Yamaha Motors India has finally launched the much-talked-about 2022 model of the R15S sportbike in the country today. We have reported earlier as well that the company was working actively on this bike as its type approval document was leaked. The new-gen R15S is currently available at a starting price of Rs 1,57,600 (ex-showroom). The ‘S’ model is available with a new unibody seat setup.

While launching the motorcycle, Motofumi Shitara, Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group, remarked that the R15S had been launched because buyers were yearning for an R15 with a more comfortable pillion seat.

Aside from the redesigned seat, the R15S is similar to a regular V3. However, the Racing Blue paint scheme no longer includes blue wheels while the rest of the features remain the same. Hence, equipment like dual LED headlights, LCD instrument cluster, aluminium swingarm, dual-channel ABS and side stand cut-off engine is retained.

Moreover, speaking about its design and styling, the bike has an aggressive design with a muscular fuel tank, an aerodynamic front and an edgy tail. Built on the Deltabox frame, the bike gets a dual horn for an extra thrill.

Looking forward to the powertrain specifications, the bike is offered with a 155cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, SOHC engine that uses fuel-injected technology and is capable of churning out 18.6PS at 10,000rpm and 14.1Nm at 8500rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch.

In addition, the suspension duties are handled by a telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear, and the braking chores are performed by disc brakes on both ends, which are further mated to a dual-channel ABS unit as standard. The 2022 Yamaha R15S competes in the Indian market with the likes of Bajaj Pulsar RS200, Suzuki Gixxer SF, and the 2022 model of KTM RC 200.