New Yamaha MT-15 V2.0 Incoming: India Launch Date & Other Details Revealed

The Yamaha MT-15 first debuted in Thailand, in December 2018. A few months later, in 2019, the MT-15 made its debut in India. The formula to make the MT-15 was simple - strip the Yamaha YZF-R15 of its fairing and some premium cycle parts to produce a naked streetfighter that is lightweight and nimble.

Simply put, this formula worked like a charm. With its upright riding position, excellent power-to-weight ratio, and nimble handling characteristics, the motorcycle was a hoot to ride. However, in terms of sales, the MT-15 barely performed. Yamaha raked in just enough sales to keep the motorcycle going and that according to many, was the end of the MT-15.

However, Yamaha now plans to give the MT-15 a fresh lease of life in the form of a new MT-15. It is the MT-15 V2.0 and this one will be based on the latest Yamaha R15 V4.0 and that simply means, the cycle parts too get an upgrade.

First up, the conventional telescopic fork will be replaced by an upside-down fork, taken straight from the R15. This fork is finished in a shade of Gold, hence it also adds to the aesthetics of the motorcycle.

At the rear will be the same monoshock and hopefully the same swingarm as the R15. Enthusiasts would remember that Yamaha had gone for a cheaper box-type swingarm on the older MT-15. Braking will be handled by a 282mm disc up front and a 220mm disc at the rear. This time around, we are hopeful that Yamaha will replace the single-channel ABS with a proper dual-channel unit from the R15.

In terms of the design and styling, the new MT-15 isn't expected to be very different from the outgoing model. There may be a nip and tuck in an attempt to make the motorcycle look slimmer than it already is. However, there will surely be new colour options and graphic designs on offer.

Powering the new MT-15 V2.0 will be the same 155cc engine that powers the R15 V4.0. It is a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) that produces 18.1bhp at 10,000rpm and a peak torque output of 14.2Nm at 7,500rpm. A 6-speed gearbox drives the rear wheel. The motorcycle even features a slip and assist clutch.

The Yamaha MT-15 has always been an engaging and fun-to-ride motorcycle and these characteristics are expected to be retained in the new model as well. The top-spec variants of the Yamaha R15 are offered with traction control and a quickshifter. At this point, it is difficult to tell if these will be offered with the MT-15 as well.

Quite obviously, the new MT-15 will come with a price increase. This is expected to be in the range of around Rs 10,000 to 15,000. The fact that the Yamaha MT-15 doesn't have any direct rivals in the market still doesn't change. However, it indirectly competes with the likes of the KTM 125 Duke and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.

Thoughts On 2022 Yamaha MT-15 V2.0 Being Launched In India

The Yamaha MT-15 is probably the most fun-to-ride motorcycle in the segment. It is sure to leave you grinning at the end of a ride. Now, with the update in cycle parts and upgraded mechanicals as well, there is a ray of hope for those who wanted a slightly better MT-15.