News 24 Jan 2017

New Yamaha R15 V3.0 unveiled by factory MotoGP duo

Rossi and Vinales take covers off updated entry-level sportsbike.

Source: Supplied.

Movistar Yamaha teammates Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales were present at Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM)’s dealer meeting in Jakarta to unveil the all-new Yamaha R15 V3.0 yesterday.

One of the biggest assemblies in the world of Yamaha distributors, Vinales later headed to the Sentul International Circuit to put the new learner sportsbike through its paces with VIPs and local media.

To be first released in Indonesia before being launched globally, the R15 has had its first revamp since the V2.0 was released in 2011. Powered by a 155.1cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke engine that delivers 14kW of power and 14.7Nm of torque, the fuel-injected machine weighs in at 137kg and also features a slipper clutch.

The R15 V3.0’s new styling is from the revamped YZF-R6 supersport with a sleek design and LED headlights. There’s also a new instrument cluster and exhaust, while much of the already-superb R15 V2.0’s chassis hasn’t been touched in the update.

There’s no word yet on availability in Australia – or for that matter pricing – but stay tuned and we’ll update you as soon as information comes to hand. In the meantime head to www.yamaha-motor.com.au and check out the current machine in detail.

Yamaha’s R15 will take a prominent role in Australian road racing development from 2017, with Motorcycling Australia (MA) announcing in December that the model will be utilised in the all-new GP Juniors Cup, which will run at select rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).

Recent