The Yamaha MT-15 has found a special spot in the Indian two-wheeler market, especially among younger riders, with its energetic performance and style. Inspired by Yamaha’s “Dark Side of Japan” design idea, the MT-15 stands out with its unique and fierce-looking style. Let’s look at the different things that make this motorcycle a good choice.
Design: A Streetfighter with Attitude
The MT-15’s style is definitely what you notice first. The special single LED headlight, with sharp, eyebrow-like LED Daytime Running Lights next to it, gives it a look that’s easy to recognize and a bit intimidating. Strong tank extensions add to the bike’s tough, streetfighter look, making it seem bigger than its 155cc engine size would suggest.
The back part is small and sharply styled, with an LED tail light. While the design makes the bike look sporty, the short passenger seat might make it less comfortable for someone riding on the back for long trips. The gold-colored upside-down front forks (USD forks) on the Deluxe and MotoGP versions not only make it look better but also suggest that the bike handles well.
Yamaha offers the MT-15 V2 in many attractive color choices, including Metallic Black, Dark Matte Blue, and the bright Ice Fluo-Vermillion and Cyber Green on the Deluxe version. The MotoGP Edition, with its special racing-inspired paint job, adds an extra bit of specialness.
Performance: Quick and Fun
The heart of the Yamaha MT-15 V2 is an improved 155cc liquid-cooled engine with 4 strokes, one overhead cam, and 4 valves. This engine produces a maximum power of 18.4 PS at 10,000 rpm and a top turning force of 14.1 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Adding Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology makes sure there’s a good mix of power and turning force at different engine speeds, giving quick acceleration and good top speed.
The engine is connected to a smooth 6-speed gearbox, made better by an assist and slipper clutch. This feature not only makes the clutch easier to pull but also stops the back wheel from locking up when you quickly change to a lower gear, making you feel more confident and safe. Yamaha says the MT-15 V2 gets around 56.87 kmpl (ARAI) in mileage, making it fairly fuel-efficient for riding in the city and sometimes going on longer rides. The actual mileage might change between 40-48 kmpl depending on how you ride. The bike can go up to about 122-130 km/h.
Riding Comfort and Handling: Easy to Move Around and Good for City Riding
The Yamaha MT-15 offers a way of sitting that’s a good mix of sporty and comfortable. The wide handlebar and slightly back footrests let you sit fairly straight, which makes it good for moving through city traffic. The rider’s seat is usually roomy, letting you move a bit when turning corners. However, the soft padding might make it uncomfortable on long rides. The 810mm seat height makes it easy for riders of different sizes to comfortably put both feet on the ground.
The MT-15’s light weight (around 141 kg) and small size help it handle easily and nimbly. It feels very easy to turn in cities and makes you feel sure of yourself when cornering. The Deltabox frame and the upside-down front forks (on Deluxe and MotoGP versions) make the handling exact and quick to react. However, the way the suspension is set up is a bit firm, which might mean you feel bumps and uneven roads more noticeably.
The braking system has disc brakes on both wheels (282mm front and 220mm rear), helped by dual-channel ABS, which makes braking safer by stopping the wheels from locking up. Some riders have pointed out that the front brake could have a stronger initial feel.
Features and Technology: Modern Touches
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 has a fully digital LCD screen that shows important information like speed, engine speed, fuel level, what gear you’re in, and trip meters. An important new feature is the Yamaha Y-Connect that links to your phone using Bluetooth. This lets you see alerts for calls and texts on the screen and use other features through the Y-Connect app, like tracking how much fuel you use, getting advice on when to service the bike, and alerts about problems. However, it doesn’t have turn-by-turn directions.
Other important features include LED headlights and tail lights that make you see better and give a modern look. The Deluxe and MotoGP versions also get LED turn signals and a quickshifter for smoother and faster gear changes. A side-stand engine cut-off switch adds to the safety features. Adding traction control is a good thing, especially for this type of bike, making you feel more confident on slippery roads.
Price and Features in Thane, Maharashtra
As of Saturday, May 3, 2025, the price of the Yamaha MT-15 V2 on the road in Thane, Maharashtra, is about ₹ 2,00,010 for the standard version. The Deluxe and MotoGP Edition versions cost a bit more, around ₹ 2,05,306 and ₹ 2,05,870, respectively. These prices include the basic cost, registration fees, and insurance. You can also pay in installments, starting from about ₹ 5,476 per month, depending on how much you borrow and the interest rate.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Engine: 155cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder with VVA
- Power: 18.4 PS @ 10,000 rpm
- Turning Force: 14.1 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual with assist and slipper clutch
- Brakes: Front and back discs with dual-channel ABS
- Front Suspension: Upside-down forks (Deluxe & MotoGP), Regular forks (Standard)
- Rear Suspension: Linked Monocross suspension
- Screen: Digital LCD with Y-Connect Bluetooth link
- Lights: LED headlight, daytime lights, and tail light (LED turn signals on Deluxe & MotoGP)
- Other Features: Traction control, quickshifter (Deluxe & MotoGP), gear indicator, side-stand engine cut-off
Final Thoughts
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 is a stylish and energetic naked streetfighter that mainly appeals to younger riders looking for a motorcycle with fierce looks and fun riding. Its quick engine, easy handling, and modern features make it a good choice in the 150cc category. While the passenger seat comfort and firm suspension might not be ideal for everyone, its good looks and how easy it is to move around in the city make it an interesting package. In Thane, Maharashtra, with a price starting around ₹ 2.00 lakhs on the road, the MT-15 V2 offers a unique mix of style and performance for riders who are choosy.