2023 Yamaha MT-15 V2.0 Review: It’s A Naked R15 V4!

It gets the famed 155cc liquid-cooled engine and many go-to modern and youthful features

• The Yamaha MT-15 V2.0 makes a solid 18.4PS and 14.1Nm. 
• The bike, in its latest iteration, even gets an upside down fork. 
• It even benefits from VVA! 

Indian bikers have a lot of respect for the Yamaha R15, and for good reason. It provided an unrivalled combination of performance, handling, features, and aesthetics. Expectations were therefore reasonably high when Yamaha unveiled the MT-15, the streetbike counterpart of the R15. 

Sadly, it was unable to do so. One of the main causes of this was the Yamaha MT-15's indigenization in an effort to reduce costs. However, three years after its release, the Japanese manufacturer has made an effort to correct those issues with the new MT-15 Version 2.0. Let’s see how that went: 

2023 Yamaha MT-15 V2.0: Design & Features

The new MT-15 and its predecessor are identical on the outside. Sadly, unlike the new R15 V4, Yamaha designers didn't give it a significant redesign. Despite this, the bike nonetheless has a sporty, contemporary appearance. The new Yamaha MT-03 might have served as design inspiration for the revised MT-15, which would have given it a better look. 

LED DRLs, a projector headlamp, and a taillight are still features of the Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0. The newly built fully digital instrument console boasts Bluetooth connectivity for call, SMS, and email alerts, and the new Yamaha bike is all-digital. The MT-15 still lacks navigation, though. The upgraded MT-15 V2 now has traction control, similar to the Yamaha R15 V4 model. 

The new MT-15 still has variable valve actuators on the mechanical front. The technology enables the 155cc engine to operate at its maximum potential at higher revs without having to make up for a deficiency in low- to mid-range torque.

2023 Yamaha MT-15 V2.0: Engine Specs

As you can see in the spec sheet above, torque has increased by 0.2Nm while power has decreased by 0.1PS. The engine has therefore grown more tractable as expected. For such a high-revving engine, we were was able to ride the bike in sixth gear at 25 kph, which is rather impressive.

But it is the only positive aspect. The personality of the engine is what the stats don't show, as you can see. The new bike doesn't feel as brisk and quick as the previous MT-15 did right away. The bike seems alive only after 6,000 rpm and it feels as though the engine has lost some of its exciting personality, despite the fact that you have better tractability. 

2023 Yamaha MT-15 V2.0: Chassis

Finally, a USD fork and a cast aluminium swingarm are added to the new MT-15. The MT-15 Version 2.0 engages the rider even more than the original bike, which was no slouch in terms of handling even with a telescopic fork and a box-unit swingarm. The front-end stability is the most amazing feature; as a result, you can trust the bike more and commit to corners more effectively. 

The new MT-15 feels quite nimble, you can hustle it on city streets, and it lives up to its streetfighter DNA. Thankfully, this stability doesn't come at the expense of agility.

2023 Yamaha MT-15 V2.0: Dimensions

The cost of the excellent handling is comfort, though. If you're not careful on choppy roads, the strong suspension setup will throw you out of the saddle. So, whether there are speed bumps or undulations, you should slow down. 

The rear disc brake seems numb with little input, while the front disc delivers a nice bite but little sensation. In fact, there were a few tense moments during the braking test.

2023 Yamaha MT-15 V2.0: Variants & Price

Only one variation of the new Yamaha MT-15 is offered. Cyan Storm, Racing Blue, Ice Fluo-Vermillion, and Metallic Black are the available colour options.

Priced at Rs. 1,64,900 for the Dark Matte Blue and Metallic colour options and Rs. 1,68,400 for the remaining four colour options, including Ice Fluo-Vermillion, Cyan Storm, Racing Blue, and Metallic Black DLX (all prices ex-showroom Delhi), the Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 is available now.

Verdict

The starting price of the new MT-15 is Rs. 1.65 lakh, meaning an increase of about Rs. 12,000–13,000 over its predecessor. However, it appears reasonable when compared to the cost of the KTM 125 Duke or the Yamaha R15 V4. 

The new MT-15 is a better bike as a result of the improvements, as predicted. It handles better, looks more upscale, and the introduction of a few new functions is pleasant. However, we had higher hopes for Yamaha! With this performance potential, the engine's lack of punch is disappointing.