I would say that YAMAHA R15 is the best performance bike that India have in the market today as a complete package. With exception of CBU being imported and sold by some of the world class manufacturers like HONDA, YAMAMA, SUZUKI, DUCATI, etc.
On the looks point of view - Every thing in 150cc category are decade behind Baby R1, Only revolutionary bike in 150cc category other than Baby R1 is FZ Series but in a different category. Even Karizma R, ZMR and P220(already so many variants, don’t know how many are yet to be launched) look aged in front of this 2 YAMAHAS. I have to say this as there is nothing new from Bajaj for a long time. Same with HH & TVS.its just marginal upgrader.launch some completely new product guys!. Honda made an attempt with Unicorn versioning Dazzz zzz zzler but I think the right bike would be CBR150, that would be great for Honda as well as prospective Indian customers. Till then R15 will rule! as it isss the King.
How functional is the bike - Well I don’t have to say much here, its has great brakes and that much desired exceptional handling, very confidence inspiring to push it to limits. Well’Inspering Confidence’ doesn’t go well with Bajaj right?!. With 2 great bikes in YAMAHA’s stable, it sounds more like’Desh ki Dhadkan’ which doesn’t go with HH now a days?!
How it performs - It is the best one in performance as well, Purely due to the advanced tech. Now who will want a bike that comes close to R15 some times in a race/test but with lots of vibes here and there, Now I don’t have to name it, there are quite a few. the refined ones don’t come close to it!
Mileage is 38Kmpl, plus or minus 3 based on the riding. Its a great overall package, and worth spending a lakh and a few grand. This review is based on a mix of Test ride, Riding friends R15 and Expert opinion.
I had booked this bike but I had to cancel the booking and loose some bucks, just because of a project work in RSA and Guess what I had a chance to try out CBR600RR on a race track there. Now who wants a 150cc superbike. I an planning for R6, GSXR750, CBR600RR.
Nothing is biased here, so people who like it are welcome, for people who don’t, please don’t post crap comments, just keep your mouth shut.
Enjoy Biking
Sathish Kumar