Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 Review: Likes And Dislikes

Has the bratty Japanese streetfighter finally become what it was meant to be from the start?

Yamaha bloomed aspirations of an affordable performance naked motorcycle with the FZ-16 back in 2008. While the FZ series slowly dwindled into a mere muscular commuter, the Yamaha MT-15 took its mantle three years ago, wooing crowds with its bratty personality. However, the Japanese bikemaker’s cost-cutting attempts (box-type swingarm and single-channel ABS) didn’t go down well with Indian enthusiasts. Now, the MT-15 Version 2.0 seems to be Team Blue’s shot at redemption, and after thoroughly testing the R15 V4’s streetfighter sibling, here’s what we liked and disliked:

Likes

Handling

The MT-15’s strongest suit has been its feline-like agility, and that carries on in the Version 2.0. However, thanks to the USD fork and aluminium swingarm, the bike feels a lot more mature in the way it switches directions or handles through a corner. The front feels less reactive to undulations and there’s noticeable improvement in feedback. This, combined with the aluminium swingarm, results in a motorcycle that invokes confidence to go through corners, unlike the previous model.

Tractability

The Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 is surprisingly friendly in the urban jungle. The retuned engine now doesn’t require constant shifting to get you through the city traffic. In fact, it can pull cleanly from as low as 24kmph at 2000rpm in sixth gear! This tractability, coupled with the supreme agility makes the new MT-15 Version 2.0 a perfect city slicker. But there’s a caveat

Dislikes

Power Delivery

…which is the way it delivers its power. The MT-15 Version 2.0 has lost the sense of urgency that its predecessor possessed. There’s an evident lack of a strong low-end grunt and you only start experiencing the power after 5500rpm. However, the actual surge in the delivery comes up only after 7000rpm, where the Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) kicks in and switches to a different cam profile.

This change to the engine’s character is likely to improve the fuel economy of the motorcycle, but in the quest for efficiency, the bike’s motor has lost its charm.

Braking

Yamaha’s decision to not equip the MT-15 Version 2.0 with a dual-channel ABS system is bewildering. Especially considering the fact that the Japanese marque had already type-approved a dual-channel ABS variant for the streetfighter last year. The necessity of ABS at the rear is evident under hard braking since there’s absolutely no feedback at the brake pedal, and it’s only after the rear starts stepping out, you realise to go easy on the braking.

Things aren’t much different for the front. While there is enough stopping power, the progression isn’t satisfactory, and the feedback at the lever is minimum. 

Design

Three years on, the MT-15 is still a head-turner, especially in this new Cyan Storm colour that we tested. However, Yamaha could have dialled things up a notch, just like it did with the R15 V4 and given it a visual overhaul too.

Furthermore, the quality issues are even more disappointing. The seat has a massive gap on the sides which expose the screws on the subframe. Then there’s the switchgear, which is an ergonomic nightmare. The switched positions of the indicators and the horn not only take time to get used to, but require some real efforts to use. 

Verdict

The Yamaha MT-15 was the bratty alternative to the mild-mannered FZ series, and should have continued to be so. Instead, Yamaha chose to tone down the bike, and make it a more “sensible” and mature option. At Rs 1,59,900 onwards (ex-showroom Delhi), this is one pricey proposition, especially when you consider that the additional Rs 13,000 over the predecessor gets you only USD fork, aluminium swingarm and an updated console. 

Of course, the USD fork and aluminium swingarm are a welcome change, but to actually enjoy the upgraded hardware, you really need to be on your toes all the time. The lack of dual-channel ABS makes it even harder to justify the price tag. So, while Yamaha has definitely tried to up the ante with the MT-15 Version 2.0, there is a lot left to be desired.