KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Yamaha R15S V3 is available in a single variant priced at Rs 1,65,700
- Compared to the air-cooled engines of the Suzuki Gixxer SF and Hero Xtreme 200S, the Yamaha R15S has a liquid-cooled motor, which claims 18.4 PS and 14.2 Nm
- The Yamaha R15S V3 is based on the third-generation R15 V3 but has a unibody seat instead of split seats
Continuing the tradition set by the first-generation R15 with the unibody seat, the Yamaha R15S V3 is the previous-generation R15 sold alongside the new-gene R15 V4 with a more practical unibody seat. Despite being an old model, the Yamaha R15S V3 is a true sports bike by its design and overall performance, making it a desirable entry-level sports bike among youngsters. There are a few features that only add to the premium appeal of the R15S V3, which are as follows. Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
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All-LED headlamps
The third-generation version of the Yamaha R15 was the first-ever R15 to get all-LED treatment for its headlamps. The slim LED headlamps of the Yamaha R15S V3 are placed on both sides of the centrally-placed functional air intake, with the motorcycle also having an LED tail lamp.
Competition CheckLike the Yamaha R15S V3, the Suzuki Gixxer, and Hero Xtreme 200S have LED headlamps and tail lamps.
Full-LCD instrument console
The R15 V3 was also the first-ever iteration of the R15 to have a more modern full-LCD instrument console, replacing the part-digital instrument console with an analogue tachometer of the previous two generation models. The Yamaha R15S V3 retains this full-LCD instrument console with a gear indicator.
Competition CheckWhile the Suzuki Gixxer SF and Hero Xtreme 200S also have full-LCD instrument consoles, the one in the Yamaha R15S V3 lacks Bluetooth connectivity which is there in the other two motorcycles.
Clip-on handlebars
While the Yamaha R15S V3 might have a more comfortable unibody seat, it is still a proper supersport with clip-on handlebars. These clip-on handlebars are positioned quite low to suit the supersport characteristics of the Yamaha R15S V3, allowing for a more aggressive riding posture.
Competition CheckThe Suzuki Gixxer SF and Hero Xtreme 200S also have clip-on handlebars. Still, they are comparatively positioned slightly higher, giving the riders a more comfortable riding posture than the R15S V3.
Assist and slipper clutch
The presence of assist and slipper clutch enhances the sporty looks and performance of the Yamaha R15S V3. This feature allows the rider to have more seamless shifts, especially during sport riding when gearshifts become more frequent.
Competition Check The Suzuki Gixxer SF and Hero Xtreme 200S do not get an assist and slipper clutch.
Dual-channel ABS
As an essential feature in motorcycles of its cadre and segment, the Yamaha R15S V3 comes equipped with a dual-channel ABS. With a 282mm disc at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear, the dual-channel ABS enhances braking feedback during spirited riding.
Competition CheckLike the R15S V3, the Suzuki Gixxer SF and Hero Xtreme 200S are also equipped with single-channel ABS as standard.
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Verdict
Despite being based on an almost seven-year-old model and a new-generation R15 V4 on sale beside it, the Yamaha R15S V3 still looks fresh and sharp for an entry-level motorcycle. It has a relatively sportier essence in its design, performance and riding dynamics compared to its direct rivals, the Suzuki Gixxer SF and Hero Xtreme 200S. The R15S V3 has steeper pricing than its rivals and misses out on a couple of features that are present in the rival offerings. However, the R15S V3 justifies its premium positioning with a more advanced liquid-cooling setup and variable valve actuation tech for its engine, a more premium Deltabox frame, and a more aggressive riding posture for supersport appeal.
