Yamaha has launched the much-awaited R15 V5 2025 in India, raising the bar in the 150cc sports bike segment. With aggressive styling, race-inspired features, and a refined 155cc engine, the new R15 V5 is designed for young riders, college students, and enthusiasts who want a blend of style, performance, and everyday practicality. Priced between ₹1.90 lakh and ₹2.10 lakh (ex-showroom), it enters a highly competitive space with rivals like the KTM RC 125, Suzuki Gixxer SF, and Hero Karizma XMR.
Sporty and Aerodynamic Design
The Yamaha R15 V5 2025 takes inspiration from the brand’s larger R-series bikes like the R7 and R1. It comes with a sharper fairing, LED projector headlamps, integrated DRLs, and small aerodynamic winglets that enhance its sporty look. The bike is available in Racing Blue, Metallic Grey, Vivid Magenta Metallic, and a MotoGP Edition that carries Yamaha’s racing livery.
With dimensions of 2015 mm in length, 725 mm in width, and 1135 mm in height, along with a wheelbase of 1325 mm, the R15 V5 feels compact yet aggressive. A ground clearance of 170 mm ensures it handles Indian roads well, while the lightweight frame keeps the kerb weight around 141 kg, making it easy to ride in traffic and on twisty roads.
Premium Features and Technology
One of the biggest upgrades on the R15 V5 is its new full-color TFT instrument cluster. This display supports Bluetooth connectivity via Yamaha’s Y-Connect app, giving access to call and message alerts, ride statistics, and even turn-by-turn navigation. The bike also comes with features like a hazard switch, side-stand engine cut-off, and two display themes for the console.
Other practical highlights include LED lighting all around, clip-on handlebars, a smoked visor, split seats, and tubeless radial tires. While the rider’s seat is sporty and comfortable for short rides, the pillion seat remains compact and is more suitable for occasional use.
Engine and Performance
The Yamaha R15 V5 is powered by the same 155cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine that produces 20 PS at 10,000 rpm and 14.2–17 Nm of torque depending on riding conditions. It features Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology for better mid-range performance. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and comes with a quickshifter (up-shift only) and slipper clutch as standard.
The bike delivers a top speed of around 155–160 km/h, making it one of the fastest in its class. Real-world mileage ranges between 38–45 km/l, though under controlled conditions it can touch over 60 km/l. With BS6 Phase 2 compliance and E20 fuel compatibility, it is also future-ready.
Handling and Ride Quality
The R15 V5 carries forward Yamaha’s Deltabox frame, known for its rigidity and balance. The golden USD front forks and Monocross rear suspension ensure precise handling and stability, especially during cornering and high-speed runs. The lightweight body paired with wide radial tires (110 mm at the front and 140 mm at the rear) provides excellent grip.
While the aggressive riding stance adds to the racing character, it may feel tiring during long-distance touring. Still, for city commutes and short highway runs, the R15 V5 strikes a good balance between performance and comfort.
Safety and Braking
Safety is a strong point of the new R15. It comes equipped with dual-channel ABS, traction control, and a strong braking setup with a 282 mm front disc and 220 mm rear disc. These features give riders confidence while riding on wet roads or during emergency braking.
Pricing and Variants
The Yamaha R15 V5 2025 is offered in three variants – Standard, Deluxe, and the MotoGP Edition. Prices start at ₹1.90 lakh and go up to ₹2.10 lakh (ex-showroom). On-road prices in major cities cross the ₹2.15 lakh mark depending on the variant and accessories. Yamaha is also offering attractive EMI options starting from ₹2,800 per month, making the bike more accessible to young buyers.
Competition in the Market
The R15 V5 goes up against the KTM RC 125, which is priced similarly but is less powerful. The Suzuki Gixxer SF is cheaper but lacks advanced features like a TFT screen and quickshifter. The Hero Karizma XMR offers more power from its 210cc engine but does not match Yamaha’s refinement and handling.
Final Verdict
The Yamaha R15 V5 2025 brings sharper looks, advanced technology, and a refined engine that makes it one of the best entry-level sportbikes in India. While pillion comfort and the aggressive riding posture may not suit everyone, its combination of performance, safety, and style makes it the first choice for enthusiasts in the 150cc category. With Yamaha’s trusted service network and competitive pricing, the R15 V5 is a well-rounded package for riders who want everyday practicality with race-inspired thrills.