Yamaha’s revamped YZF-R15 V2.0 is the smallest of the legendary R series range, making for a perfect introductory road bike if you’re a Yamaha fan.

The learner segment is ultra popular here in Australia and two years after the release of the initial R15 model, Yamaha’s back with a bang with a host of well-executed upgrades at a bargain price as we experienced earlier this month at the Eastern Creek Go Kart Track.

The 2013 R-15 has a brand new distinctive R-series look, which features low frontal area and R6 look tail, now with a storage compartment and new twin seat. Three vibrant colour options are available including Racing Blue, Sunset Red and Midnight Black.

It has a cast aluminum long swingarm that improves handling in the turns. It has a truss structure that enables greater rigidity. This swingarm is cast in one piece by the gravity casting technique that enables a quality cast with great freedom in sectional thickness.

The new link-type rear suspension operates more efficiently and delivers more responsive handling qualities. The lever proportion changes according to the change of the suspension stroke.

Yamaha’s trio of YZF-R15 V2.0 on hand at Eastern Creek Go Kart Track. Image: Keith Muir.

You’ll also find new designed five-spoke cast wheels, an updated silencer, revamped LED tail lights that reflect its R series look, dual horns and the rear disc is now a larger 220mm (up from 203mm). The free-flowing large-capacity muffler with enviro friendly air induction system.

There’s a reconfigured ECU for better drive, economy and emissions, plus revised throttle action for more linear throttle control. In addition, the gearing is 15/47 for improved acceleration instead of 14/42.

New wider front and rear tyres. The rear is now a radial tyre for better performanceon street and track

At 149.8cc, the four-stroke engine delivers excellent response, fuel economy, and is enviro friendly.

DiASil Cylinders are all-aluminium cylinders with 20 percent silicon content used to create a very hard, reliable cylinder surface. Surface treatment helps maintain an ideal oil film on the cylinder wall and thus reduces oil consumption.

The R15 is highly capable for a 150cc learner bike – even on the circuit. Image: Keith Muir.

The crankshaft is offset seven millimetres from the cylinder centre to reduce friction producing more power. It has a four-valve cylinder head for better flame propagation producing responsive performance.

A single camshaft operating two rockers and using roller bearing is used to reduce valve train inertia and friction, increasing performance and fuel economy.

It features a compact fuel injection system utilizing a six-hole injector and multi sensor module delivers optimum intake efficiency together with excellent throttle response. A large three-litre air cleaner designed to optimise the flow of intake air.

The short stroke 57mm x 58.7mm engine gives a free-revving character which enables it to deliver strong acceleration.

The six-speed transmission which ensures strong acceleration and a competitive top speed. You’ll find the brute of the power around 5000-7000rpm, but for the most part it’s broad and will pull pretty much any gear with ease – important for learners in the real world.

The sleek new look includes a sharp R6-inspired tail. Image: Keith Muir.

Its full sized Deltabox frame design has a low 800mm seat height to suit a wide variety of riders and it’s a spacy ergonomic package for a small capacity bike.

Full size forks on the new R15 complement the Deltabox frame and longer aluminium swingarm delivers stable yet responsive handling. Spring rates are 90nm front and 5nm rear. It has a steering angle of 26 degrees and trail of 100mm for stable handling under all conditions.

On the track Yamaha fitted Sava sports tyres instead of the standard fitment Nylogrip Zapper. It was a good move too, because the Savas warmed up efficiently and had plenty of grip.

As a former racer who started on 80cc race bikes around the very same Eastern Creek Kart circuit, the YZF-R15’s potential exceeded my expectations. It’s balanced, gives plenty of feedback and has a very user-friendly engine package to match.

You won’t be in awe of the power, but it’s action is refined and it’ll serve as a great learner bike before you’re ready and qualified to step up to a larger capacity ride.

Handling is consistent and the engine is ultra user-friendly. Image: Keith Muir.

Kitted in street jackets and jeans we didn’t push the envelope by any means, but that made it all the more simple to enjoy the small aspects that make this bike so suitable for first-timers. It’s comfy, has good brakes, plus the controls and dash are all very straightforward.

It’s claimed to be 136 kilograms with 12 litres of fuel, which makes it further suitable for male or female, young or old.

At just $4299 inc GST, the Yamaha YZF-R15 is a perfect learner model that will most likely set you up as a Yamaha lover for life. It’s a great taste of what’s to come in the R range and you cannot argue with its stylish new look – incredibly similar to the YZF-R6.

Even better, you’ll get $150 worth of free gear and 3.89 percent comparison rate finance if you purchase before 26 June!

Click here for complete specifications

The dash and controls are all simple, yet effective. Image: Keith Muir.