Yamaha MT15 spied testing in Thailand

Yamaha is reportedly testing the naked version of the YZF-R15 in Thailand. A couple of spy pictures are circulating on the Internet making us believe that there could be a possible MT15 launch.

The partly camouflaged test mule sports lot of components from the R15. It gets the same Deltabox frame and similar exhaust. Interestingly, the test mule carried upside down front forks, a new headlamp unit along with a new fuel tank. The rear tyre hugger looks like a direct lift off from the R15. This naked motorcycle has a tall handlebar to complement the easy riding position. While we couldn’t get a clear picture of the instrument cluster, the outer cluster cover resembles the one on the FZ series.

Mechanically, there aren’t any details at this point, but we are expecting it to be the same as the R15. This single-cylinder 150cc engine produces 16bhp at 8500rpm and a peak torque of 15Nm at 7500rpm. This engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox that offers slick gear change.

Other than the affordable mass market motorcycle from Yamaha, there isn’t any big product line-up for India. However, with these new pictures coming up, there is a high chance we see something at the upcoming 2016 Auto Expo. If this motorcycle is launched in India, it will compete with the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 and the soon-to-be launched TVS Apache 200.

Stay tuned!