2019 Yamaha MT-15 Spotted Testing In India

The India-spec MT-15 employs telescopic forks instead of USDs seen on the model sold in Thailand

The Yamaha MT-15 has been spotted testing on India soil  It will be the first MT offering to be built in India It shares its underpinnings with the R15 V3 Uses telescopic forks instead of premium upside-down units to cut costs

We had earlier reported that Yamaha had intentions of introducing its MT range of bikes in India as it saw potential in the ever-growing two-wheeler market. Moreover, since the commuter segment in India already had well-established players, the manufacturer was keen on shifting its focus to performance-oriented bikes over 150cc, an area where Yamaha really excels. Case in point being the R15 series. Using the capable R15 Version 3.0 as a base, the manufacturer explored the idea of a cross-platform bike, and that’s where the MT-15 comes in. With few days remaining for the launch of the Yamaha FZ Version 3.0, a test mule of the MT-15 test has been spotted testing on Indian soil.

Also Read: All-New Yamaha MT-15 Unveiled In Thailand

On the design front, the 150cc street naked takes its styling cues from its elder sibling, the MT-09. It features an aggressive front fascia with a single projector headlamp flanked by LED DRLs. Pan to the mid-section and you see the chiselled fuel tank paired with tank extensions. The single, slightly stepped up seat and the stubby tail section is also reminiscent of the MT-09. Also, its all-digital instrument console is expected to be similar to the R15 Version 3.0. That said, the bike is essentially an R15 underneath as it shares the same underpinnings. A major difference in the India-spec MT-15 is the inclusion of a box swingarm as opposed to the aluminium unit seen on the R15.

Also Read: KTM 125 Duke Vs Yamaha YZF-R15 v3 ABS: Spec Comparison

It draws power from the same 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor that dishes out a maximum of 19.3PS at 10,000rpm and 15Nm of torque at 8500rpm. It comes mated to a 6-speed transmission that also gets a slipper clutch. The engine features Variable Valve Action (VVA) which not only improves fuel efficiency but adds bottom and top-end grunt as well.

Suspension duties are handled by conventional telescopic forks and a monoshock at the rear. Its braking setup consists of disc brakes at both ends and it’s likely to feature dual-channel ABS as well. Its 17-inch alloy wheels come wrapped in 100/80-section tyres at the front and a 140/70-section unit at the rear.

Also Read: Yamaha YZF-R15 V3 ABS Launched

With the kind of equipment at hand, we can expect the Yamaha MT-15 to be priced around Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs 1.3 lakh. When launched, it’ll go toe-to-toe with the recently launched KTM 125 Duke, which is priced at Rs 1.18 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom Delhi).

 

Image courtesy: Mehuel / Team-BHP