Yamaha Y15ZR

Overview

Considering the fact that the underbone vehicles are selling like hot cakes in the Malaysian market, Yamaha has got a decent product line-up for this segment. These products vary with an engine capacity of 115cc to 150cc. The Y15ZR, as you must have guessed by the name, has the 150cc engine. Even though this is an underbone motorcycle, for Yamaha it does not mean that it should be ugly or dull. Yamaha’s thought process is evident in the way in the Y15ZR looks and performs. It is definitely one of the most sporty-looking mopeds available in the country right now.

Design

Like we mentioned already, the Yamaha Y15ZR is one sporty underbone motorcycle. And all of this style quotient is from the way it is designed and characterized. The Y15ZR features very sharp and dynamic bodywork. It looks young from every angle. Even the graphics and stickering has been done for the electrifying experience.

The front of the Y15ZR is embellished with LED position lights that enhance the stylish appearance. The side fairing carries the sporty look flawlessly covering the 150cc single cylinder engine and the massive radiator. The side view of the Y15ZR is further enhanced by the striking alloy wheels and exhaust, which we have heard sounds pretty cool.

The tail section of the Y15ZR features a bright LED tail light that gels with the overall look of the bike. Yamaha has also provided a stylish rear fender with the Y15ZR, which we usually see in higher capacity motorcycles.

There is a multi-functional instrument cluster on the Y15ZR. It features an analogue tachometer and a digital speedometer. The font on the tachometer is very cool. It is similar to what we have seen in that of the bigger Yamaha motorcycles. There is also a small LCD display.

Ride & Handling

Yamaha has set the riding position on the Y15ZR to neutral. This enables the rider to spend long hours on the saddle without too much strain. Talking about the saddle, there is a slight hump at the rear to keep the rider from moving around a lot.

Even though the engine is powerful and gives a good performance, being a single cylinder it does transfer a noticeable amount of vibration on the seat, foot pegs, and handle. It is not a deal breaker but, yes, it is present.

As far as the handling is concerned, being an underbone motorcycle, the Y15ZR handles corner quite well. Of course, it is not advised to really push it hard in the corners because it is not built for that, but, yes, it sure is fun to ride. It seems that the suspension setup on the Y15ZR has been carefully tuned to somehow provide an optimal combination of performance, efficiency, and comfort.

With a weight of only 115 kg, the Y15ZR is also an easy motorbike to ride in the city as manoeuvring it through a traffic jam or narrow streets would not be a cumbersome task.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Powering the Y15ZR is a 150cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine. It is tuned to produce a total of 15 horses at 8,500 revs and generate 13.8 Nm of torque at 7,000 revs. It is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox. The fuel injection makes the Y15ZR a breeze to ride as the throttle response is quick and precise.

These power and torque figures are more than sufficient to take the Y15ZR post the 100 kmph mark with the throttle fully pinned. Also, the bike is quite lightweight when compared to similar products on the market. This again adds to the performance and efficiency of the Y15ZR.

Braking & Safety

The braking duties on the Yamaha Y15ZR are handled by single disc brakes both at the front and the rear. The front rotor is of 245 mm in diameter. The Y15ZR also gets wide tires - front is 70/90-17 and the rear is 120/70-17. The wider tires provide more contact area with the ground underneath and hence increase the braking and handling capabilities of the Y15ZR.

Verdict

The Yamaha Y15ZR promises to give all a rider's need. It is designed to present you with the comforts and affordability of a normal underbone motorcycle in a very attractive packaging. Its sporty and dynamic looks appeal to a lot of young buyers. It has got a reliable engine that promises to deliver performance and efficiency as required. And the bike is easy to ride in dense city traffic. So, if all this excites you, then you can get a brand-new Y15ZR at a price of RM 7,888. It is available in 4 colors - blue, red, yellow, and black. There is even a GP edition if you are a MotoGP Yamaha fan. It costs RM 8,588.