Family Feud: Yamaha MT-15 Vs FZ25

Two completely different naked bikes from the same company for a price difference of just about Rs 2,650. Which one’s a better buy?

Yamaha India has just launched the MT-15 at Rs 1.36 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. While the MT range of street nakeds is relatively new in India, it was the FZ range that brought Yamaha back into the limelight after the heady days of the RX100. In fact, the FZ25 is less expensive than the MT-15 despite packing a bigger engine. So, let’s see how the top-of-the-line motorcycle from the FZ family in India - the FZ25 - performs against the newest kid on the block - the MT-15 - on paper:

Design:

The MT-15 has aggressive design lines inspired by its bigger brother, the MT-09 and the MT-10. This, coupled with the unconventionally-designed headlamp, gives the motorcycle a lean, mean look. The instrument cluster is a negative-LCD unit which looks a lot more modern than the conventional LCD console in the FZ25. Both consoles are quite info-laden with details like trip meter and fuel efficiency readouts. However, the FZ does not get a gear position indicator.

The FZ25, on the other hand, is more muscular. The nicely chiselled fuel tank gives the motorcycle a butch stance, complemented by the split seats and stubby exhaust at the rear. Interestingly, the FZ25 features split seats whereas the MT-15 comes with a single-piece unit.

Powertrain:

The MT-15 comes with a more sophisticated engine complete with VVA technology. This feature helps maintain an optimal balance of low-down drive and high-end performance. Thanks to this, it doesn’t fall behind the FZ25’s 250cc motor as far as outright power is concerned. However, there is no replacement for displacement and the FZ25 trumps the baby MT in terms of sheer pulling power. The FZ produces its pea torque lower down the rev range as well and this should help it sprint quicker than the MT from a standstill. But with a lighter kerb weight (14kg less), we expect the MT-15 to be more sprightly overall.

Another area where the MT-15 shines is the transmission. The 6-speed unit’s extra cog should make the MT-15 feel less strained at highway speeds. Moreover, the assist and slipper clutch helps in downshifting rapidly without any fear of the rear wheel locking up.

The MT-15’s complex engine comes at the cost of relatively higher service costs whereas the FZ25’s air-cooled engine with oil cooling shouldn't be as expensive to maintain, at least on paper.

Underpinnings & Other Details:

The MT-15’s Deltabox frame should provide better chassis feedback compared to the FZ’s relatively basic diamond type frame. Both the MT-15 and the FZ25 share the same brakes and tyres. But the MT-15 makes do with a single-channel ABS whereas the FZ25 features a no-compromise dual-channel unit. 

Even the suspension setup is similar up front but at the rear, the MT-15 comes with a linked monoshock whereas the FZ25 makes do with a traditional monoshock setup. The former allows greater suspension travel without requiring a longer shock absorber. Also, the MT-15 weighs a whole 14kg less than the FZ25, and this should make the motorcycle a lot easier to handle in congested roads, theoretically at least. But the FZ25 makes up for the MT-15’s agility with greater range with a fuel tank that’s bigger by 4 litres and a more accessible seat (15mm lower).

Verdict:

The FZ25 is priced at Rs 1.33 lakh whereas the MT-15 will set you back by Rs 1.36 lakh (both, ex-showroom Delhi). The FZ25 does make more sense financially as it is not only less expensive, but doesn’t compromise much on performance, notwithstanding the weight. However, if you want a motorcycle with an exciting motor and agile dynamics, the MT-15 is the one to go for. 

In retrospect, the MT-15 is priced really close to the R15 Version 3.0, with a price-gap of only Rs 3,350. Apart from its easy-going ergonomics and better low-end grunt, the MT-15 doesn’t really offer much compared to its track-friendly brother. The equipment levels are a bit of a compromise as the MT-15 only gets a single-channel ABS and a heavier box-section swingarm. So, if outright performance is your thing, you’d be better off with the R15.