The previous year, Honda Big Wing (Honda dealerships for premium motorcycles) had announced that they will be adding as many as five new motorcycles to their existing line-up.
Now we received a notification from Honda stating that a Big Wing launch is headed our way on September 30. Although they have not mentioned which specific motorcycle is being launched except for a clue in the form of ‘Your Highness is arriving on..’, it is most likely to be a motorcycle that displaces more than 300 cc. If the launch fo the Honda Hornet 2.0 is anything to go by, then the Honda Rebel 300 or at least a version of it seems to be the safest bet right now. Other probabilities also include the CB500X, the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblades or BS6 versions of some of their popular models.
Of course, we would like to see a competitive product from Honda in the 300 cc-plus segment of the market that is currently dominated by Kawasaki, KTM and Royal Enfield. Along those lines, Honda’s Rebel range seems like the most worthy contender for the space that is currently dominated by Royal Enfield’s range. Honda have been developing a Royal Enfield rival for quite some time now and it is reasonable to expect that the motorcycle will be designed to appeal to the Indian market. Of course, whatever it may be, it will definitely be retailed out of the Honda Big Wing dealerships across the country.
Yamaha is going to launch its all-new Bike called Yamaha XSR 155 with a price range of 1.35 Lakh to 1.40 lakhs In India and XSR 155 Would be launching in the month of December 2020. The expected Mileage will be 40-45 KMPL for XSR 155
Yamaha is a very well known company in India. Yamaha products are known for their high performance. The hottest news is coming from Yamaha is, they are coming with their new bike Yamaha XSR 155 with the retro style design in the Indian market
Yamaha XSR 155 Specifications
Displacement
155.1 cc
Maximum Power
18.6 HP @ 10,000 rpm
Maximum Torque
14.1 NM @ 8500 rpm
Number of Cylinders
1
Emission Standard
BS6-Compliant
Number of Gears
6
Seat Height
810 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
Kerb/Wet Weight
134 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
10 litres
Yamaha XSR 155 MILEAGE & TOP SPEED
Mileage
Yamaha XSR155 mileage is expected to be around 40-45 kmpl.
Performance
In terms of performance, the 155cc street bike can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in around 15 seconds.
Top Speed
Yamaha XSR155 top speed is 135 kmph (speedo-indicated).
SUZUKI ACCESS 125 IS SET TO RECEIVE MAJOR FEATURES AND STYLING UPDATES SOON. IT ALREADY COMES EQUIPPED WITH COMBINED BRAKING SYSTEM (CBS).
Suzuki India is set to update its existing lineup with new features and styling bits. We all know that Gixxer is set to receive a major update soon. Fresh reports say that Access 125 will be updated too.
Suzuki Access 125 is already updated with CBS, ahead of the safety regulation norms. The update will include some styling updates, engine revisions and probably some feature additions as well.
Access is the best selling product from the company. It is also the best selling 125cc scooter in India, with sales of more than 45000 units on an average.
Also Read: Suzuki Burgman 150 reportedly under works; launch expected in India
Gaadiwaadi reveals that the 2019 Suzuki Access 125 will get a new set of alloy wheels and minor cosmetic upgrades in design changes. Cosmetic upgrades might include new colour options too.
Additions on the features list will include an external fuel-filler cap, found in TVS scooters. LED headlamps might also make its way on the updated Access. Its premium 125cc sibling, Burgman Street uses Full LED headlamps.
Lastly, the updated Access might also get fuel injection. Ahead of the upcoming emission norms, many scooters will get fuel injected BS-6 engines. FI engines will make them compliant with BS-6 norms.
Also Read: Hero Destini 125 Vs Honda Activa 125 Vs Suzuki Access 125 – Detailed Comparison
Suzuki Access 125 will continue with the same engine specifications. It uses a 124.6cc air-cooled motor, that delivers 8.7 BHP and 10.2 Nm of peak torque, mated to a CVT gearbox.
For suspension purposes, it uses telescopic forks at the front and a swing arm unit at the back. Braking is handled by drum brakes at both the end with an option of front disc brake.
Features onboard include alloy wheels, chrome detailing, CBS, analogue meter with a digital readout, One push central lock system, Front storage pocket and an optional DC socket.
Also Read: 2018 Suzuki Burgman Street Review – A comfortable touring scooter
At a starting price of Rs 55,977 (ex-showroom), it competes with the likes of TVS Jupiter, Honda Activa 125 and Hero Destini 125
FRESH REPORTS CONFIRM THAT KTM DUKE 790 IS SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH IN APRIL. IT WILL BE A CKD UNIT WITH SOME OF THE PARTS SOURCED FROM THE LOCAL MARKETS.
KTM Duke 790 is set to enter the middle-weight naked motorcycle segment, mostly by next month. Fresh reports say that some 100 units have already arrived in the country for testing purposes.
Apparently, KTM is setting up an all-new assembly line at Bajaj’s other plant. At the new plant, the setup of the Duke 790 will be supervised and managed. This is done so as to maintain the standard quality of KTM bikes.
Earlier, it was speculated to be launched alongside Duke 125 in December 2018. A couple of weeks back it was spotted in full flesh at Bajaj’s plant in Pune.
Also Read: KTM Duke 790 spotted in India; launch expected soon
KTM Duke 790 will enter the Indian market via the CKD route, and not as an imported unit. The headlamps, tail lights, indicators and wiring will be locally sourced. The chassis, suspension, engine and technology will be imported.
Powering the Duke 790 is a 799cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin cylinder engine. The motor churns out 105 BHP at 9000 RPM and 86 Nm of peak torque at 8000 RPM. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox with Up and Down Quick Shifter.
It also gets Ride-by-wire technology, which maintains the fuel economy as well as limits the air-supply and fuel supply to the engine.
Also Read: KTM 500cc Twin-cylinder engine bike confirmed; to be manufactured by Bajaj
Features onboard include a TFT colour instrument panel, Slip and Assist Clutch, LED headlamps, Traction Control, Quick Shifter, Wheelie Control, WP Steering Damper and a couple of features more.
For suspension purposes, it uses 43mm WP Split USD Forks at the front and gas-charged adjustable monoshock absorber at the back. Braking is handled by dual 300mm discs at the front and a 240mm disc at the back with Switchable ABS.
Since there will be a certain amount of local sourcing, we expect the prices of KTM Duke 790 to stay under Rs 6.5 Lakhs (ex-showroom).
HARLEY DAVIDSON HAS LAUNCHED FORTY-EIGHT SPECIAL ROADSTER AND STREET GLIDE SPECIAL TOURING MOTORCYCLE IN INDIA. THEY WERE SHOWCASED IN THE GLOBAL MARKETS LAST YEAR.
HD has launched two new motorcycles for the Indian market, out of the 100 models which it plans to launch in the next 5 years. Forty-Eight Special and Street Glide Special have made their way in India.
Both the motorcycles were showcased in the foreign markets last year. While the Forty-Eight is a cruiser-roadster/power cruiser, the Street Glide is a premium touring motorcycle.
The roadster is priced at Rs 10.98 lakhs and the touring motorcycle goes for Rs 30.53 Lakhs (ex-showroom). Both the bikes are also available in the regular variants.
Also Read: Harley Davidson To Introduce 250cc-500cc Motorcycles In India Soon
Harley Davidson Forty Eight Special gets a blacked out engine, a redesigned tallboy handlebar, shortened exhaust tips and chrome shields. Other styling bits are the same on the standard variant of this bike.
On the other hand, Street Glide Special gets a completely blacked out body, against the standard variant. The saddle bags have been stretched out and the suspension is also revised.
the Forty-Eight Special is powered by a 1202cc twin-cylinder air-cooled engine, that delivers 60 BHP and 90 Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
Also Read: Harley Davidson might launch three new motorcycles in India
Harley Davidson Street Glide Special uses a bigger 1868cc Milwaukee-Eight engine, that delivers 114 BHP and 163 Nm of peak torque. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Features on the touring motorcycle include an updated touchscreen instrument console, updated music system, Bluetooth integration, voice recognition, GPS Navigation and much more.
For competition, the Forty-Eight Special goes against the likes of Indian Scout Bobber and Triumph Bonneville Bobber. The Street Glide Special goes against Indian Chieftain Dark Horse and BMW K1600 GLT.
WE GOT TO RIDE THE YAMAHA MT-15 AT THE BUDDH INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT. HERE IS OUR FIRST RIDE REVIEW OF THE NAKED STREET FIGHTER.
So, Yamaha has launched the much awaited MT-15 naked streetfighter in India. At a price of Rs 1.36 Lakhs (ex-showroom), it is cheaper by R15 V3 by Rs 3000 but comes with the same performance.
Also known as the Dark Warrior, it is the second one from the MT series, but not the last. Officials have hinted towards more motorcycles from the naked streetfighter series in future.
Yamaha MT-15 is a pure performance motorcycle. So, what’s better than testing the bike at the Buddh International Circuit, at a race track? Continue for our first ride review of the MT-15 with an idea of its performance, acceleration and the handling.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
MT-15 looks very similar to the bigger bikes from its family, very similar to the MT-09. Do not confuse its design with the FZ series, because it is a whole lot sportier and premium.
At the front, it gets the bug-eyed LED headlamps, sort of resembling a Samurai warrior. Heavy creases are seen over the body, blended with the matte black fuel tank extensions. The fuel tank gets the MT series logo with the logo atop.
The single step up seats looks well crafted and it gets the pillion grab belt on the seat itself. So, the back seaters might be worried again because of no grab rail at the back.
The alloy wheels and the exhaust muffler are borrowed from the R15 V3. I actually like the Yellow rim lining which only comes on the Matte Blue colour. The other colour on option is the Metallic Black.
Summing up, it looks more premium than the FZ25 and maintains the premium sporty look that Yamaha performance motorcycles offer. Kudos!
HOW DOES IT PERFORM?
We got to test the Yamaha MT-15 for some time over a small test track. So, these are our first impressions of its performance.
MT-15 uses the same engine of R15 but in a different state of tune. The final drive ratio has been revised and that combined with the VVA system helps in keeping the revs strong at the whole range.
The Variable Valve Actuation system helps in the generation of the right amount of torque at the low-end as well as the higher-end RPMs. As a result, even above 7000-7500 RPM till 10000 RPM, the torque delivery is full packed.
It gets comparatively strong low-end and mid-level torque. As a result, as you throttle up from the start, you would not feel much different if you have ridden the R15 V3. The engine is progressive and energetic.
As you shift the gears up, the bike shows no lag as the torque keeps chugging in. The engine runs smooth which we were actually expecting it to be. Still, if we compare it with R15 V3, I found it not that great.
Let me explain it properly. The riding was quite fun and would not dissapoint you a bit. But on a comparison note, it felt it MT-15 is not that punchy and not as fun as you get from its fully faired sibling.
Yamaha MT-15 uses 6-speed gearbox with Slipper and Assist clutch, which was precise and quick. The clutch was light, which we expect would not fatigue the driver while going through heavy traffic.
Even at the speed of 30 km/hr, the bike in 6th gear picks up efficiently. Most of the times you would not feel the need to lower the gears for lower speed. That maintains its practicality as well as the sporty behaviour.
MT-15 uses a 155cc liquid-cooled VVA engine, that is capable of delivering 19.1 BHP and 14.7 Nm of peak torque. Not much of a difference.
HOW IS THE HANDLING?
What we found the Yamaha MT-15 to be a flickable bike. It is very light and can be easily handled. I guess zip-zapping on the real road conditions would be a lot better than the R15.
However, I felt that the sudden change in direction of the bike is a bit difficult. Probably, the shorter wheelbase plays a role in this. Despite being flickable, we expect a naked bike to adapt to sudden direction change.
The riding position is still aggressive (for a naked bike) with rear set footpegs and slightly lower placed handlebar. It can easily shift roles as a city sports bike and a racetrack ready bike.
Yamaha MT-15 gets MRF Zapper Tires, without an option of the Metzelers offered on the R15. The grip is somewhat average, does not give enough confidence to put it through the corners.
Yamaha has equipped the MT-15 with a 288mm disc brake at the front and a 220mm disc at the back, paired with a single-channel ABS. That’s where we, media fraternity were let down.
The bite of the brakes is decent, do not expected too much. The progression and the feel is good, but not right on! As a result, during hard braking, the rear tire locked up almost every time. I hope that in time, Yamaha offers dual-ABS as an option.
I found the pillion space to be a bit cramped. It’s not like I was expecting something accommodating. The grab rails are below the seat, just to make the pillion crouch a bit.
MT-15 uses telescopic forks at the front and an aluminium swingarm with rear monoshock at the back. The same setup comes on the R15 V3. We could not check it over our regular roads, but we expect it to be the same.
WHAT FEATURES DOES IT GET?
Yamaha MT-15 gets electronic fuel injection, single-ABS, negative LCD instrument cluster, LED headlamps and LED tail lights. The instrument console is the same, showing average fuel economy, average speed, trip meter, odometer, gear position indicator and the gear shift light.
THE VERDICT!
At an asking price of Rs 1.36 Lakhs (ex-showroom), it is certainly not less priced. It competes against TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, KTM Duke 125 and Bajaj Pulsar NS200, for good.
We liked every bit about the bike – its acceleration, its easy handling and the engine performance – but, still it felt less of a pure performance motorcycle. Basically, a city sports bike, which has capabilities of a daily commuter as well as often speed runs on long stretches.
Comparing it with the Yamaha R15 V3, it has somewhat not achieved the standards that the fully faired version has set. However, it is likeable in its own justified ways.
Summing up, with a heavy price, it actually comes as a tough choice between a 200cc motorcycle or a 150cc performance oriented bike. Those who love the feel of Yamaha engines, will not be disappointed. But first-time buyers will have something to think.
CHECK OUT THE SPECIFICATION AND PERFORMANCE COMPARISION BETWEEN THE NEWLY LAUNCHED YAMAHA MT-15 AND TVS APACHE RTR 200 4V.
Yamaha has finally launched the much awaited MT-15 naked streetfighter in India. At a price of Rs 1.36 Lakhs (ex-showroom), it goes against the likes of TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, KTM Duke 125 and Bajaj Pulsar NS200.
MT-15 is basically the naked version of the R15 V3. Both use the same engine, chassis, suspension and braking parts. However, while the R15 V3 is a sportsbike with a dedicated riding position, the MT-15 offers a better relaxed riding posture.
We have finally ridden the newly launched bike at the Buddh International Circuit. Check out the first ride review and the quick walkaround video too.
Also Read:
So, here, we pit the Yamaha MT-15 against TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. There is not much price difference between both the bikes, but the Apache offers a bigger capacity engine. However, MT-15 is the most capable 150cc bike, which actually tackles on 200cc bikes.
Since we rode the Apache RTR 200 earlier this week, we have compared both the bikes on basis of their performance too. The bike was not present with us at the time of the launch.
YAMAHA MT-15 VS TVS APACHE RTR 200 4V – PRICES
MT-15
Apache RTR 200 4V
Price (ex-showroom)
Rs 1.36 Lakhs
Rs 97,000 to Rs 1.11 Lakhs
Yamaha has launched its naked streetfighter at Rs 1.36 Lakhs, cheaper than the R15 V3 by only Rs 3000. Apache on the other hand, is Rs 25,000 cheaper. What would you prefer a cheaper 200cc motorcycle or the legendary Yamaha performance 150cc bike? Read ahead to know!
MT-15 gets a 155cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine with the VVA system and Fuel Injection. The motor is tuned to deliver 19.1 BHP and 14.8 Nm of peak torque, coming mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Apache uses a 197cc oil-cooled SOHC engine that produces 21 BHP and 18.5 Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox with AR-T slipper clutch.
Comparing, the power figures are nearly same. However, Apache being a bigger capacity engine will be more refined and comfortable at higher speeds. The presence of a 6th gear in MT-15 will let it allow to cruise at triple-digit speeds.
YAMAHA MT-15 VS TVS APACHE RTR 200 4V – MILEAGE AND ACCELERATION
MT-15
Apache RTR 200 4V
Fuel Tank Capacity
10 Litres
12 Litres
Mileage (claimed)
45 kmpl
40 kmpl
Riding Range
450-500 kms
420 kms
Top-Speed
131 km/hr
128 km/hr (FI)
MT-15 gets a fuel tank capacity of 10 litres. Considering the same engine from R15 V3, it shoud deliver an average of 50 kmpl, offering a riding range of over 450 kms. The claimed top speed stands at 131 km/hr.
Apache gets a bigger 12 Litre fuel tank capacity, but with a lesser recorded mileage of 40 kmpl. During our review, we managed to extract nearly 420 kms on the full tank. The top speed achievable on this bike stands at 128 km/hr.
YAMAHA MT-15 VS TVS APACHE RTR 200 4V – FEATURES
MT-15 gets the same feature list that comes on the R15 V3. Following are the features:
Fully Digital Instrument Cluster
Dual-channel ABS
LED headlamps
LED tail light
Slip and Assist Clutch
Single Step-up Seats
Fuel Injection
TVS as usual, has adequately equipped the Apache RTR 200 4V. Check out the features:
ART Slipper Clutch
Electronic Fuel Injection
LED DRLs
Fully Digital Instrument Console
Race-Spec Split Seat
Dual-Channel ABS with RLP
YAMAHA MT-15 VS TVS APACHE RTR 200 4V – DIMENSIONS
MT-15
Apache RTR 200 4V
Length
1965mm
2050mm
Width
800mm
790mm
Height
1065mm
1105mm
Ground Clearance
155mm
180mm
Wheelbase
1335mm
1353mm
Weight
133 kgs
149 kgs
Seat Height
810mm
800mm
The Yamaha bike is 1965mm long, 800mm wide and 1065mm tall. The ground clearance stands at 155 kms, while the wheelbase is 1335mm. The kerb weight of the bike is 133 kgs.
Apache RTR 200 is 2050mm in length, 790mm in width and 1105mm in height. It gets a ground clearance of 180mm and a wheelbase of 1353mm. It is heavier at 149 kgs.
YAMAHA MT-15 VS TVS APACHE RTR 200 4V – SUSPENSION AND BRAKES
MT-15
Apache RTR 200 4V
Front Suspension
Telescopic Forks
KYB telescopic forks
Rear Suspension
Aluminium Swingarm with a rear monoshock
Monoshock
Brakes
Front and Rear Disc with single-ABS
Front and Rear Disc with Dual-ABS
Telescopic forks at the front and an aluminium swingarm with rear monoshock handle the suspension on MT-15. For braking, both the bikes use Front and Rear Disc brakes with dual-channel ABS.
RTR 200 4V gets premium KYB telescopic forks and a rear monoshock absorber. The braking setup remains the same.
YAMAHA MT-15 VS TVS APACHE RTR 200 4V – DESIGN
MT-15 takes heavy inspiration from the elder MT siblings, like the MT-09. The typical naked streetfighter looks are perfectly inherited. The sharp creases and the heavy tank extensions are catchy for the eyes.
At the front, it gets its trademark Bug-shaped LED headlamps. The headlamps give it the name – The Dark Warrior. The alloy wheels and the exhaust muffler are borrowed from R15 V3, as they are different from the international-spec.
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V on the other side is a fresh design and not inspired by another TVS bike. Unlike the mature styling of MT-15, Apache looks funky and more stylish.
The overall design between both the bikes is not much different, as both are naked streetfighters. Apache gets sculpted headlamps with DRLs with a small visor atop, an engine cowl, double barrel exhaust muffler and the race-derived split seats.
Overall, both the bikes look sport and style fused together. It’sjust that MT-15 is a bit mature and Apache is a bit loud and funky.
YAMAHA MT-15 VS TVS APACHE RTR 200 4V – PERFORMANCE
Comparing both the bikes, we felt the MT-15 to be a more energetic bike. The shorter gears and the super quick acceleration is much applauded. It’s not like RTR 200 isn’t swift, just that the Yamaha motorcycle is a bit better.
On the highways, Apache has an advantage of being a bigger capacity motorcycle. At triple speeds, Apache is more comfortable, without any stress. However, the MT-15 records a higher top speed of nearly 131 km/hr.
Summing up, both are perfect bikes for the daily city commuting as well as a quick speed run on the stretches.
