During the motorcycle boom at the start of the new millennium, Filipino riders were introduced to small, fuel efficient machines designed for everyday use. These motorcycles, or underbones as they are better known, became an irreplaceable tool for the daily commute as well as the weekend escape from the daily grind.
As the skillset of these riders improved, some quickly outgrew the light and nimble machines. Owing to the growing popularity of motorcycle racing in the country, there was a need for a sportier alternative to the underbone. Welcome the Yamaha YZF-R15.
HISTORY
The Yamaha YZF-R15 was first introduced in 2008 with design cues taken from its bigger 600 cc brother – the Yamaha YZF-R6. The early styling of the R15 looks much like the modern day SZ-16 with a beefier profile. Last March, Yamaha officially unveiled the latest model of the YZF R-15 here in the Philippines at the Yamaha GP Year 6 at SM Sta. Rosa.
POWERPLANT
This R15 is powered by a 150 cc liquid cooled 4-stroke, SOHC engine equipped with DiASil (Die cast Aluminum Silicone) cylinder which improves weight reduction. Simply put, A DiASil cylinder is an all-aluminum cylinder that has no need for a cast cylinder plating making it lighter and more durable thanks to its improved casting process.
The drivetrain is 6 speed with a constant mesh and wet multi plate clutch. Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) feeds the engine with gasoline ensuring maximum efficiency. This engine like its bigger brother the R6, loves to rev, power delivery starts at around 5500 rpm with 16.7 bhp produced @ 8500 rpm and 11.6 lb-ft of torque @ 7500 rpm.
DESIGN
The first thing that one would appreciate after seeing this bike is the twin headlamps. Taken from its big brother the R6, the distinct design of the headlamps leaves you no doubt what kind of bike the R15 is as it approaches. The LED taillight is complemented by a stylish tail cowl that gives the bike a masculine appeal. The split-seat design stays true to the bikes sporty heritage, allowing the rider to position aggressively during high speed runs. I also fell in love with the R15’s low stance. The seat height (31.4 inches) makes it great for high speed, but also makes it a lot easier to filter through traffic..
SPEED AND HANDLING
When we took the bike to the “Marilaque Proving Grounds”, Randy and I agreed to meet at a location before Sierra Madre Hotel. However, since it was a Friday afternoon and the road was pretty much all mine, I “forgot” our rendezvous and proceeded all the way to Jariel’s Peak. During this trip, I realized how good the bike was especially at the corners. Some owners claim that their R15 tops at 130-135 kph, I was only able to top it at 125 kph. But top speed for me is no longer relevant. Anyone can twist the throttle at the straights and say how fast they are but at the hairpin, it’s a different story. Corner after corner, I was able to attack them with ease thanks to the R15’s new Deltabox Frame design that improves the bike’s rigidity and balance which in turn enhances the bike’s handling performance. I also liked how the stock IRC 90/80-17 (front) and 130/70-17 (rear) rubbers keep the bike on the pavement. Excellent grip. The bike’s suspension play is also superb, thanks to its telescopic and linked type monocross shock absorbers. Stopping power is also first-rate, which is provided by Nissin brake calipers for the front and rear.
FUEL ECONOMY
Despite the fact that the R15’s engine revs up to 11,000 rpm, and was ridden aggressively during its time in our hands, I was surprised that we were still able to yield 44 kilometers per liter fuel economy city and highway combined. With its 12 liter tank, one top up can take you beyond Laoag, Ilocos Norte coming from Manila. That’s more than 500 kilometers of fuel range! EFI is indeed “human’s gift to Mother Nature”.
BRANDO SAYS
The R15 is definitely the cream of the crop of its class. Being fast is common with bikes these days, but you won’t see very often a bike that looks gorgeous and at the same time handles well. The R15 is one of the few that can carve the hairpin corners with ease. I almost felt like Valentino Rossi for a while. So if you want a bike you can take to and from the office every day and think you’ve already outgrown your undebone and enjoy scraping the asphalt with your knee sliders during the weekends, the Yamaha R15 is for you.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- ENGINE: Liquid-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves
- DISPLACEMENT: 149.8 cc
- MAX. POWER: 16.7 bhp @ 8500 rpm
- MAX. TORQUE: 11.06 lb ft @ 7500 rpm
- TRANSMISSION: 6 speed Return Type
- SEAT HEIGHT: 800 mm
- FUEL CAPACITY: 12 liters
- DRY WEIGHT: 136 kg
- TOP SPEED: 125 kph as tested
- PRICE: PhP 149,000.00
[See image gallery at www.motorcyclephilippines.com]
Photos by Randy Silva Netto