The Yamaha R15 V5 has landed in India in 2025 and if you’re even remotely into sportbikes, this one’s going to turn your head. It builds on the legacy of the R15 series with some serious upgrades — sharper looks, tech loaded features and a ride experience that’s a notch above anything in this segment.
Aggressive Design That Screams Track DNA
First thing that hits you is the styling. It’s sharper, leaner and heavily inspired by Yamaha’s bigger R-series bikes like the R1 and R7. That bi-functional LED headlamp flanked by sleek DRLs looks straight out of a race track. The sculpted fuel tank and aerodynamic fairings don’t just look good — they’re designed for high speed stability. It feels like you’re riding a superbike, even if it’s a 155cc.
Performance That Packs a Punch
Under the fairing, the R15 V5 still runs the trusted 155cc VVA engine but this time with refined ECU tuning. You get about 18.4 PS of power and trust me, it feels alive once you cross 7,000 rpm. The Variable Valve Actuation gives it a split personality — calm in city traffic, but wild when you twist the throttle on open roads. Add the quickshifter (available in higher variants), and upshifting becomes smooth and addictive.
Tech and Safety Features Loaded to the Brim
Not just fast, smart too. The LCD cluster (or color TFT in the R15M, the top spec) pairs with Yamaha’s Y-Connect app to give you ride stats, notifications and even the last parked location. You also get traction control, dual channel ABS and a slipper clutch, so it’s not just fun, but safe. R15M isn’t a different bike, but the fully loaded R15 V5 with more premium features like TFT display, quickshifter and MotoGP styling.
Comfort vs Sportiness — A Mixed Bag
The riding posture is unmistakably sporty — slightly aggressive but still manageable for daily commutes. Long rides might test your wrists and back and the pillion seat isn’t exactly welcoming. But if you’re buying the R15 V5, you’re signing up for the thrill, not a cruiser.
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Price and EMI Options
Starting at approximately ₹1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), going up to ₹2.12 lakh for the R15M, it’s on the premium end of the 150cc class.
EMI: ₹6,500-₹7,500 for 3 years with 10% down payment. Or lower if you stretch it to 5 years.
Verdict
The Yamaha R15 V5 is not just an update — it’s a statement. If you want that big bike feel on a budget, this is as close as you’ll get. It’s fast, it’s feature loaded and above all, it makes you feel like a rider every time you start it.