QUIKSPIN: Yamaha YZF-R15 – Learner Racer

 

It is Yamaha’s smallest model in the R series range – it’s not packed full of features or masses of power but it allows first timers to hop on a bike and enjoy it without being intimidated from the get go. When the first R15 was launched back in 2011, it was well and truly a learner motorcycle that would have been outgrown in a very short time Fast forward to now and the learner legal market is one of this country’s biggest. Yamaha has realised this and piggy backed on its success with its bigger bikes to majorly upgrade its entry level sport commuter. 

 

The only parts carried over are its engine and frame, everything else is new. It’s fair to assume that a learner legal 150cc motorcycle is going to be small and cramped, but due to a full sized deltabox frame; even at 182cm I had no troubles squeezing on to it. 

Connected to the frame is a longer aluminium swingarm contributing to more stable handling at higher speeds. Coupled with the addition of wider front and rear tyres, it no longer feels like you are riding a pushbike with an engine. 

 

With a very low 800mm seat height, it inspires confidence in the rider as most riders will manage a full flat foot onto the road. Many new riders get themselves into trouble with low speed manoeuvres, so this is a real bonus. 

 

One of the surprise standouts of this bike is its brakes; sure it’s only pulling up a paltry 136kg, but the feel and feedback you get through the front lever is fantastic and great for such a budget motorcycle.

 

However, even though it is a cheap leaner bike, the presence of ABS is expected in this day and age even on budget bikes. 

 

The basic engine is a carryover from the previous model but it has had its fair share of upgrades. Most notably is a reconfigured ECU for better acceleration and fuel economy, it has also received a revised throttle action for more linear throttle control. You’re not going to get mountains of power out of a 150cc four-stroke engine, but with a very short stroke of 57mm x 58.7mm you get a very freerevving, fun engine to ride. To boost acceleration Yamaha has altered the gearing to 15/47 from the previous 14/42. Added to the six-speed box the acceleration is nothing flash, but it is perfect to zip between traffic lights on the commute. It’s enough to keep you entertained without scaring the crap out of a learner for the first couple of months. 

 

What grabs your eye right from the beginning is its styling, half of what motorcycling is about to some is looking the part and Yamaha has been very clever when designing this bike. Yamaha has really incorporated its R-series styling into this motorcycle with a very angular pointy front end and high R6 looking tail at the rear. From behind you could mistake it for one of its bigger R-series brothers. A very nice touch is the carbon look-a-like exhaust cover and fairing infills which really look the part and give it a great racer appearance. 

 

At a very reasonable entry level price it allows new riders to purchase a brand new bike with warranty with not too much of a monetary outlay. With the upgrades Yamaha has made to the YZF-R15, it will satisfy the rider for much longer than the previous model before upgrading to a bigger and more powerful bike. 

 

PROS

Cheap

Light weight

Brakes are good

 

CONS

Will be out grown quickly

No ABS

Should be a 250cc

 

 

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