Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0 rendered

A rendering of next-generation Yamaha YZF-R15 has been circulating over the internet. Expected to be christened YZF-R15 Version 3.0 in line with Yamaha’s nomenclature strategy, this motorcycle is expected to draw inspiration from the YZF-R3.

Yamaha's strategy of refreshing the YZF-R15 with new paint schemes every once in a while seems to have worked in its favour so far. Despite getting quite long in the tooth, the YZF-R15 Version 2.0 continues to return respectable sales number month after month. The YZ-R15S has turned out to be even more popular than the standard model, commanding a waiting period stretching from a couple of weeks to over a month is a major cities.

Now though, the Indonesian media has been reporting that Yamaha is planning to introduce a major styling update for the YZF-R15. In markets like Indonesia and Thailand, the launch of KTM RC200 and the new Honda CBR150R have been affecting sales of the YZF-R15, thereby warranting an overdue update. The rendering hints at an R3-inspired design language, with a new twin-headlamp unit and trapezoidal position light at the centre. Under the skin, the R15 will retain the 150cc powertrain, though it will be tuned to boost the bike’s performance. We can expect the motorcycle to debut in Indonesia before the end of this year, which means the Indian market might have to wait till 2017 for it to be launched here.