makes more power than any other 150-cc bike
on the market, with a class-leading 19.3 hp
coming in at 10,000 rpm. The engine breathes
through a four-valve SOHC head, while
Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA)
system alters cam profiles based on the rpm,
contributing to the linear acceleration and
excellent top-end performance.
The MT-15 is happy to potter around town
at 3,000 to 5,000 rpm but, as the revs rise, the
smooth purr from the exhaust turns into an
angry snarl and the bike starts to accelerate
much harder than you expect it to. There is
enough power on tap to send the front wheel
skywards with a little help from the clutch;
torque peaks at 14.7 Nm at 8,500 rpm and the
bar-type tachometer continues to rush towards
its lofty 11,500-rpm red-line. A bright white
shift light flashes at 10,000 rpm, prompting you
to upshift in time to keep the engine in its sweet
spot for the next gear and the next quick
overtake. 100 km/h comes up surprisingly
quick and I was cruising at triple-digit speeds
for extended periods without the motor feeling
one bit stressed.
Although the rain was pouring down by
now, the MT-15 felt extremely stable and
planted, even holding its composure when an
errant truck pulled out in front of me, forcing
me to go hard on the brakes as I downshifted
rapidly and took evasive action. The anchors
did their job without fuss and the MRF tyres
gripped well in the wet, while the slipper clutch
and single-channel ABS kept the rear wheel
from locking up and sending me sliding down
the road.
The MT-15 is great fun through a set of
corners, as I discovered at the racetrack during
my initial ride, and attacking this unknown,
rain-soaked road was just as much fun. The
bike inspired confidence as I leaned it this way
and then that, providing me with the necessary
feedback through the chassis to push it further
and further, while the suspension ironed outbumps and mid-corner road imperfections to
keep me pointed in the right direction.
A day spent with the MT-15 has me
convinced that Yamaha have built a competent
and capable motorcycle. The free-revving
engine will be a willing accomplice when you
are in the mood for mischief, and the fact that
the bike performed so well in these tricky
conditions is a testament to its spot-on riding
dynamics. It seems that the MT-15 isn’t just
another pretty face; it’s a proper entry-level
streetfighter with the goods to match
the looks.http://www.bikeindia.in August 2019 BikeIndia (^41)
YAMAHA MT-15 WET WEATHER PERFORMANCE