I own a Red R15 since 6 months and the current ODO reading is around 2.9k. I’m not a tourer and use the byke mostly for daily commuting. I won’t be taking the bike to racing clubs and do all the stuff race bikers do, still I love this one. Love the way it handles, performs. Before R15, I used to commute on black ZMA R. I used the bike for 5-6 months and then traded it for R15. It was a hard decision, but I thought it was inevitable because my love for this bike gradually increased day by day after reading all the reviews in MS and other forums & blogs.
Handling:
Best in class(period). If you have the guts to lean, just slide your leg and it takes care of the rest. At every turn you will be tempted to to lean. It gives lots of confidence when taking the curves. Flicking away in traffic is easy. Initially your wrists pain a bit after driving for 1 hr in heavy traffic, it is just matter of time. In 3-4 days you will get used to aggressive seating position and feel comfortable.
Braking:
Awesome. It just stops where it has to. Rear disc is just mind-blowing. Most of my friends riding as pillions gets surprised by the way the breaks work. Never skids even stopped from high speeds. The soft compound tyres stick to the road. Awesome piece of Engineering.
Performance:
It’s a performance bike and it never disappoints you. Once you are above 5k RPM, you are the ONE. You will just fly away, I was simply blown away with its sheer performance at higher RPM’s. Below 3k RPM, you have to rave it hard to keep it moving if the road has ups and downs and with a pillion, its a nightmare. I will be riding alone(Yes, I’m alone and don’t have a GF:-), period) most of the time so its never a problem for me. Those 17 horses inside will come alive once you cross 7k RPM
Looks:
You don’t need to have good taste to love this bike. Everyone admires it and it will be evident once you are on the road. Some times I feel embarrassed at signals and slow moving traffic when lots of eyes are one me:p. The headlight assembly with twin eyes just rocks and full fairing gives an extra punch to that.
Suspension:
Initially I thought it was bit hard on my back, slowly it became more ala cushion. Mono suspension is good.
*Mileage:
To be frank, I never checked mileage till date. But to my estimate it should be around 40 kmpl in the city. It is good enough for this kind of high-reving bike.
Engine:
It is damn smooth and shouts a bit when revved to high RPM’s. After 2nd service, changed oil to Yamalube 20W40 mineral. Bike is now sooper smooth. Don’t rev the engine to higher RPM’s during run-in period. It will give good results later.Read the manual
Gears:
Up shift is butter smooth, but down shift is somewhat harder. You will get used to it:D. Open chain is good for the looks but attracts lots of dust, you have to get it cleaned every 500 kms or so, depends.
Lighting:
The low beam is good enough for city driving. High beam has good spread but lacks a bit of distance. When compared to its class, it is acceptable.
I wonder when people learn to use low-beam when riding in city. Minimum sense to be applied as a driver!
Servicing:
Initially had some bad experience with SC guys, but they are showing signs of improvement as days pass-on. Good for Yamaha and for customers.
Conclusion:
It is definitely VFM, it gives a big grin on your face. Even though it is developed for tracks, this is a practical bike. With 80 kgs weight and 5.10’ height, I feel comfortable. I might have missed some points but I tried my best to put my experience in words.
My sincere advice to fellow bikers:
Don’t indulge in street racing, some guys in the same class loose their bs when they see me riding in public traffic and invite me for a drag. A twist in the throttle can serve the purpose, but I’m on roads for being myself. I don’t have to show myself. There is nothing you get in a drag with fellow biker. Its just Me, Myself and R 15.
Drive responsibly, some one is waiting for you.