Yamaha India is busy testing a faired motorcycle and by the looks of the spy images that have surfaced, the YZF-R15 v4 could be just around the corner.
What do the spy images reveal?
These pictures are screen grabs from a video that was shot on the move. While the footage is grainy, it is easy to tell that the camouflaged test mule is the Yamaha YZF-R15, going by the tail section. It looks identical to the one seen on the R15 V3, replete with the vertical LED light and the floating tail section. The only distinguishing element is the new exhaust end can.
The design changes, however, are seen when the bike is viewed from the front end. The bike gets a new fairing and windscreen, with an LED projector headlamp located in the center. A set of DRLs flank the headlamp unit on either side. The front end, in fact, seems reminiscent of the new YZF-R7 that was unveiled in international markets.
Expect Yamaha to also introduce new colourways on the R15 v4.
Yamaha YZF-R15 v4: additional features
Besides the refreshed styling the YZF-R15 v4 could possibly get a new Bluetooth connectivity enabled instrument panel. We’ve seen similar Bluetooth equipped clusters on the Yamaha Fascino 125 Hybrid and the new FZ-X, so we can expect the R15 to get the same feature.
The mechanical bits should probably be the same as the YZF-R15 v3. To reiterate, the bike is powered by a 155cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, single cylinder engine. It makes 18.6hp at 10,000rpm and 14.1Nm at 8,500rpm. The engine is paired to a six-speed gearbox.
The deltabox chassis, telescopic fork, monoshock and brakes are expected to be identical to the R15 v3.
Price and availability
Yamaha may launch the YZF-R15 v4 later this year. Expect the motorcycle to cost a little more than the Rs 1.54 lakh that the current motorcycle commands.
All prices, ex-showroom Delhi