Inbound: 2019 Yamaha R15 V3.0 MotoGP Edition

The new variant which will be launched in the coming months will feature Yamaha’s Monster Energy MotoGP paint scheme

• The Monster Energy MotoGP Edition paint scheme in the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 is a derivative of its 2019 MotoGP counterpart.
• It’s likely to command a price hike of around Rs 3,000 over the standard variant.
• Currently, the R15 V3.0 retails at Rs 1.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
• Aside from the updated graphics and paint option, the bike would remain unchanged.

We had earlier reported that Yamaha was planning to launch the YZF-R125 MotoGP livery, which borrows its paint scheme from its 2019 Monster Energy MotoGP counterpart, overseas. The same colour scheme is expected to be launched with the 2019 YZF-R15 V3.0 in India in the coming months. Just like last year, expect the new colour option to come in a limited edition variant with a price hike of around Rs 3,000 over the current model, which retails at Rs 1.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). At present, Yamaha offers the R15 V3.0 in three shades: Thunder Grey, Racing Blue and Darknight.

Since Monster Energy is Yamaha’s title sponsor in MotoGP, the visuals on the bike now feature heaps of black with hints of Yamaha’s racing blue instead of the other way around. Aside from this, the bike’s fairing gets a massive Monster Energy logo on both sides with the ENEOS logo sitting on the top. That said, the design does miss out on Rossi’s number 46 and Viñales’ number 12 decal and other sponsor stickers. 

If we go back in time, Yamaha had played a similar hand in 2018 by launching the YZF-R15 V3.0 MotoGP Edition in India. The only difference then was that bike used a different paint scheme derived from the 2018 MotoGP Yamaha YZR-M1. Despite a limited run of 5,000 units and a price premium of Rs 3,000, the variant was a huge success in terms of sales.

Apart from the cosmetic change, the Yamaha R15 V3.0 will remain unchanged. In essence, it will be powered by the same 155cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled motor. Its VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) equipped engine produces 19.3PS of power and 15Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed transmission aided by a slip and assist clutch.

Also, unlike the international-spec model which employs premium upside down forks, the India-spec R15 V3.0 uses a conventional telescopic fork and a monoshock. Its braking setup comprises of disc brakes at both ends and dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. In terms of competition, the Yamaha R15 V3.0 competes against the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF and the soon-to-be-launched KTM RC 125.

Images used for representation purpose*