One of the biggest differences between R15 and MT-15 is in its design as both caters to different buyers
Yamaha is planning to introduce new MT-15 in India and it is basically the naked version of R15. Even though both products share lots of components, there are lots of difference also which starts with the design itself as R15 is a fully faired motorcycle while MT-15 is a naked bike. The R15 design took inspirations from flagship R1 like most of the R-Series bikes, which make it unique.
Similarly, the MT-15 is also a miniature version of MT-09 and one of the striking parts of the design is full LED headlamp, which looks so different and gives an aggressive face for MT-15. The design of the fuel tank gives a muscular feel for the MT-15 compared to the sporty appearance of the R15.
The riding position of both bikes is different as Yamaha has given clip-on handlebar for R15 and it is placed lower on the body along with rear set foot pegs, which gives a committed riding stance and it is good for attacking corners, while giving more confidence for the rider to push hard but the MT-15 is completely opposite.
The naked bike gets single piece handlebar along with slightly lower seat height, which gives a comfortable riding position compared to R15 and for touring the MT-15 is much better also. But the full fairing makes it easy for R15 to ride in highways but the naked design of MT-15 exposes the rider to wind blast.
The R15 measure 2060 mm length, 670 mm width, 1070 mm height and wheelbase of 1345 mm. The dimensions of MT-15 are 1955 mm height, 795 mm width, 1065 mm height and 1350 mm wheelbase. The new MT-15 offers more ground clearance than R15 but the latter gives more fuel capacity.
Both bikes will be powered by same 155 cc, single cylinder SOHC engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) and the MT-15 might get a slightly different tuning. In R15, this engine puts out 19.5 hp and 15 Nm. The brakes, wheels, suspensions, chassis and instrument cluster will be carried over.
We can expect MT-15 to be priced around Rs. 1.10 lakh and it will compete against TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS when it goes on sale next month. Its main rival will be the recently launched KTM Duke 125.