combination of power and efficiency, the MT-15 delivers on all levels of style, handling, safety and mileage.
Bold and Striking Design
Yamaha MT-15 Quick Review: The Yamaha MT-15 makes a strong statement with its beefy position and the mass-forward design. Based on Yamaha’s “Dark Side of Japan” design, the pseudo-Naked MT-15 has a bi-functional LED headlamp that confers a predator face to the bike. The short tail piece, with LED tail lamps, and sporty 6 spoke aluminium cast wheels add to the athletic look of the new Derbi Variant Sport.
With an upright handlebar and slightly backward-set foot pegs create a sporty and comfortable riding position. Whether you’re navigating through tight city streets or open highway, the motorcycle’s fairing and low-slung cruiser handlebars create a commanding presence ideal for cutting the air and hitting the open road.
Engine and Performance
Powering the MT-15 is the same 155cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). This engine produces 18.4 PS at 10,000 rpm and 14.1 Nm at 7,500 rpm. With the VVA that delivers torquey low end and powerful top and excellent power free feel, the rider gets the thrilling ride through the speed range.
The engine comes mated to a 6-speed transmission along with an assist and slipper clutch. This results in less clutch lever effort, easy condition changes, and less chance of wheel lock during down-shifting for intimidating/intermediate riders on spirited rides in the city.
Additional Features and Connectivity
The MT-15 comes with a bunch of hi-tech features such as a fully digital LCD cluster unit that provides readouts of speed, gear position, amount of fuel remaining and more. Using Yamaha’s Y-Connect mobile app, riders have access to smartphone alerts, vehicle status, and maintenance reminders directly on the instrument panel.
Besides, the bike is provided with a traction control system to bolster safety by reducing rear wheel slip, especially on wet or loose surface roads.
Ride Quality and Handling
The MT-15 employs a Deltabox frame for added stiffness and improved stability at speed. 37mm upside-down (USD) front forks are tasked with suspension duties at the front while linked type monocross rear is used at the back. This configuration makes for great handling and helps the bike grip around corners and whipping back.
The ride is high on the firmness scale, with control more important than cush. That might get a little clunky on extremely rough roads, but it’s a trade for sportier riding and city agility.
Safety and Braking
Safety is one of the strong points for the MT-15. At both ends, the bike recieves disc brakes – 282mm in the front and 220mm at the rear. A single-channel ABS provides a safe braking experience under emergency braking condition, prevents wheel lock and improves stability.
The kerb weight of approximately 141 kg makes the MT-15 light and flickable – a useful trait in the crowded, urban environments it is intended for.
Fuel Efficiency
Sporty as it may be, the MT-15 is also easy on fuel. The bike gives a fuel efficiency of approximately 40-45 km/l depending on the riding conditions. The new scooter also comes with a 10L fuel tank offering convenient range for everyday day-to-day city commutes as well as short weekend stints.
Price and Variants
The Yamaha MT-15 has been launched in several iterations including standard and special edition like the MotoGP edition. The prices begin at around ₹1.68 lakh (ex-showroom) and differ with regards to colours and features these colour schemes include the Racing Blue, Ice Fluo-Vermillion, Metallic Black, and signature MotoGP Edition – providing a wide range of choice for buyers to flaunt their style.
Final Verdict
The Yamaha MT-15 ticks all the right boxes when it comes to performance, technology and sporty styling in the 150cc segment. The aggressive design, refined engine and connection to the most classic Coupé model make it ideal for urban riders in search of an aggressive and modern style. Whether you’re going to college, commuting to work, or on your second bike, the MT-15 is fun, practical, and enjoyable, and it all comes at an irresistible price.
