Yamaha YZF-R15 with Auto Headlamp On (AHO) comes in response to an upcoming mandate for the safety system to feature across all Indian two-wheelers
India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM) has launched the existing versions of YZF-R15 fully-faired motorcycle with Auto Headlamp On (AHO) feature for the domestic market. The YZF-R15 Version 2.0 and YZF-R15 S will not be having a headlamp on/off switch consequently. The former is priced at Rs. 1.18 lakh while the S version will be sold at Rs. 1.15 lakh (both prices ex-showroom, New Delhi).
Back in July, Hero MotoCorp introduced its all-new Splendor iSmart 110cc commuter with the standard Auto Headlamp On feature. More manufacturers, regardless of which segment they compete in, are expected to incorporate the same system in the following months before the government mandate comes into effect.
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For making the two-wheeler riders’ journey safer, the Indian government decided to make the Auto Headlamp On (AHO) feature compulsory from April 2017 onwards. This means, the headlamp will stay on as long as the ignition is on even during day times in a similar fashion to what you could see on the expensive bikes and DRLs in cars.
KTM already has the system equipped in its Duke and RC series performance bikes as standard fitment in advance. Due to the mandate, the two-wheelers will have the on/off switch essentially between engine kill switch and electric start eliminated.
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The welcoming move comes on the back of improving rider’s visibility to avoid accidents on roads. The AHO system is mandatory in developed markets for over a decade now and has said to reduce crashes in a substantial amount during dawn and at dusk.
The domestic market’s mid segment has seen high-end manufacturers like Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki and KTM offering the AHO as standard feature in their bikes. An added advantage of this system is that it will enable the pedestrians and oncoming traffic to know that the engine is turned on.