Buyer's guide

Yamaha MT-15 vs Yamaha YZF-R15

Sathurshan

December 2, 2020

Here is a quick comparison between the Yamaha MT- 15 and the Yamaha YZF-R15 to help you choose the right motorcycle that suits your needs and taste!

Yamaha YZF-R15 vs Yamaha MT-15

Having a hard time deciding whether to go for the Yamaha MT-15 or the YZF-R15? Worry not! In this article, we will be doing a full A-Z comparison between the MT-15 and R15 to help you pick the right motorcycle! For this comparison, we will be using the current 2020 Yamaha MT-15 and 2020 Yamaha YZF-R15 (V3) models that we get in Malaysia to keep things fair. In case you are unaware, the Yamaha MT-15 and R-15 models that other markets get are a bit different from what’s offered in Malaysia. The differences are mainly in the electronic package, powertrain, suspension and options that come along with these bikes. Now, without further ado, let’s get right into the details.

Yamaha YZF-R15 vs Yamaha MT-15

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor first launched the 155cc fully faired sports bike, the Yamaha YZF-R15 back in August 2018. On the other hand, the naked 155cc Yamaha MT-15 is fairly new.

The MT-15 was initially launched in September 2020 together with its elder sibling, the Yamaha MT-25 [Pricing announced in November 2020]. The MT-15 is essentially a naked version of the R15 just like the bigger MT and R series. However, there are a few features that are unique to each model and it’s those features that make them stand out from each other.

Design

Starting off with the design, the R15 gets a full fairing design while the MT-15 gets a minimalist naked-style fairing that falls in line with the bigger MT bikes.

The riding position is more upright on the MT because of its upright handlebar position. On the other hand, the R15 sort of has a sport riding position because of its low down handlebar.

Upfront, the R15 comes with a twin LED headlamp unit. Whereas the MT-15 features an aggressive predator-type dual slant LED headlamp with a central mounted LED headlamp unit as well.

At the back, the R15 features R1-style LED taillamp while the MT-15 gets a narrow minimalist LED taillamp unit. Besides this, both the models share the same turn signal units.

In the case of seating, the R15 comes with a two-piece two-step seat design whereas the MT-15 comes with a single piece two-step design.

Chassis, Wheels and Tyres

Underneath, both the fully-faired R15 and the naked MT-15 are built around a delta box frame and feature aluminium swingarm. In India, the MT-15 comes with a box-type swingarm.

MT-15 and R15 come with 110/70 tyre up front and a chunky 140/70 tyre at the rear wrapping around 17-inch wheels. Although both the wheels are 17-inches, the wheel design is quite different. The MT-15 wheels are derived directly from the bigger fully-faired YZF-R25.

Suspension and brakes

Moving on to the suspension, the Yamaha MT-15 and R15 feature gold anodised telescopic inverted front fork and a pre-load adjustable monoshock at the rear.

Braking components are shared among these two models too. Both the R15 and MT-15 get a 282mm disc upfront with 2 pot calliper and a 220mm disc with single pot calliper at the rear.

Engine

Both the machines are powered by Yamaha’s 155cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, VVA engine which has a bore size of 58.0 x 58.7 mm and a compression rate of 11.6:1. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, both the MT-15 and R15 push out 19hp @ 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 14.7 Nm @ 8,500 rpm. Of course, these figures wouldn’t judge the difference in engine feel. With the MT-15, Yamaha says they have optimized the secondary reduction gear to match the MT characteristics and to provide a smooth ride. Aside from this, on the Master of Torque [MT-15], the ECU has been tuned to ensure high torque acceleration. The R15 is nothing short, given both the bikes deliver the same power and torque, the 155cc fully-faired sports bike wouldn’t leave itself behind.

The R15 and the MT-15 also get assist and slipper clutch as standard, which is pretty impressive for a bike in the 155cc segment.

Electronics

In the case of electronics, in Malaysia, both the R15 and MT-15 do not get ABS. The R15 and MT-15 both feature a multifunctional LCD digital instrument cluster. Although the meter panel designs are very similar, the MT-15 features a negative LCD display. On this negative LCD display, letters/characters are lighter and the background is darker. As for the R15, the letters /characters are presented in dark over a light background. Because of this, you might find the instrument cluster on the MT-15 looking a bit more refined.

Dimensions

Last but not least, the dimensions. This is definitely something to look for when deciding between these two. Dimension wise, the MT-15 measures; 1965mm X 800mm X 1065 mm (L,W,H) and the R-15 measures; 1990mm X 725mm X 1135mm. The MT15 is slightly shorter in terms of length and height. On the other hand, with a width of 725mm, the R15 is surprisingly narrower than the naked MT-15. The seat height is 810mm on the MT-15 and 830mm on the R15. The fully-faired R15 weighs 137kg while the naked MT-15 weighs slightly lighter at 133kg. Fuel is contacted in a 10L tank on the MT-15 and a larger 11L tank on the R15.

Colour options and pricing

Moving onto the colour options and pricing. The YamahaYZF-R15 is offered in blue and black with a recommended sales price of RM 11,988; excluding road tax, insurance and registration fee.

The naked Yamaha MT-15 is offered in Yamaha Blue and Ice Fluo with a recommended sales price of RM 11,988 just like the R15; excluding road tax, insurance and registration fee.

Still confused? Let us help you out!

Both the Yamaha YZF-R15 and Yamaha MT-15 are fairly similar. From the powerplant to the suspension and braking, they both share the same mechanical components. The naked MT-15 with revised gear ratio is a fun street bike; however, the fully-faired R15 sharing the same engine and chassis is equally fun to ride. Pricing is the same for both model so it really comes down to styling and riding position when deciding between these two.

If you are someone who prefers the upright riding position of naked bikes and wants something that’s minimalist, fresh and new, then the MT-15 is for you. On the other hand, if you prefer sports bike styling and sports riding position, the Yamaha R-15 is the way to go.

Own a Yamaha MT-15 or a Yamaha R15 and want to help out fellow riders who are looking for the right fit? We believe a few words regarding your own long term user experience with these bikes would be a great addition. So why wait! Send in your experience with these bikes so that we can include them in this article!