Yamaha R15 V3.0 Receives Price Hike

The third-gen version of the popular 150cc motorcycle costs Rs 2,000 more. Also, expect Yamaha to launch a MotoGP-inspired version this month

The R15 V3 was launched in February this year at the 2018 Auto Expo for an introductory price of Rs 1.25 lakh. Since its launch, the monthly sales of the R15 have risen from around 3,000 units to more the 7,000 units, which goes to show the motorcycle’s huge fan following. Now, Yamaha has increased the price of the new R15 Version 3.0 by Rs 2,000, which means it is now priced at Rs 1.27 lakh (ex-showroom).

While Yamaha hasn’t disclosed reasons for the price hike, it could be due to increase in input costs. The R15 V3 borrows design cues from its elder siblings - the Yamaha R1 and the R6. It features twin LED headlamps, an LED tail light and an all-digital instrument cluster.

The Yamaha R15 draws power from a 155cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled motor that produces 19.3PS and 15Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed transmission aided by a slip and assist clutch. The third-gen R15 also features Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), allowing the engine to run two different valve timings - one for lower end performance and another to aid top-end grunt.

The third-gen R15 blends the handling characteristics from the first variant and the performance factor from the second only to take it a notch higher. Reports also suggest that Yamaha is planning to introduce the MotoGP edition of the R15 V3 this month. It will feature the Movistar logo on the front and side panels and an ENEOS logo on the belly pan. Expect the MotoGP-liveried version to command a slightly higher price tag. It will compete against the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 (Rs 1.26 lakh) and the KTM RC 200 (Rs 1.77 lakh - all prices, ex-showroom Delhi).