The Yamaha R15 has always been more than just a motorcycle in India. For youngsters, it’s often their first taste of a proper supersport machine. For working professionals, it’s a perfect mix of thrill and practicality. And for enthusiasts, it’s an affordable entry into Yamaha’s legendary R-DNA. Now, in 2025, the Yamaha R15 V5 arrives, setting new standards and making us wonder—how far can a 155cc motorcycle really go?
This review dives deep into the design, engine, performance, features, and overall experience of the Yamaha R15 V5. But beyond just numbers, this is about how the bike feels when you first spot it on the road, when you twist that throttle, and when you realize Yamaha has managed to create something truly special once again.
Yamaha R15 V5 vs Previous Versions: Quick Comparison
Before jumping into the ride experience, let’s look at how the V5 stacks up against the previous generation.
| Feature | Yamaha R15 V4 (2021) | Yamaha R15 V5 (2025) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 155cc, Liquid-cooled, VVA | 155cc, Refined Liquid-cooled, VVA+ | Smoother delivery, better efficiency |
| Power Output | 18.4 PS @ 10,000 RPM | 19.2 PS @ 10,000 RPM | Small but noticeable bump |
| Torque | 14.2 Nm @ 7,500 RPM | 14.8 Nm @ 7,500 RPM | More mid-range punch |
| Gearbox | 6-speed with assist & slipper clutch | 6-speed with quickshifter (standard) | Sportier gear changes |
| Suspension | Upside Down Front Forks | Adjustable USD Forks | More tunability |
| Brakes | Dual-channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS with cornering function | Improved safety |
| Electronics | Digital console, Bluetooth | Full TFT, Navigation, Riding Modes | Big tech upgrade |
| Design | R7-inspired | R9-inspired, sharper | More aggressive |
| Weight | 142 kg | 144 kg | Slightly heavier |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | ₹1.79 lakh | ₹1.95 lakh | Higher but justified |
Clearly, Yamaha has not gone for a radical overhaul but rather for smart, meaningful improvements.
Yamaha R15 V5 First Look: The Design That Turns Heads
The first thing you notice about the Yamaha R15 V5 is its aerodynamic design. Inspired by the bigger Yamaha R9, the bike looks sharper, sleeker, and more intimidating than before.
The twin-LED headlamp setup is narrower, giving it a predator-like stare. The fairing has been sculpted with more aggressive lines, and the new ram-air intake at the front doesn’t just look good—it genuinely improves airflow at high speeds.
On the road, the V5 easily stands out. Even parked beside bigger bikes like the KTM RC 390 or Kawasaki Ninja 300, the R15 V5 doesn’t feel small or underwhelming. Yamaha has perfected the art of making a 155cc motorcycle look like a full-size supersport.
Yamaha R15 V5 The Engine: Small Capacity, Big Heart
If there’s one thing the Yamaha R15 has always been praised for, it’s the engine. The V5 continues to use the tried-and-tested 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). But Yamaha has fine-tuned it further.
The result? A peak power of 19.2 PS at 10,000 RPM and torque of 14.8 Nm at 7,500 RPM. On paper, this might look like just a marginal increase, but when you actually ride it, the difference is evident.
The bike feels smoother in the city, more responsive on highways, and eager to redline when you open the throttle. That signature R15 character—where the bike feels calm at low speeds but comes alive as you rev harder—is still there, but with a little more polish.
And yes, the engine is now slightly more fuel-efficient despite the performance bump. In city riding, you can expect 42–45 kmpl, and on highways, the number can touch 50 kmpl if you ride steady.
Yamaha R15 V5 Performance on the Road: City, Highway, and Track
In the City
Riding the R15 V5 in the city is surprisingly comfortable for a supersport. The aggressive riding position is still there, but the revised seat cushioning and adjustable USD forks make potholes and speed breakers less painful.
In traffic, the engine’s refinement shines through. The bike pulls cleanly in lower gears, and the quickshifter helps you slice through gaps effortlessly. Heat management is also better, thanks to improved liquid-cooling.
On the Highway
Take the R15 V5 on the highway, and it transforms into a mini touring machine. Cruising at 90–100 kmph feels relaxed, and the bike can go all the way up to 150 kmph if you give it space.
The windscreen does a decent job at deflecting air, though taller riders might still feel some windblast. What impresses most is stability—the R15 V5 feels planted even at triple-digit speeds.
On the Track
The real fun begins on the track. Yamaha has always positioned the R15 as a beginner’s track bike, and the V5 nails this identity. The bike dives into corners with confidence, the suspension setup feels dialed in, and the brakes (with cornering ABS) inspire trust.
At around 144 kg kerb weight, it’s light enough to flick around, yet stable enough not to unsettle you mid-corner. For amateur racers and weekend track enthusiasts, the R15 V5 is probably the most affordable ticket to motorsport in India.
Yamaha R15 V5 Features and Technology: Now Smarter Than Ever
Yamaha has loaded the R15 V5 with features that make it feel like a premium motorcycle.
The biggest highlight is the new 5-inch full TFT display, which comes with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, and even track lap-timing features.
Riding modes make their debut too—Street, Sport, and Track. These adjust throttle response and ABS sensitivity to suit your riding environment.
The quickshifter, which was optional in the V4, is now standard. Gearshifts feel smoother and faster, especially when accelerating hard.
Other features include:
- Cornering ABS
- Traction control system
- LED lighting all around
- Adjustable levers
- Keyless ignition
These additions elevate the R15 V5 into a proper 2025 motorcycle, keeping it future-ready.
Yamaha R15 V5 Comfort and Practicality: Can You Live With It Daily?
Let’s be honest—supersport bikes are not built for comfort. But Yamaha has made genuine efforts to make the R15 V5 more practical.
The seat is slightly more padded, the pillion seat is broader (though still high), and the suspension absorbs rough roads better. Riders under 5’8” will find the ergonomics sporty but manageable, while taller riders might still find it a little cramped.
Storage is still minimal, as expected, but Yamaha has added small hooks under the seat for hanging bags or carrying essentials. Fuel tank capacity remains 11 liters, giving you a decent range for city and short highway rides.
Yamaha R15 V5 Braking and Safety: Stopping Power with Confidence
The R15 V5 comes with 282mm front and 220mm rear discs, paired with dual-channel ABS. But the real upgrade is the inclusion of cornering ABS, which helps prevent skidding when braking mid-corner.
The brakes bite progressively, and combined with traction control, they give you the confidence to push the bike harder.
Maintenance and Ownership Costs
Owning a Yamaha R15 V5 won’t burn your pocket compared to bigger bikes, but it’s slightly more expensive to maintain than 150cc commuters. Regular service intervals are every 3,000–4,000 km, and average service costs range between ₹1,500–2,500 depending on the work done.
Spare parts availability is excellent, as Yamaha has a widespread network in India. Tyres, chains, and brake pads are the main consumables you’ll replace often if you ride aggressively.
Who Should Buy the Yamaha R15 V5?
The R15 V5 is not just for teenagers chasing speed. It’s for anyone who wants a blend of style, performance, and practicality.
- If you’re a college student, this bike makes a statement every time you ride into campus.
- If you’re a young professional, it doubles up as a weekday commuter and weekend track machine.
- If you’re an enthusiast, it’s the perfect second bike—a machine you can push to its limits without worrying about massive bills.
Yamaha R15 V5 Verdict: Is the Yamaha R15 V5 Worth It in 2025?
The Yamaha R15 V5 is proof that you don’t need a big engine to enjoy big thrills. It’s fast enough to excite, refined enough to live with daily, and smart enough to feel modern.
Yes, it’s more expensive now at ₹1.95 lakh (ex-showroom), but when you look at the package—performance, technology, design, and Yamaha’s reliability—it still feels like one of the best deals in the Indian motorcycle market.