Yamaha MT-15

An R15 without a fairing, you’d think. But there’s more to it than just that

- Rishabh Bhaskar

Yamaha India, of late, has been on a revival strategy, realising that its core strength lies in performance-oriented motorcycles. It’s what the enthusiast identifies Yamaha as and the popularity as well as sales figures of the YZF-R15 v3, for instance, is proof of it. It’s not surprising then that Yamaha has introduced a new street naked that’s based on the same platform as the R15. Say hello to the 2019 Yamaha MT-15.

What do we mean by the same platform?

Well, the MT-15 is an R15 sans the fairing, to put it simply. Which means the sweet Deltabox chassis, 155cc, liquidcooled, 4V, single-cylinder engine and suspension are exactly the same. But that’s where the similarities end.

So, what’s different?

The design, to begin with, is in line with the other MT series of motorcycles, such as the MT-09. So the body panels are minimal, the tank is tiny, the tail section is stubby and there is no bikini fairing around the headlamps.

Now, that is an area that I particularly like as it lends the MT-15 its unique identity. The shape of the twin LED position lamps appear like a pair of mean eyes and the single, LED projector lamp that’s placed below it completes the look of an aggressive face. In fact, the entire design has just the right amount of aggression for a street fighter and will appeal to the youth in their 20’s.