Yamaha R15 V3 Darknight has been launched in India for INR 1.41 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The mandatory ABS norm will come in effect from April 1 this year while most brands will introduce the safety feature by March. The engine displacement of both R15 models is above 125cc and mandatory ABS stays dual-channel on the premium 155cc model. Even when calculating the estimated on-road price for the upcoming R15-S ABS model, the difference becomes wide due to the 149cc engine on the R15S and 155.1cc on the R15 V3. The latter commands bigger value for the third party insurance.
Yamaha R15 V3 Darknight comes with the same equipment as regular shades, offering buyers the much-awaited matt black shade in the Indian market. As both Saluto and Saluto RX are now available with UBS, the Yamaha SZ-RR remains the only bike that has not been considered for an upgrade. Yamaha is working on the new FZ model and they are expected to announce ABS for the 250cc variant on the same day at the launch event of new FZS V3 (January 21). The price gap for R15 V3 and Darknight stays INR 2,000 on the lightweight racer while other bikes have INR 1000 of difference.
If they plan to go for a single channel unit for the R15-S, the price can go down to approx INR 8000 for the addition. It will be better if they bring dual-channel ABS for their premium race machine as most brands are choosing cost-cutting over the addition of safety through the rear brake ABS. If Yamaha keeps the same ABS unit for all motorcycles, the new FZ can be expected to get an approx price tag of INR 1 lakh. Also, the dual channel ABS on the R15 V3 Darknight makes the motorcycle safer than similarly priced options like Bajaj Pulsar RS200.
