It was a long time since I was using my good old reliable Honda Dio (2009) which had done around 90, 000 kms in December 2013. I decided to give it some rest and get myself a much reliable performer! I wanted a machine which would do good in cities, better in the highways and best in terms of reliability, I shortlisted the CBR 150R & Yamaha R15 V2 Special Edition(Thundering Green).
I chose the V2 over the CBR due to the lack of an Engine Kill switch, Pass switch and a little bit of cost cutting here and there(Otherwise the CBR is a perfect machine with a "HONDA" reliability factor). I took the delivery of the bike in 2 days after booking and it was on 15th December that I welcomed it home!
Here I am now in 5th October, 2014 having clocked a distance of 11500 kms in a span of 295 days! P.S The bike was self serviced at home by myself and a few friends after the SVC screwed up a few bikes of my friends due to negligence. Yes, I know that I won’t be able to claim any warranty.
I spoke to the people at Yamaha during the time of delivery that I need nothing from their side except spare parts and they happily agreed to it too. I mainly use my bike for touring and I’ve taken this over a variety of terrains ranging from slushy, rocky, sandy and what else not and my bike hasn’t given up even once anywhere! So, let’s go on to the Ratings.
- *Fuel Consumption:** 4/5
The bike returned me about 35 kmpl in the city and about 38-40 kmpl on the highway and I’m happy with that. A full tank would give me around 480-500 kms before hitting the Reserve(An indication on the Speedo that there is less than 2 Litres left.
- *Comfort:** 2/5:(
On the city, It’s perfect, but on the highway, It’s a hige pain in the a*! I remember doing a 750 kms single day ride to Chennai-> Javadi Hills -> Chennai and I’ll never forget that day. Your lower body starts to get numb anywhere for a non-stop drive for around 150-200kms. I would recommend a saddle gel or a mesh type seat cover for better comfort, Or just take a break every hour for a few minutes.(That’s what I do and It does work:P)
- *Reliability**: 5/5
Do I need to say more? The bike has been niggle free right from the Beginning till now except for one thing. THE REAR TYRE!:|:( The rear MRF Revz alone has got 12 Punctures till date and the front is just fine. Must be just in my case due to the various places I tour to. Apart from the Puncture-Magnetic rear tyres, Everything is just perfect as it needs to be.
- *Handling and Control**: 5/5
The best part as everyone knows about this bike and does not need any explanation. I’ll just share one incident which happened when I was on NH-45 near Kanchipuram. I was cruising peacefully at around 85 kph when all of a sudden a lorry driver in front of me just blindly changed lanes to the left, I was already on the service lane and had to go off to the uneven muddy road on the very edge and to my shock there was a tractor getting parked a few metres ahead of me.
Luckily the bike was under control an came to a perfect stop upon heavy braking! P.S Don’t hold the clutch while applying the rear brake heavily as it is bound to cause a lockup and fishtailing. Always use engine braking and use the front and rear brakes as a ratio of 75%: 25%.
- *Looks:** 5/5:D
I thought that the people by now would be used to the looks of the R15 but I think I was wrong. Well not everybody but it does grab the attention of many peoples and this unique Thundering Green edition would have been an extra factor.:P
Verdict: Built for the track enthusiasts but serves as a decent commuter and a good tourer too. Cheers! (y)