Yamaha R15S

Yamaha R15S is the most affordable and a more practical variant of the R15 currently on sale. Based on the Yamaha R15 V3, it features similar styling, but with a single-piece seat. The R15S gets the same 155cc engine as the R15 V4 with OBD2 emission-compliance, making the same power and torque.

Being similarly styled to the R15 V3, the R15S comes with aggressive looks and an eye-catching design. It gets a full fairing, sharp lines and a sculpted tank with gill-shaped vents which look really cool. At the front, the sportbike has a twin LED headlight setup with a centrally located faux air duct. It gets a black telescopic fork.

The rear end features a clean look and has a sleek LED tail light. The 140-section rear tyre complements the overall look while the tyre hugger looks a little odd but it serves a practical purpose. However, contradicting its practicality, the bike doesn't come with dedicated grab rails.

The R15S is equipped with an OBD2-compliant 155cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with VVA (Variable Valve Activation) as the R15 V4 that makes 18.4PS and 14.2Nm. The motorcycle is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch. It has an 11-litre fuel tank and delivers a real-world tested mileage of 47.92kmpl on the highway and 48.75kmpl in the city. 

The 155cc engine impressed us with its tractability, cruising at 20kmph even when in fourth gear, without being stressed. It even manages to pull as low as 35kmph in sixth gear. The R15S accelerates to 60kmph from a standstill in just 3.40 seconds, that’s even quicker than most 200cc bikes out there and reaches 100kmph in 11.42 seconds.

The VVA (Variable Valve Activation) helps operate the engine with two different valve timings: enhancing the low-end acceleration and boosting top-end power. When the VVA kicks in at around 7,400rpm, the instrument console provides a notification, adding an extra layer of engagement to the riding experience.

The Yamaha R15S offers sharp handling, it is a lightweight and agile machine that performs exceptionally well whether you are riding around the twisties or manoeuvring through city traffic. The deltabox frame inspires confidence around the corners. 

The low-positioned handlebar comes very close to the tank during U-turns, restricting wrist movement and making it a bit challenging to operate the throttle, especially during right turns. 

The R15S is equipped with a 110-section front and a 140-section rear tyre that provide decent feedback, but it would be more appreciated if the front tyre was also radial, like the rear one.

The Yamaha R15S gets the same 815mm seat height as the R15 V4. However, its single-piece seat makes it a bit more comfortable than its counterpart. The narrow seat enables even the shorter riders to place their foot comfortably on the ground while taller riders have enough leg room. 

Equipped with a 41mm fork at the front and a preload adjustable linked rear monoshock, the R15S isn’t tuned for a plush ride, but it offers a decent ride quality for a sportbike. Despite posing as a practical sportbike, the R15S demands an aggressive posture, the low-positioned clip-ons do put a bit of strain on the wrists and lower back.

The Yamaha R15S gets an all-around LED lighting setup. It gets a fully digital instrument console shared with the previous-gen R15. When you turn on the ignition, the screen greets you with a ‘Hi buddy’ message, which can also be personalised with your name. The console showcases basic information including a speedometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, tachometer, gear position indicator, VVA indicator and other basic telltale lights. However, the R15S misses out on smartphone connectivity.

The Yamaha R15S is more affordable than the R15 V4, making it a good option for beginner riders and is a perfect choice for someone who wants the sporty look of the R15 balanced with the practicality of a single-piece seat, along with that powerful 155cc Yamaha engine.