Yamaha Y15ZR vs Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA

Here is a quick comparison between the Yamaha Y15ZR and the new Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA.

In this article, we will be doing a full A-Z comparison between the Yamaha Y15ZR V2 and the newly launched Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA. To keep the comparison fair, we will be using the Malaysia-spec 2020 Yamaha Y15ZR V2 and the newly launched Vietnam-spec Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA.

Before we begin, there is something you should know. Yamaha’s Y15ZR range of sports moped from the Malaysian market is equivalent to Vietnam’s Yamaha Exciter,  Philippines’s Sniper and Indonesia’s Jupiter/MX King model ranges. Although they all follow the same sports moped concept, each model is distinctive and market-specific.

The first-generation Yamaha Y15ZR (V1) was launched in Malaysia back in August 2015. Almost 4 years later, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Malaysia launched the (ongoing) second-generation facelifted Y15ZR V2 in March 2019.

On the other hand, the Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA is the updated model of the Yamaha Exciter 150 ( Y15ZR V2 equivalent) for the Vietnam market. The Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA is fairly new. In fact, it was just launched in Vietnam last December 2020.

Although the name isn’t confirmed, according to recent reports, the Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA is expected to be launched in Malaysia to replace the current Yamaha Y15ZR V2. In fact, the model was spotted a few times undergoing road testing. In case you missed this buzz, check it out here.

Design

Starting with the design being sports cubs, the Y15ZR and Exciter 155 VVA get sporty fairings over their backbone frame. The design of the Exciter 155 VVA is a bit more modern and aggressive compared to the Y15ZR. This is because the new Exciter 155 VVA is Yamaha’s latest take on its sports moped. Having said that, it looks a lot more appealing than the Y15ZR V2 which has remained fairly unchanged for a few years.

Upfront both the bikes get a three-piece LED headlamp unit with 3 parts (2 low on the sides and 1 high in the centre) and turn signal on further ends. However, the headlamp designs are different from each other.

At the rear, the Y15ZR and Exciter 155 VVA get LED taillights. The taillight design on the Y15ZR is very similar to the YZF-R25. On the other hand, the Exciter 155 VVA’s taillight follows the svelte design of the Yamaha YZF-R15.

In the case of seating both the bikes get a single piece two-up seat design. Besides this, being a newer model, the design of components like the seat, mudguards and side mirrors on the Exciter 155 are more defined, modern and sleek.

Chassis and wheels

Underneath, both the bikes are built around a steel diamond backbone frame and feature box type swing arm. However, compared to Y15ZR / Exciter 150’s chassis, the frame on the Exciter 155 VVA is slightly different. The Exciter 155 VVA frame features a Y-Shaped reinforcement collar and a thicker 4.5mm engine mount. Yamaha says the new chassis has been optimised for enhanced cornering performance at high speeds.

Both the models get a pair of 17-inch wheels and the wheel designs are very similar. The Y15ZR and Exciter 155 VVA both feature a 90/80 front tyre and a wider 120/70 rear tyre.

 

Suspension and brakes

Suspension duties are taken care of by a telescopic front fork and a mono-shock at the rear on both the bikes. Yamaha says, compared to the previous-gen Yamaha Exciter, the front suspension travel has been increased from 90mm to 100mm while incorporating micro-tuning for better damping efficiency.

In the case of braking, the Y15ZR and Exciter 155 VVA do not get ABS and they both make use of hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear. Braking duties on the Yamaha Y15ZR and the standard Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA are taken care of by a 245mm disc with a single-piston calliper upfront and a 203mm disc with a single-piston calliper at the rear. However, Yamaha offers the premium variant of the Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA with a 2 piston front calliper.

Engine

One of the most noticeable difference is the engine. The Yamaha Y15ZR is powered by a 150cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC engine. Mated to a 5-speed gearbox, the Y15ZR V2 makes 15.1hp @ 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 13.8Nm @ 7000rpm.

On the other hand, the newer Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA is powered by a liquid-cooled 155cc 4-stroke, 4-valve, SOHC, VVA engine (Similar to the one from the YZF-R15 and MT-15).  Mated to a 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch, the 2021 Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA pushes 17.7 hp @ 9,500 rpm and a peak torque of 14.4 Nm @ 8,000 rpm.

If you are curious, these are the updates that the new Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA gets around the powertrain:

• New 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch
• Shorter clutch handle (10 mm shorter)

• Compared to one level ignition mapping on the 150cc model, the new Exciter 155 VVA has 4 level ignition mapping for individual gears to maximise performance.
• Diamon carbon-coated (DLC) piston for durable and lighter pistons for smooth and powerful acceleration.

• Fuel injection angle changed from 15 to 18 degrees. The number of injection holes changed from 6-10 holes to increase combustion efficiency and engine power. (YZF-R1 has 12 injection holes)

• Yamaha’s VVA system-  2 separate cams control the intake valve: one cam for the low- mid-rpm range and the other for the high rpm range. High-speed intake valves have longer opening times, increasing intake air efficiency and overall capacity. VVA operates at 7,400 rpm or more.

• A new more efficient air intake system – Vertical air filter box, larger aluminium intake manifold, new 28mm throttle body and new intake valve.

• Improved cooling system – Air vents,  ring-type thermostat

• Improved exhaust system – new catalyst, fibreglass padding

 

 

Electronics

In the case of electronics, both the Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA and the Y15ZR get LED lighting and a multifunctional LCD instrument panel. Speaking of the instrument clusters, although they both feature negative LCD panel, the instrument panel designs are different from each other.

On the other hand, the premium variant of the Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA gets Yamaha smart lock (keyless) which comes with an integrated “answer-back” function to determine the bike’s position. Moreover, the premium variant gets a 12V charging socket for charging smart devices.

 

Dimensions

Dimension wise the Exciter 155 VVA measures 1,975 mm × 665 mm × 1,085 mm (LXWXH). The new Exciter rolls in with a seat height of 795 mm, ground clearance of 150mm and weighs 121 kg (wet). Engine oil capacity is 1.10 litre and fuel is contained in a 5.4-litre tank.

Meanwhile, the Yamaha Y15ZR measures 1960mm X 670mm X 1080mm, rolls in with a seat height of 780mm and weighs 117kg. Engine oil capacity is 1.15 litre and fuel is contained in a smaller 4.2-litre tank.

Pricing and colour options

 

Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA colour options and pricing ( in Vietnam)

• Premium version (Smart key, integrated 12V power socket, 2-piston brake) – Blue GP, suggested retail price: 50,490,000 VND – Approx. MYR 8,853
• Deluxe edition – Black Rough, Rough Red, Red White, suggested retail price: 49,990,000 VND – Approx. MYR 8,765
• Standard version – Glossy Black, Matte Red, White Red, suggested retail price: 46,990,000 VND – Approx. MYR 8,239

Yamaha Y15ZR colour options and pricing (in Malaysia)

The 2020 Yamaha Y15ZR V2 is priced at RM8,168 (excluding road tax, insurance and registration fee) and is offered in 4 colours:  Matt Titan, Cyan, Red & Blue.

There is also a limited Y15ZR GP Edition which comes covered in Monster Energy Yamaha’s MotoGP YZR-M1 inspired livery. This model is priced at RM 8,868 in Malaysia.

So is the Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA coming to Malaysia?

The newly launched Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA matches the profile of the “next-gen Y15ZR” which was spotted undergoing road test in Malaysia a couple of times. Although we do not have any confirmed specification details, the new 2021 Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA does give a preview of the Malaysia-bound Yamaha Y15ZR V2 replacement. As for the launch, since the bike was recently spotted road testing, we think the Y15ZR V3 would be officially launched in Malaysia around this year, 2021. So folks, hang on, it’s almost here!