Yamaha Y16ZR vs Yamaha Y15ZR

Here is a quick comparison between the Yamaha Y15 ZR and the all-new 2021 Yamaha Y16 ZR!

In this article, we will be doing a full A-Z comparison between the Yamaha Y15ZR V2 and the newly launched Yamaha Y16ZR. To keep the comparison fair, we will be using the Malaysia-spec 2020 Yamaha Y15ZR V2 and the new 2021 Yamaha Y16ZR.

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 second-generation facelifted Y15ZR V2 in March 2019. Speaking of the 3rd generation Yamaha Y16ZR, it was launched recently on the 18th of March 2021.

Design

Starting with the design, falling under Yamaha’s sports mopeds range the Y15ZR and Y16ZR get sporty fairings over their backbone frame. Being the “next-gen” sports moped the design of the 2021 Yamaha Y16ZR is a lot more modern and aggressive compared to the older Yamaha Y15ZR. Well, it makes sense because the Y15ZR V2 has remained fairly unchanged for a few years now so the newer Y16ZR looks a lot more appealing.

Upfront both the bike feature a three-piece LED headlamp unit. However, the headlamp designs are different from each other.

Moving to the rear, the Y15ZR and Y16ZR feature LED taillights. The taillight design on the Y15ZR is very similar to the YZF-R25. On the other hand, Y16ZR’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 Yamaha Y16ZR 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, the frame on the Y16ZR is slightly different. The Y16ZR’s frame features a Y-Shaped reinforcement collar and a thicker 4.5mm engine mount to fit the latest 155cc VVA engine. Yamaha says the new chassis has been optimised for enhanced cornering performance at high speeds.

As for the wheels and tyres, both the models get a pair of 17-inch wheels and the wheel designs are very similar. The Y15ZR and Y16ZR 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. In the case of braking, the Y15ZR and Y16ZR  do not get ABS and they both make use of hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear.

Braking duties on the Yamaha Y15ZR are taken care of by a 245mm disc with a single-piston calliper up front and a 203mm disc with a single-piston calliper at the rear. On the other hand, the new Yamaha Y16ZR gets a 2 piston front calliper that works hand in hand with the 245mm front disc.

Engine

The key 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 a peak power output of 15.1hp @ 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 13.8Nm @ 7000rpm.

Meanwhile, the newer 2021 Yamaha Y16ZR is powered by a liquid-cooled 155cc 4-stroke, 4-valve, SOHC, VVA engine. 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.

With the Yamaha Y16ZR, Yamaha has revised and updated numerous things around the powertrain. To make it easier to understand we have put together the details in a list form below.

• New 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch.
• Shorter clutch handle (10 mm shorter).
• Compared to one level ignition mapping with a 5-speed gearbox on the 150cc Y15ZR, the new Y16ZR is linked to a new 6-speed gearbox that produces different ignition mapping for each gear.
• 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.

Electronics

In the case of electronics, both the Y16ZR and the Y15ZR get LED lighting and a multifunctional LCD instrument panel. Speaking of the instrument clusters, although they both feature negative LCD panels, the instrument panel designs are different from each other. We think the instrument panel on the Y16ZR looks more modern and minimalist.

Compared to the Y15ZR, the newer Y16ZR gets a few additional rider aids and features. These include; Yamaha smart lock (keyless with call back function and immobilizer) and a 12V charging socket for charging smart devices.

Dimensions

Dimension wise the Y16ZR measures 1,975 mm × 665 mm × 1,085 mm (LXWXH). The new Yamaha Y16ZR rolls in with a seat height of 795 mm, ground clearance of 150mm and weighs 119 kg (wet). Engine oil capacity is 1.10 litre and fuel is contained in a large 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

The 2021 Yamaha Y16ZR is available in three colours Phantom Grey, Arrow Blue and Raging Yellow with a recommended sales price of RM 10,888 excluding registration, road tax and insurance in Malaysia.

On the other hand, 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.

Speaking of the Yamaha Y15ZR, 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.