The addition of ABS will make the R15 dominate the 150 cc segment in India with its long feature and equipment list
All of our readers should be aware of the fact that the Indian Government has made ABS as a compulsory feature on all motorcycles with engine displacement above 125 cc and going by the decision, almost all the two wheeler manufacturer has already started introducing ABS equipped motorcycle variants in India.
Now according to the recent reports, Yamaha too is walking in the same path and will soon be introducing ABS in the R15 Version 3.0 which was launched earlier this year. During the time of launch the Version 3.0 received plenty of modern visual upgrades but surprisingly did not receive ABS which is definitely one of the most vital safety features and was offered in Indonesia variant already.
The current reports state that Yamaha has begun testing the ABS-equipped variant of the R15 Version 3.0 already. However, what we really want to know is that the Japanese manufacturer will be offering a single channel setup like the ones found in some Bajaj motorcycle like NS200 or RS200 or a dual channel unit.
Keeping in mind that the R15 Version 3.0 is a hardcore sportbike we would really love to see a dual channel setup on it which is more effective than a single channel unit but is also pricier at the same time. With the addition of ABS expect the prices of the version 3.0 to be up by at least Rs. 8, 000 to 10, 000. The current R15 is priced at 1.27 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. Besides pricing expect the ABS-equipped variant to also be slightly heavier than the non-ABS variant which might take a toll on its fuel efficiency figures.
The current R15 is powered by a 155cc, single cylinder four stroke liquid cooled engine. The newly developed unit is definitely one of the most advanced mills in the 150 cc segment in India because it gets variable valve technology and fuel injection. The engine paired to a 6-speed gearbox and is capable of producing about 19.3 PS of peak power at 10,000 rpm and 14.7 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm.
For all of your information, Yamaha has also offered the new R15 with a slipper clutch as well which prevents the rear wheels from locking when downshifting. The motorcycle is built on a DELTABOX frame and is nimble and agile; it uses Telescopic front forks and a monoshock setup for its rear. Besides all that the version 3.0 also has received new LED headlamps, new digital instrument cluster, and fatter 140 section rear tires.