If you said that the Yamaha YZF R15->ke1937 is the best looking bike in India, you wouldn't be entirely wrong. Taken from the DNA of the global Yamaha YZF R1 series, the YZF R15 looks the part of a beast on two wheels. The front portion of the bike is exactly fully-covered while the rear portion continues to be naked.

The cowl on the bike looks stylish with two eyes serving the purpose of twin headlamps. Furthermore, the windscreen on the top of the cowl also looks impressive while the black rear view mirrors are accompanied by the large airscoops. A nice long shape and a sparking body color really catch our attention.

The bike's design was also done to provide enough space for the rider and contribute a lot to the looks of the machine. The only visible part of the engine's exterior can be seen from the side view while the other parts are covered in front fairing. Enough space for seating is left for one person. On the other hand, the nice rear grab bars are placed at the top of the rear portion.

The YZF-R15 also comes with five spoke alloy wheels and a nice shaped muffler. The latter is also painted black while the rear end is in white. Both disc brakes at the tires not only ensures good braking, but also guarantees a good looking bike that you can take out on the road with pride.

Find out more about the Yamaha YZF-R15 after the jump.

2012 Yamaha YZF-R15

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Yamaha YZF-R15
  • Engine/Motor: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve
  • Horsepower: 17 @ 8500
  • Torque: 11 @ 7500
  • Transmission: 6 Speed Transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 2.0

Racing Instinct. - Passing on the “R series” DNA -

- Humachine Technologies & Sensual Racing Form -

The YZF-R1 and YZF-R6 are equipped with under cowls that are based on the image of a diffuser, to give them the best form for aero-management. These are not cowls for simply enclosing the engine, but forms composed of blade surfaces that actively control airflow. This spirit has been directly inherited by the YZF-R15 version 2.0.

“Harmony between rider and machine.” YAMAHA's Human Technology involves studying the form of the motorcycle actually in motion with the rider on it. The R series is the embodiment of 1) a wide frontal space that protects the rider, 2) an easy to ride seating area that gives riders the freedom of movement and allows them to steer effectively, 3) the glamorous tail treatment that takes into account the management of airflow behind the rider, and 4) a sensual racing form that brings all 3 of these elements together in a harmonious package. These characteristics have been splendidly reproduced in the YZF-R15 version 2.0.

The YZF-R15 version 2.0 is a new model that has been developed under the concept of a “Graded Up R15.” While maintaining the proven ease of handling of the existing R15, the R15 version 2.0 boasts of spruced up looks and better performance in circuit riding. The design elements are borrowed from the supersport model YZF-R1 that is adapted from YZR-M1 MotoGP race machine.

The YZF-R15 version 2.0 – is a 150cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke fuel injected bike. The R15 version 2.0 has undergone changes as compared to the present YZF-R15 in the specs of the Engine Control unit (ECU), drivetrain unit, a long aluminum swing arm, wider front and rear tires (radial tire for the rear), split seat, LED taillights and new-design middle cowl & tail cowl.

Engine

Fuel Injection

Fuel injection is used to ensure excellent fuel efficiency as well as environmental friendliness.

The two components of the fuel injection mechanism used in YZF-R15 version 2.0, a) the sensors that gather information on the engine’s operation, and b) the fuel supply system that supplies gasoline, have both been designed to be lightweight and simple. The sensor component uses only 4 sensors (Red blinking points) to gather large amounts of information relating to engine operations, which is sent to a small 26-pin ECU, which in turn calculates the optimum fuel supply. The fuel supply component consists of a small, fuel pump, modularized regulator and filter, and a small injector, all of which come together to enable a lightweight, compact form. The injector injects finely atomized spray of fuel through 6 hole type injectors.

In order to maximize the efficiency of the fuel injector, which injects the optimum amount of fuel for different amounts of intake air, YZF-R15 version 2.0 is equipped with a large 3-liter air cleaner. The duct area of the intake duct was designed optimally to optimize the flow of intake air.

Additionally, the use of a 4-valve combustion chamber (a combustion chamber with 2 intake and exhaust valves each) has allowed designers to layout the spark plug at the center of the combustion chamber for better flame propagation. This also increases the total valve area relative to the 2-valve chambers for improved intake/exhaust efficiency (volumetric efficiency). YZF-R15 version 2.0 is fitted with a hemispherical 4-valve combustion chamber, a configuration that allows intake and exhaust valves to be laid out in the smallest size possible.

In addition, the intake and exhaust valve angles have been kept small to achieve optimum combustion chamber configuration. We also aimed at minimizing the surface area/volume ration (S/V ratio) in the combustion chamber, which is key to improving fuel efficiency. In conjunction with the fuel injection system, this combustion chamber contributes to comfortable riding during long-distance rides as well as during medium to high-speed riding.

YZF-R15 version 2.0’s engine delivers excellent response, fuel economy, is environmentally friendly and a comfortable ride.

Liquid-cooled

First Indian made model with cooled Engine. Liquid Cooled Engine provide stable performance, reduce vibrations, and offer a high quality ride.

The engine is surrounded by a water jacket in which coolant liquid circulates to cool the engine. While this method is widely used in automobiles and large capacity motorcycles, there are very few examples of motorcycles of this class due to increased weight from components such as radiators. YZF-R15 version 2.0 uses a special compact and lightweight aluminum radiator and a body design that utilizes airflow for heat dissipation. This has enabled us to create a lightweight, compact body while retaining its stable performance.

The benefits of using this method include stable performance during long-distance, high-speed riding and hill climbing. A liquid-cooled engine does not need heat-dissipating fins and therefore the engine is able to deliver its best performance without being affected by temperature. Additionally, because the head and cylinder are enclosed in a water jacket, mechanical noise from the engine is reduced dramatically. The newly developed engine delivers agile riding performance, and excellent performance on straight stretches of road as well as on winding roads. YZF-R15 version 2.0 also delivers excellent environmental performance. These traits are a must for an “urban supersport.” The ride is unprecedented in terms of both excitement and quality.

DiASil Cylinder

The DiASil Cylinder was born from YAMAHA’s world-class aluminum die casting technology.

DiASil Cylinders are all-aluminum cylinders made by YAMAHA’s proprietary aluminum die casting technology. An aluminum alloy with 20% silicon content is used to create a very hard, reliable cylinder surface, making conventional iron sleeves obsolete. As a result, the entire cylinder can be made of aluminum, a better conductor of heat, which means the cylinder delivers better heat dissipation and less weight. (Aluminum’s heat conductivity is 3.1 times that of iron.) YZF-R15 is equipped with this all-aluminum cylinder called the DiASil Cylinder and a forged piston, the same type of piston used in YAMAHA’s supersport bikes.

The fact that both the piston and cylinder of YZF-R15 version 2.0 are all-aluminum ensures excellent heat dissipation, eliminates heat-induced engine power loss, and helps improve fuel efficiency. The DiASil Cylinder is given a special surface treatment to prevent oil evaporation from the cylinder’s surface and improve oil consumption. The cylinder also has excellent hardness and is considerably resistant to wear compared to conventional iron sleeves.

Additionally, the piston is made in a forging process, the optimum way of achieving lightweight designs.The reciprocating mass with the forged piston is approximately 20% less ( according to Yamaha test ) than with an engine of the same displacement fitted with a conventional cast aluminum piston. Resulting in an invigorating feeling when revving up. Conventional pistons are typically made in a casting process where molten aluminum is cast in a mold. YAMAHA developed its proprietary “controlled forging technology” in 1997, which enables mass production of forged aluminum pistons. These pistons have been used in sport models such as the R series. The same manufacturing process was used to develop YZF-R15 version 2.0. Forged pistons retain the excellent strength of aluminum alloys because the metallurgic matrix of aluminum is not affected during the fabrication process. Therefore, the piston can be made lighter and thinner.

YZF-R15 version 2.0 is packed with state-of-the-art technology that is used in the world’s supersport bikes.

Chassis

Deltabox Frame

The frame, which forms the basis for riding comfort and handling performance, is a Deltabox frame which delivers superior rigidity balance.

This frame was designed to provide the best balance in longitudinal, lateral, and torsional rigidity. The synergy created by optimizing each dimension delivers a solid riding feel as well as comfort and agile riding performance.

The Deltabox frame was commercialized based on the experience and know-how accumulated through YAMAHA’s involvement in Moto GP since the early 1980s. This type of frame is currently used in YAMAHA’s R series of sport models. The engine is mounted on rigid supports; one on the head side and two on the case side; so that the engine itself becomes a structural member contributing to body strength and rigidity. The engine’s low vibration makes rigid supports possible, ensuring low vibrations and excellent balance of rigidity. Torsional rigidity refers to the frame’s resistance to deformation when a twisting force is applied to the pivot with the frame’s head pipe held in place.

Linked type Monocross suspension

YZF-R15 version 2.0 is equipped with a linked type monocross suspension that delivers a comfortable ride and a cushioning performance that is less prone to bottoming out. In particular, it reduces annoying “sinking” when riding tandem.

The linked monocross suspension consists of a link mechanism sandwiched between the rear arm and cushion unit to create changes in the lever ratio based on the lever effect. When the shock absorber is almost fully extended, the lever ratio is high and therefore the spring is soft, and the damper works softly as well. As the shock absorber strokes in, the lever ratio gradually decreases and the spring rate increases. Eventually, when it is nearly fully stroked in, the lever ratio becomes small and the spring becomes hard and strong. The damper also becomes hard. By making changes to the lever ratio in this way, we were able to achieve soft riding comfort as well as excellent damping under intense load conditions.

The optimization of the frame and rear arm rigidity of the Deltabox Frame combined with the effects of the linked type monocross suspension achieve good riding comfort, agile handling, and turnability, hardly ever causing bottoming out.

As the heir to the YAMAHA R series, YZF-R15 version 2.0 has inherited the series’ agile handling performance.

Design

Aluminium Swingarm

First Indian made model with aluminium long rear arm which improves handling in the turns. It has a truss structure that enables greater rigidity. This rear arm is cast in one piece by the gravity casting technique that enables a quality cast with great freedom in sectional thickness.

The chain adjustment assembly at the end of the rear arm is the same type used on Super sports models to improve adjustment capability.

The long swing arm design is a feature fed back from Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP race machine and it is effective for ensuring outstanding rear tire traction. It serves to minimize excessive chassis movement when drive force is applied and is thus effective in stabilizing the machine.

Split Seat

A separate-section seat enables a better feeling of seat grip in sporty riding. This new seat design features a slip-resistant seat cover material, excellent cushion qualities, optimized shape for the inner thigh contact area and the cushioned front edge of the rear seat that supports the rider’s rear.

The 800mm seat height lets the rider maintain a more relaxed riding posture, while the shape of the area that contacts the rider’s inner thighs has been shaped to provide easy leg reach to the ground. The design also features a storage compartment under the rear seat for holding things like tools and documents.

Wider Radial Rear Tyre

With a width of 130 mm, the rear tire adds to the sense of machine volume A radial tire is a tire formed around a “carcass” consisting of a radial ply with cords that run in a perpendicular to rolling direction, as if “radiating” out from the center of the tire to the two rims.

The advantages of a radial tire are: (1) a high level of rigidity that reduces excessive flexing of the tread and increases grip and (2) reduced rolling resistance that contributes to better fuel economy.

The rubber compound and tread pattern, the crossing angle of the belts and the amount of turn-up in the radial carcass are designed for the optimum mutual balance to achieve excellent handling characteristics.

LED Taillights

LED taillights adds cadence to the styling. Long-life LED lamps are adopted to help create a rear view suggestive of the super sport class YZF-R6 model.

New-design middle cowl

The newly designed middle cowl features improved aerodynamic performance at higher speeds while also giving a more dynamic look to the body styling. The aerodynamic resistance value is 4% better than that on the existing YZF-R15 version 2.0 for improved high-speed performance.

The new cowl is characterized by a layered structure and is designed to actively draw in airflow for cooling effect, while also contributing to rider comfort by directing the outflow away with greater efficiency.

New tail cowl

The exterior parts from the side to the tail cowl have been designed to create a dynamic leaping appearance toward the rear that gives a sense of cadence to the body lines. A dynamic line of carbon coloring is added along the fuel tank and lower edge of the seat that accentuates the mechanical look.

Large 220 mm diameter - Rear disc brake

A larger 220mm diameter rear disc brake has been adopted to achieve a better balance with the new rear tire size and ensure good braking power and operability. This larger disc is coupled with the piston-slide type single-pot caliper.

New-design 5-spoke type wheels

Newly designed cast wheels are adopted front and rear. The design creates a 5-spoke image by grouping the ten thinner spokes two by two to form five pairs. This design achieves the necessary strength balance while creating a sense of lightness at the same time.

Exhaust System Design

Exhaust system design contributing to the high performance image. The angle at which the silencer is mounted accentuates the feeling of upward thrust toward the rear. The newly designed silencer protector adds cadence to overall styling. It adopts a carbon-look pattern on the surface as well as a model nameplate to add to the high-performance image and the feeling of quality. The design of the end cap is also new.

Double Horn

A double horn with larger volume and sound quality is adopted.

Designer rear mud guard

The rear mud guard and sari guard are designed to coordinate visually with the rear fender and they are attached to the swing arm. The sari guard is designed to blend into the overall styling of the rear assembly with its dynamic rearward thrust. This creates a good harmony of sportiness and utility.

Specifications

The R15 version 2.0 has undergone changes in the specs of the Engine Control unit (ECU), drivetrain unit, a long aluminum swing arm, wider front and rear tires (radial tire for the rear), split seat, LED taillights and new-design middle cowl & tail cowl to experience the leaner and meaner performance.

Engine type

Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve

Cylinder arrangement

Single cylinder

Displacement

149.8cc

Bore & Stroke

57 × 58.7mm

Compression ratio

10.4:1

Maximum power

17PS/ 8,500rpm

Maximum torque

15N.m / 7,500rpmm

Starting system

Electric start

Lubrication

wet sump

Fuel tank capacity

12 liters

Fuel supply system

Fuel Injection

Ignition system

T.C.I

Primary / Secondary reduction ratio

3.042 / 3.133

Clutch type

Wet Multiple-disc

Transmission type

Return type 6-speed

Gear ratios

1st=2.833, 2nd=1.875, 3rd=1.364,4th=1.143, 5th=0.957, 6th=0.84

Frame type

Delta box

Caster / Trail

26° / 98mm

Tire size (Front / Rear)

90/80-17 / 130/70-R17

Brake type (Front / Rear)

Hydraulic, single disc (Front / Rear)

Suspension type (Front / Rear)

Telescopic / Linked type Monocross

Headlight

Lo beam12V/35W X1, Hi beam12V/35W X2

Battery

12V, 3.5Ah (10H)

Overall length x width x height

1,970mm x 670mm × 1,070mm

Seat height

800mm

Wheelbase

1,345mm

Minimum ground clearance

160mm

Kerb weight

136Kg


Quotes

Motorcycle ---- "Yamaha’s YZF-R15 has offered riders the ultimate sportbike in its 150cc segment, managing to retain the unadulterated feel of its legendary mentors, the supersports YZF-R6 and R1"

Bikedekho ---- "The Yamaha R15 is best looking, very much sporty and appealing bike present in India. It is having super aggressive design of all the parts whether it is mask or it is rear view."

Myindianguide ---- "Yamaha YZF R15 is a power pack machine with latest technologies. Lookwise it is above expectations. Perfect bike for style, performance and power lovers in bike"

Maxabout ---- "Yamaha R15 was the first model for the Indian market designed in the true supersport image and featuring a high-level balance of enjoyable running performance on winding roads."