Does the Yamaha MT-15 have what it takes to be considered a

proper streetfighter? We find out

HE YAMAHA MT-15 IS

definitely at the stylish end of the 150-

to 200-cc naked bike segment and,

being a new design in our market, it’s

sure to attract attention. But street cred

isn’t everything; we want to know if

Yamaha India’s entry-level street

naked will provide sufficient thrills to

throttle-happy young riders who want

a bike that not only looks good, but

also performs at a level that lives up to the

streetfighter tag. I did have a great time riding

the MT-15 at the Buddh International Circuit

during its launch a few months ago (story in the

April 2019 issue of Bike India); however, today

is about discovering how the motorcycle

performs in the real world: does it have the

moxie to match those bold looks?

Setting off on a rainy morning through

Pune’s streets, the MT-15 immediately feels

light and friendly, the riding position hinting at

its mischievous nature. The slightly rear-set

foot-pegs feel sporty and the handlebars put the

rider in a commanding position over the front

end. The bike is compact, nimble, and changes

direction easily, making filtering through traffic

particularly effortless as we head out of the city

and towards the highway.

The 155-cc liquid-cooled motor suspended

from Yamaha’s proprietary deltabox beam frame

T

40 Bike India^ August 2019 http://www.bikeindia.in