One is a proper streetfighter, and the other is a proper sports bike. Both of them are exciting to ride with the same engine. So, which is better? The R15 v4 or the MT-15?
The newly launched Yamaha R-15 V4 has to be the best-looking 150cc sports bike ever sold in India. Not only that, with techs like traction control, quick-shifter, upside-down forks front suspension, and a new instrument console on board, the 2021 Yamaha R15 V4 is also the most feature-packed in its segment. However, the R15 requires a committed riding position, and at times that might become an issue in the long run. This is where the Yamaha MT15 comes across as a solid alternative, especially for those who find the sport style riding a bit too much. So, which one should you buy, our Yamaha R15 V4 vs Yamaha MT15 comparison should help you find out the answer.
Also Read: Yamaha R15 V4 vs KTM RC 125 comparison- Which To Pick?
Yamaha R15 V4 vs Yamaha MT15: Design and Dimensions
Both the R15 V4 and the MT15 share the same Deltabox frame, but the new full-fairing design on the R15 makes it heavier by 4 kgs than its naked counterpart. On the other hand, the MT 15 is 30 mm longer than the R15 v4 with a length of 2020, the R15 V4 measures 1,990 mm long. The streetfighter naked-style means the MT-15 has wide handlebars that are 800 mm wide, whereas R15 V4s compact, sporty stance gives it a shorter handlebar with 725 mm of width.
However, the 2021 Yamaha R15 V4 is now taller with 1,135 mm of height and 815 mm of seat height. The MT-15 stands 1,070 mm tall with a seat height of 810 mm.
Keeping these proportional differences aside, when it comes down to their respective designs, both are a looker in their respective segments. Both have a long lineage of bikes, with the initials MT and R, respectively, and these 150 cc motorcycles do proper justice to it. The new full-fairing design of the R15 V4 will rightfully remind you of the R7 (sold abroad). The way that sleek LED DRLs blend into the wind guard, with the Bi-LED headlight unit neatly placed at the front tip of gives the fairing a neat and yet sophisticated outlook. There new fairing design of the R15 V4 features fewer lines, compared to previous versions. This helps reduce the coefficient of aerodynamic drag from 0.307 to 0.293.
The MT-15, on the other hand, has a much more aggressive stance. Its naked bike styling helps gives it better ergonomics than the R15. The MT1-15 also features the same Bi-LED head unit. However, the fuel tank size of the MT-15 is smaller by 1-liter than the YZF-R15 V4s 11-litre fuel tank.
| DIMENSIONS | Yamaha R15 V4 | Yamaha MT-15 |
| LENGTH | 1,990mm | 2,020 MM |
| WHEELBASE | 1325mm | 1,335 mm |
| GROUND CLEARANCE | 170 mm | 170 mm |
| SEAT HEIGHT | 815mm | 810 mm |
| KERB WEIGHT | 142kg | 138.2kg |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 11-litres | 10 -litre |
Also Read: Check out this Monster Energy Yamaha Moto GP-inspired MT-15!
Specs
Both the Yamaha R15 V4 and the MT15 get the same 155 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve engine with fuel injection, both are tuned differently. In the R15 V4, the engine produces 14.2 Nm of torque, compared to the MT-15s 13.9 Nm. And the power is at 18.4 Ps in the R15 v4, whereas the MT-15 puts out 18.5 Ps, using the same engine.
This difference in power and torque does create this subtle difference in ride quality but beginners will not notice the difference. Besides, the light weight of the naked MT-15 gives it nimble handling quality and is very manageable in tight traffic situations. On the other hand, the marginally bigger 11-litre fuel tank of the R15 might sound more than its naked counterparts 10-litre fuel tank. But the MT-15 has a claimed mileage of 52.02 kmpl on the higway, compared to the R15 v4 40 kmpl.
Yamaha R15 V4 | Yamaha MT-15 | |
| Engine | 155 cc | 155 cc |
| Cooling system | Liquid-Cooled engine | Liquid-Cooled engine |
| Valve Train | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Max Power | 18.4 Ps @ 10,000 RPM | 18.5 @ 10,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.2 Nm at 7,500 RPM | 13.9 Nm @ at 8,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-Speed | 6-Speed |
Also Read- Yamaha R15 V4 and R15M Official Accessories Announced
Yamaha R15 V4 vs Yamaha MT15: Features
The new Yamaha R15 V4 easily slots in as one of the most feature-rich 150 cc bikes. For this year, the R-15 features two crucial electronic upgrades in the form of standard traction control and a quick-shifter- which comes standard on the Racing Blue and R15M model. Similarly, the MT-15 also features an in-built engine cut-off switch, and an assist & slipper clutch system. However, unlike the R-15 V4, the MT-15 does miss out on dual-channel ABS for a single-channel ABS.
In addition, the new R15 V4 now gets a new digital instrument console that supports Bluetooth connectivity, a gear shift indicator alongside Track and Street modes. The MT-15s digital instrument console is not as expansive and advanced as the R15 v4, but it does get a gear shifty indicator with two tachometers.
Yamaha R15 V4 vs Yamaha MT15: Price
After the last price hike, the MT-15 had a price tag almost close to the YZF R15 v3 model. Currently, the Yamaha MT-15 is available as a single model with three different colour options and a MotoGP edition. Prices start from Rs. 1,75,959 with the Metallic White colour. Then theres Dark Matte Blue and Fluo Vermillion across the spectrum with prices at Rs. 1, 75,959 and Rs. 1,77,074, respectively. The MotoGP edition of the MT-15 costs the most at Rs.1,79,301.
On the other hand, the R15 for the first time comes in two trims: the base R15 and the R15 M. The regular R15 models come in Metallic Red and Dark Knight. Without the optional quick-shifter, the former is priced at Rs. 2,02, 516, and the latter is priced at Rs. 2,03,716. Then theres the Racing Blue R15, which gets a standard quick shifter and its price at Rs. 2,08,116. At the top of it, all is the R15 M that comes in just one colour and it is priced the most at Rs. 2,13, 716.
Vehicle | YZF-R15 V4 | MT-15 |
| Ex-Showroom Price | Rs.2,02,516 | Rs.1,75,959 |
Verdict
Both the Yamaha R15 V4 and MT-15 are important motorcycles in Yamahas portfolio. The MT-15 offers a true hyper-naked sportbike experience, something that has lost with the FZ series, which is now more of a muscular city commuter. With the new R15 v4 model, Yamahas baby sports bike looks upmarket and more appealing. The build quality in the MT-15 could have been better, and as far as the new V4s build quality is concerned, we havent got a hold of a test bike as of yet. So, stick around for well very soon have one coming up on our 91wheels YouTube channel.
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