[R15M_Rider]

Greetings BHPians!
Finally, after 1.3 years of ownership (I do sincerely apologize of mentioning it as 2 years in the initial review even though I mentioned the purchase and delivery in Oct 2022. Mods, if it is possible to edit the post now, would gladly do it), here is my first ride report on a long ride of one of the most popular routes from Chennai for bikers- the East Coast Road from Chennai to Pondicherry.

I prefer to keep the review and the entire experience/adventures of ownership as a single thread, therefore will update everything here.

Ride Date- 26th Jan 2024 (Chennai-Puducherry), 27th Jan 2024 (Puducherry-Chennai).

After a lot of delays, finally, got a good opportunity to do the famed ECR stretch on my R15 from Chennai to Pondicherry. As stated in the original review, I had done Chennai-Marakannam-Chennai trip, so this is actually my second run on the ECR, but this one felt special! The start to the ride was a bit bumpy. The entire night, I was down with fever and a sour throat. Having taken medication, I tried my best to get good sleep and try to make this ride possible as it was long due in my bucket list. Honestly speaking, I badly needed this. A three day weekend, and also, considering some hectic work related stress in my day job over the past couple of months, this seemed like the best opportunity to refresh.


All Set!



Thankfully, by early morning 5.30 AM, the fever relented and I was feeling better. I did this ride with a very good friend of mine from college. With my jacket, gloves and helmet all prepped up, I met with my friend was on a Royal Enfield Himalayan (the old one, not the newer 450). First stop, is of course the petrol station. We filled both our bikes at Shell near Injambakkam on the ECR. This will be the only fuel stop for me for the entire trip!

We hit the road. Since we both had mobile holders on our bikes, and with the first stop set at A2D (Adyar Anandha Bhavan) at Mahabs, I didn't consider much about riding at a sedate pace and wanted to have a good speedy run when the roads allowed it. The bike with fresh fuel started shine as always as I twisted the throttle, well, that was until Kovalam. Due to some reason, we were diverted to OMR via Kelambakkam with ECR being blocked till Mahabs. This added around 10-15 km. So much for wishing to experience the entire ECR . Adding to this, the mobile holder on my friend's bike broke off. This meant only one of us can navigate. It was also not actually friend's bike, but rather he borrowed it from another friend of his. It was also not in the best shape. Brakes were worn out and the engine kept overheating on frequent intervals. All things said, this meant we needed to stick together and with the worn out brakes, anything beyond 60-70 kmph on the RE seemed risky.

So, with a detour and with no option but to keep a sedate pace through out the rest of the trip, it was a rocky start. But I guess such things happen. So you're on a 155cc sportbike, with little to no access to harness the VVA band. What that results in? Mileage! The total distance covered on this trip was around 272 km, and I only had to fill once at the start, that too, I am confident, it wasn't full tank. Pretty sure I was getting 50-55 kmpl. Really astonishing numbers when you consider, the bike behaves like a totally different animal after 6000-7500 RPM, when the VVA kicks in.

Now, I am not the kind of person who values mileage as something that's of some paramount importance when considering a bike. I knew the R15 isn't meant to be driven like having a cruise control set at 65 kmph for long stretches. But you know what, The bike never seemed like complaining. 5th gear, 65 kmph and just admire as you gracefully pass through. I never imagined, that I would actually have fun, not even reaching triple digit speeds even once on his trip. I have seen some reviews, where many claimed the bike to be boring/dull until you reach the VVA band. Personally, I disagree. It makes me feel, I have two bikes in one. Till 6K RPM, it is just like any commuter, (Splendor, Passion etc) with a sporty twist. Beyond 6k-7.5k RPM, it is becomes an R3/R7. Now as the spec sheet and facts imply, it is neither as slow as a commuter nor anywhere as quick as an R3/R7. But does it really matter? Absolutely not! In the end you have a machine that doesn't complain and will always support your style whatever the type of riding you're going for and make it look absolutely easy and beautiful while doing it. This to me will always be the biggest pro of this bike, something you will miss out on lower down the range and even if you move to higher powered machines in the future.

Back to the trip, we had breakfast at Mahabs, and with the 55-65 kmph pace, we eventually reached Auroville first. Had some juice to freshen up and eventually proceeded to Pondy for lunch. Both myself and my friend have already been to Pondy n number of times, but this was the first time we came by bike. So neither of us were keen to visit tourist places like originally planned, and rather we decided to take it easy and just roam around the beach at most. Initially, the plan was to return by starting at afternoon and return back to Chennai by evening itself. But since we both were quite tired, we decided to stay at Pondy for the night and start tomorrow early morning.

We woke up at 5.30 and left by 6.10. After my friend filled up his Himalayan, we proceeded once again at consistent 60-70 kph pace. I am glad we stayed the night. The early morning ride was really memorable. The mild fog, occasional drizzle. This made me forget about the lack of pace on this trip, sometimes taking it slow does bring a smile, given such wonderful weather with a sweet sunrise. Once again, we reached Mahabs for breakfast at the same restaurant. I did notice quite a lot of geared up bikers on the ECR on RE Interceptors, Continetal GTs, some 600ccs like the Kawasaki Z650, even a mild glimpse of a possible ZX10R and maybe even a Z900 if I spotted it correctly while riding. Probably, making use of this three day weekend.

Some shots taken on the way. Early morning rides are a bliss!

Over 13,360 km on the odometer after reaching Chennai. This was taken at Pondy, in 1.3 years



I took more photos of the bike than of myself on this trip/anything else on this short trip, but can you blame me!











We stopped for a short break at a beautiful location having some marsh like area alongside the road. The design never fails the blend in!







We reached Chennai around 10.00 today morning bringing close to my first long biking trip. Wish to do ghats next, possibly Yelagiri. Hoping for the best!

Thanks for Reading!

Ride Safe!

[R15M_Rider]

Hi BHPians!
I have registered for the Yamaha Track Day at MMRT on 23rd March. Super excited to experience the track for the very first time! But I do have a query. When I registered on Yamaha’s website. I only received the payment receipt in email, but there is no other details, like whether there is any time slot and when I need to reach there. The track is around 40-50km from my home and I need to plan accordingly. If anyone has any idea regarding the timing, please share the same, especially those who have participated before/ are going to participate.

[R15M_Rider]

Experiencing Mountain Roads on the R15M for the first time

Trip Route: Chennai-Yelagiri-Chennai
Date : 4th May 24 & 5th May 24
Distance: 237(Up) + 237(Down) = 474 Km

After MMRT, it was finally time for another long ride, this time a first taste of ghat roads. I started early, around 6.00 AM from Chennai to escape the typical relentless afternoon heat of May. With the tank filled up, a day before, there was no need of a fuel stop, and the planned first stop was somewhere near Sriperumbudur.

With less traffic thanks to early hours, I reached Sriperumbudur quite quickly. Sriperumbudur is home to several heavy machine factories, including automobiles. Yamaha India also has a manufacturing plant here with the other one in UP , so I guess, my bike was near its "pseudo home" ! With a brief breakfast, next stop was planned at Vellore, around 86 km from Sriperumbudur.

A short breather at Sriperumbudur

The NH 48 until Vellore were average to frustrating at best. So many diversions! With a lot of flyover construction going on, I lost count of the number of times traffic was diverted a narrow service road and after a while redirected to the main road. Thankfully, the weather was not its worst as I had expected and there was decent breeze until 10.00 at least. The road surface was not good either, several non-immediately visible bumps appear out of nowhere, enough to unsettle your bike if you aren't 100% alert. I would advice to exercise caution in this stretch until the construction is completed and we get a properly laid surface.

After Vellore, the roads were much better and I finally could open the throttle with more confidence. Finally some good stretch of NH, I could unleash some power of this beast on! Unlike my previous Pondy trip, this time with wider roads, I maintained a good 110-115 kmph cruise speed for quite sometime whenever the roads were clear and an occasional 124 kph when the road was really open and I could view the horizon fully. Moments like these truly makes a guy fall in love with the machine and everything else vanishes. You need to experience it to feel it.

Finally, around 10.45, I reached the foothills of Yelagiri. Time for my R15 to show its magic in twisty hairpins! I must say, after the race track, ghat roads must be the second home of the R15. Very similar to the race track, only the pace is 80% on the slower side with traffic which wasn't a factor on the former. But then again, I was having the time of my life. Taking 20-30 kph hairpins with an entry speed of 20-30 kph and leaning down a little like on the race-track and then as you clear it and start accelerating, while I did expect this will handle superbly, I never expected it to be this much fun!

I got new knee guards for this trip, I found riding pants out of my budget and hence opted for the next best thing

Yelagiri, being a smaller hill compared to other famous hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, Kolli Hills only has 14 hairpins. It certainly didn't feel like 14 too! I only wish this ghat road was longer, but hey everyone has to start somewhere right? And for a first ghat ride, it certainly didn't disappoint!

This is my second time to Yelagiri, of course, first time on bike. Overall, I guess since Yelagiri being a small hill and this being off season, the weather was still very much hot to what you would expect of a hill station, there wasn't much crowd overall. The rest of the day was spent on some known tourism spots to pass the time. While, I have seen, guys return on the same day, I generally wouldn't advice it especially in the summer. Also night riding on an NH with hardly any lighting, travel fatigue and what feels like a million diversions is extremely dangerous, even in a car, let alone a bike. There was even an isolated thunderstorm out of nowhere which pelted like anything for an hour or so. The one thing which I wished I had done before the trip was giving my R15 a wash, but thanks to the rain, it didn't matter!(its still dirty with dirt spots, but I am not complaining!) True example of nature is unpredictable!

Return:
Once again, similar plan - Start early, reach early and avoid afternoon sun-burn as much as possible. Before starting, I wanted to cherish something out of my first ghat ride on my bike. As I stated in my previous posts here, I am kind of an introvert and will always hesitate to try something which I haven't done before. I wanted to have some footage of my ride. Generally, I am not a fan of this helmet mounted cams - Go Pros and stuff. Only problem with this ideology is that, 5 years into the future, your recollection might not be as vibrant as it is now! I hate modifications to the bike even small ones apart from the indicator switch from halogen to LED. Though I didn't want to, but Phone mount is necessary so had to do something with that. I want to live the moment more rather than worry how my footage looks. So I went ahead and used my phone holder to capture a video of me riding on the downhill stretch. Mine is a closed phone holder, that is like a case and the phone will be inside it, that with the limited possibilities of angles you can get, this is what I came up with. Just the speedo in view and the dirty outer transparent outer cover of the holder really isn't helping the quality. On top of that I took the video in portrait position instead of landscape I will try harder next time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q0hUkJ6X4U

But nevertheless, I had something to relive this special moment. Early morning, chill breeze smooth flowing curves and hairpins, not many things better than that for a motorcycle enthusiast for sure!

One final look at the foothills of Yelagiri before Goodbye

It took 15 minutes to reach the bottom and thereafter it was regular NH all the way. This time, got a lucky stretch with the horizon in view and with good road surface, managed for the first time to tuck in and touch a whopping 137 kph. Unreal feel though it was hardly for a second before I quickly came back to cruising speed of 105-110 kph.

Overall, rest of the journey was event free.....up until I reached my own street where a elderly guy on a TVS 50 rammed into my side fairing thanks to a blind spot on a turn where an auto was turning. By then I was quite drained thanks to Chennai's typcial humid weather and I could not find the energy to argue though I could've avoided it if I had learned to expect a guys on the straight road won't think twice for the blind spot possibility. He was also with a kid in the back so I just let it off though he had the audacity to tell me it was my mistake entirely. I had taken so much precautions for this long ride and to think, the only incident to occur is right on my doorstep! It lead a quite a big scratch on my side fairing and indicator and totally ruined my mood for an hour or so. Anyway, need to learn and move on.

I did face one niggle, after riding on high RPMs and high speeds for extended hours on the highway, if I give substantial amount of throttle, the quick shifter isn't engaging. I had to use the clutch to shift. This isn't occurring if I have lesser throttle input and not fully using it. Has anyone faced this kind of issue on the R15 V4? If yes, please share. Anyway, will have it checked in the next service.

Before wrapping up, so far I have ridden the R15 on:

1. Work Commutes
2. Highways (SH and NH)
3. Ghat Roads and Twisties
4. Race Track (MMRT)

And in everyone of the scenarios, it excelled beyond my wildest dreams. As I mentioned quite a few times before. I don't think I will ever get enough of it. While I am indeed turning into a huge Yamaha fan and still with no experience of riding anything else, I still believe that, there aren't any other machines in the market that could've given me this kind of experience to make into a motorcyclist enthusiast like this one has.

Hope to do longer trips in the future with more twisties and hairpins! Hope you guys had a fun read.

Ride Safe!

[moondaze.in]

Hey! Can you please share some pictures of your mobile mount? And how you mounted it? I've been wondering which would perfectly fit on my R15M. Thanks!

[R15M_Rider]

Originally Posted by moondaze.in

Hey! Can you please share some pictures of your mobile mount? And how you mounted it? I've been wondering which would perfectly fit on my R15M. Thanks!

Hi, Check the below image out. I used to have a BBG mobile holder but currently use this Bobo one.

[R15M_Rider]

20,000 Km Update

Finally after, 1.8 years of ownership, my R15 crossed the 20,000 km mark today (7th Aug 2024). From 10k to 20k, there was a lot of riding covering commutes, long tours and of course a visit to the MMRT race track.

Just crossed 20k!

Some of the highlights :

• The Satisfaction of Refinement : I can say with confidence now that, with all the care I took of properly running it in from the beginning is starting to show results! Butter smooth with absolutely no vibrations. So people, please do take in some aspects of running in seriously. You have to walk first to eventually sprint and same applies here. Thank me later!
  
• Long Rides : Rides to Puducherry and Yelagiri which I have documented on this thread. Absolutely no stress on the engine as it happiliy sings with the revs as you enter the VVA band on highways. Over time, I have gotten accustomed to aggressive riding position by having minimal pressure on my wrists and gripping the tank with my thighs. This technique really helps.
  
• Race Track : The Home turf of the R15. Basically got the experience of a lifetime, documented here - https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motor...-yzf-r15m.html (2024 Yamaha Track Day Experience at MMRT on a YZF R15M)
  
• Servicing - One area where Yamaha have slightly let me down. Lack of spares, long service waiting time(I know this is not entirely their fault that they are dealing with large volumes, but personally after the free services were done, I did get the impression that they weren't as keen as they were during the first 5 services). Luckily I got in touch with a very good FNG - PowerZone, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai and its just 500m or less in the neighboring street. They service high end litre class machines as well. Highly recommend for folks in Chennai. - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JSYvQdjzc8rTeCYr7
  Overall apart from periodic servicing, I did wear out the chain sprocket. Cone set, new sprocket were changed.
  
• The Puncture Episode: Now this is a rather embarrassing and kind of unsafe episode. Sometime in April, I started to feel the back type was slightly fish-tailing. At first I thought, It might be my imagination and didn't bother much. But as the week went on, I did start to feel more and more uneasy. After almost a week I went in for my routine fuel-up and once a month aircheck. And behold!, the rear tyre had just 9 psi! Immediately I went to a nearby puncture shop to get it fixed. There was indeed a big nail in the back, but it has pierced it so perfectly that I suspect, the air was dropping much more gradually and I guess thats why I didn't feel at the start of the week itself. Anyway lesson learnt, if you notice something even 1% off, get it check, trust your intution!
  
• Wet Road Stability: There were some days including one this week where I had to ride in heavy rains when returning from office. I must say, that even in extremely wet conditions, there was never a moment where I thought the bike was unstable. Brake fade was there which is to be expected and I was extra careful. Overall, super impressed with wet weather handling.
  
  
  
  Looks so good in the wet!
• Upgrades/Riding Gear Changes: Nope! I love it just as it is. But I did get an AGV K1s for myself. More details added in the "What Helmet?" thread. It suits well with the bike!
  
  
  
  Mini Rossi Combo, I guess

From what I have read on other forums here and elsewhere on reddit, the majority of the comments I have seen are that typically people should start feeling bored/worn out of the 150cc-200cc segment of motorcycles and will be urging for an upgrade. But honestly, as much as that thought of upgrading comes to mind, each time I ride the motorcycle, I fall in love all over again like the first time. I know that, in the larger scheme of things to the general viewer, motorcycles are materalistic posessions, but I can say it without a doubt, I will do whatever I can to make sure I never let go of this machine. While the R3 is my dream motorcycle, this is the one that truly showed me what motorcycles are and Its never going to leave my garage.

Ride Safe!

[mugen_pinaki27]

Sweet and crisp review, brother! The R15 M looks like a million bucks, especially in that silver paint scheme. The fact that you tour on it is a testament to the fact that you are fit and athletic. Being a sports bike rider myself, (Gixxer 150), these sports bikes require sporty riders!

[R15M_Rider]

Originally Posted by mugen_pinaki27

Sweet and crisp review, brother! The R15 M looks like a million bucks, especially in that silver paint scheme. The fact that you tour on it is a testament to the fact that you are fit and athletic. Being a sports bike rider myself, (Gixxer 150), these sports bikes require sporty riders!

Thanks! Though I wouldn’t say I am someone who hits the gym everyday or is into athetics .I am reasonably fit but, the truth is, if you truly love something, you will happily adapt and this applies for everything.

[sasta_rider]

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

20,000 Km Update

• The Puncture Episode: Now this is a rather embarrassing and kind of unsafe episode. Sometime in April, I started to feel the back type was slightly fish-tailing. At first I thought, It might be my imagination and didn't bother much. But as the week went on, I did start to feel more and more uneasy. After almost a week I went in for my routine fuel-up and once a month aircheck. And behold!, the rear tyre had just 9 psi! Immediately I went to a nearby puncture shop to get it fixed. There was indeed a big nail in the back, but it has pierced it so perfectly that I suspect, the air was dropping much more gradually and I guess thats why I didn't feel at the start of the week itself. Anyway lesson learnt, if you notice something even 1% off, get it check, trust your intution!
  
• Wet Road Stability: There were some days including one this week where I had to ride in heavy rains when returning from office. I must say, that even in extremely wet conditions, there was never a moment where I thought the bike was unstable. Brake fade was there which is to be expected and I was extra careful. Overall, super impressed with wet weather handling.
  

@R15M_Rider, congratulations for the 20000 km milestone, welcome to the club! Happy to see a fellow R15 owner enjoying the beautiful machine.

Few comments/suggestions from my end:

• Puncture Episodes: MRFs, oh god! This tyre just loves to get pierced. I was fed up with MRF to an extent that even I if will not have enough money, I will get Apollo or Michelin with a finance. These tires offered as stock is just pathetic. Fun fact is, the punctures love the centerline of the tire, which gets too diffucult if ignored, like in your case (happened with me as well).
• Wet Road Stability: Whenever you will plan for tire replacement, and if you can stretch your budget, go for Michelin Road 5. It should cost you ₹18000/- if you have good relation with the dealer or ~₹20500/- without an offer.

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

[*]Upgrades/Riding Gear Changes: Nope! I love it just as it is. But I did get an AGV K1s for myself. More details added in the "What Helmet?" thread. It suits well with the bike!

Man, this is a lovely upgrade and am glad you prioritized safety along with your love towards R15! A quick Google search showed me few websites who sell this, but I could only find "XL" and "2XL" size. My head requires a "M" sized helmet, at least from the MT Helmets. Not sure if there are slight variations from manufacturer to manufacturer. But "XL" and "2XL" will be too big for my head. Feel free to private message me, if you are fine sharing the details. Maybe I can check here in Bengaluru for a good deal.

And yes, ride safe mate & keep posting!

Sud!

[R15M_Rider]

Originally Posted by sasta_rider

@R15M_Rider, congratulations for the 20000 km milestone, welcome to the club! Happy to see a fellow R15 owner enjoying the beautiful machine.

Thanks a lot @sasta_rider! Glad to join you in the 20k club!

Originally Posted by sasta_rider

Few comments/suggestions from my end:

• Puncture Episodes: MRFs, oh god! This tyre just loves to get pierced. I was fed up with MRF to an extent that even I if will not have enough money, I will get Apollo or Michelin with a finance. These tires offered as stock is just pathetic. Fun fact is, the punctures love the centerline of the tire, which gets too diffucult if ignored, like in your case (happened with me as well).
• Wet Road Stability: Whenever you will plan for tire replacement, and if you can stretch your budget, go for Michelin Road 5. It should cost you ₹18000/- if you have good relation with the dealer or ~₹20500/- without an offer.

I will surely consider this once I further wear out the MRFs. At present I am not feeling it to be that bad that I need to immidiately need to replace them.

Originally Posted by sasta_rider

Feel free to private message me, if you are fine sharing the details. Maybe I can check here in Bengaluru for a good deal.

Do check your inbox. Hope you are able to get one!

[kai]

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

20,000 Km Update

Finally after, 1.8 years of ownership, my R15 crossed the 20,000 km mark today (7th Aug 2024). From 10k to 20k, there was a lot of riding covering commutes, long tours and of course a visit to the MMRT race track.

Attachment 2638324
Just crossed 20k!

Some of the highlights :

• The Satisfaction of Refinement : I can say with confidence now that, with all the care I took of properly running it in from the beginning is starting to show results! Butter smooth with absolutely no vibrations. So people, please do take in some aspects of running in seriously. You have to walk first to eventually sprint and same applies here. Thank me later!
  
• Long Rides : Rides to Puducherry and Yelagiri which I have documented on this thread. Absolutely no stress on the engine as it happiliy sings with the revs as you enter the VVA band on highways. Over time, I have gotten accustomed to aggressive riding position by having minimal pressure on my wrists and gripping the tank with my thighs. This technique really helps.
  
• Race Track : The Home turf of the R15. Basically got the experience of a lifetime, documented here - https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motor...-yzf-r15m.html (2024 Yamaha Track Day Experience at MMRT on a YZF R15M)
  
• Servicing - One area where Yamaha have slightly let me down. Lack of spares, long service waiting time(I know this is not entirely their fault that they are dealing with large volumes, but personally after the free services were done, I did get the impression that they weren't as keen as they were during the first 5 services). Luckily I got in touch with a very good FNG - PowerZone, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai and its just 500m or less in the neighboring street. They service high end litre class machines as well. Highly recommend for folks in Chennai. - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JSYvQdjzc8rTeCYr7
  Overall apart from periodic servicing, I did wear out the chain sprocket. Cone set, new sprocket were changed.
  
• The Puncture Episode: Now this is a rather embarrassing and kind of unsafe episode. Sometime in April, I started to feel the back type was slightly fish-tailing. At first I thought, It might be my imagination and didn't bother much. But as the week went on, I did start to feel more and more uneasy. After almost a week I went in for my routine fuel-up and once a month aircheck. And behold!, the rear tyre had just 9 psi! Immediately I went to a nearby puncture shop to get it fixed. There was indeed a big nail in the back, but it has pierced it so perfectly that I suspect, the air was dropping much more gradually and I guess thats why I didn't feel at the start of the week itself. Anyway lesson learnt, if you notice something even 1% off, get it check, trust your intution!
  
• Wet Road Stability: There were some days including one this week where I had to ride in heavy rains when returning from office. I must say, that even in extremely wet conditions, there was never a moment where I thought the bike was unstable. Brake fade was there which is to be expected and I was extra careful. Overall, super impressed with wet weather handling.
  
  
  Attachment 2638351
  Looks so good in the wet!
• Upgrades/Riding Gear Changes: Nope! I love it just as it is. But I did get an AGV K1s for myself. More details added in the "What Helmet?" thread. It suits well with the bike!
  
  
  Attachment 2638352
  Mini Rossi Combo, I guess

From what I have read on other forums here and elsewhere on reddit, the majority of the comments I have seen are that typically people should start feeling bored/worn out of the 150cc-200cc segment of motorcycles and will be urging for an upgrade. But honestly, as much as that thought of upgrading comes to mind, each time I ride the motorcycle, I fall in love all over again like the first time. I know that, in the larger scheme of things to the general viewer, motorcycles are materalistic posessions, but I can say it without a doubt, I will do whatever I can to make sure I never let go of this machine. While the R3 is my dream motorcycle, this is the one that truly showed me what motorcycles are and Its never going to leave my garage.

Ride Safe!

Being a R15 V3 owner since 2018, 45k kms strong, churns out a feeling like nothing else for it's size and capacity. Fortunately, I am blessed enough that I do not think about selling this motorcycle ever. I recently moved up to the Aprilia RS 457.

It always brings a smile to my face seeing other R15 owners keeping a neat and clean record of their motorcycle.

As majority of the younger generation that I have observed via the internet or in my city go haywire with the R15. It is truly a satisfaction seeing an handful us actually taking care of their vehicle.

The only suggestion that I can give you is for better grip, you might get yourself a better set of tyres. Anything but the MRF's or the CEAT would do you a world of good. (if you haven't upgraded already).

Ride safe, make memories & take care of that beautiful machine!

[R15M_Rider]

Originally Posted by kai

Being a R15 V3 owner since 2018, 45k kms strong, churns out a feeling like nothing else for it's size and capacity. Fortunately, I am blessed enough that I do not think about selling this motorcycle ever. I recently moved up to the Aprilia RS 457.

Wow, its almost like reading my future . Actually I did go through your post of you acquiring the RS457, moving from an R15. Congratulations on your acquisition! I am also intending (hoping badly) to find the means of never selling this, but get to the 300-400cc class as a second motorcycle. The only difference here is I am aiming for the YZF-R3, as ridiculous as it sounds considering the price, its my dream motorcycle. 42-45 bhp is I guess what you can say the maximum usable power on our roads and one you can use daily if you want to ideally. Hopefully by the time I save up, Yamaha will have a change of heart and make this a CKD.

Originally Posted by kai

As majority of the younger generation that I have observed via the internet or in my city go haywire with the R15. It is truly a satisfaction seeing an handful us actually taking care of their vehicle.

Absolutely true, not just the internet, I see it live too. It actually hurts to see them abused/redlined. There are some guys who do these absolutely pointless "top speed runs" against higher cc motorcycles and subsequently "roast" it. Riding at those speeds on public roads is itself illegal and their only defense being both bikes are in the same segment as per "price". Those guys seriously need a reality check.

Originally Posted by kai

The only suggestion that I can give you is for better grip, you might get yourself a better set of tyres. Anything but the MRF's or the CEAT would do you a world of good. (if you haven't upgraded already).

I guess this is the second to third time I am hearing about changing the tyres. Something I never felt so far were the weak link. Maybe I might only know when I change it. Surely will consider this seriously.

[Boringrider]

Amazing review, enjoyed reading it and watching the pics. This brings back memories of the times where I and my best friend were crazy fans of the R15 and the 1st gen had just launched. We were in school and didn't have any money obviously nor we were of age. Still, we had made friends with the nearby Yamaha dealer in our area and used to go to the showroom, just to admire the bike, even sit on it but no test rides of course. At one point, my friend used to remove the Yamaha logo stickers which were on the tank. I was worried that we would get in trouble for it but apparently even the showroom guy knew this and didn't mind because anyway before delivery to customers, a new sticker would have been fixed if they saw one missing. Highly recommend not to do this but my friend was young & dumb. We even used to ask about the price and had dreams of how this'll be our first bike, somewhat funnily like the Tamil movie Polladhavan.

Years later, I still admire the lines and the design of this bike. Initially, the design of the v4 felt too busy to me but over time even that doesn't seem to be that much of an issue. It is still a looker. I had a brief opportunity to experience the v4 for a short stint of around 20-30 minutes by the end of which I had enough wrist pain to not touch it again. I know I was not in the right posture for it, nowhere near it. But man, the performance is real. Coming in to the VVA band really feels like something unlocks and the bike just pulls endlessly with the sequential lights going on the speedo (I thought those were shift lights but turns out not) and full tuck, just feels heavenly. I hope to experience it again this time with knowledge about the right posture. I wish they sold the R6 and R1 as an option against the existing ZX-10Rs and the Ninja 650s.

Like you, I also transitioned to my first gear bike without any training from anyone just from intuition and watching videos on YouTube as unbelievable as it sounds. Wish you many more kms of touring on it!

[rep_movsd]

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

20,000 Km Update

I ride an R3 now but it made me remember by R15 days

Seriously R15 is the most underrated bike in the country... Those who rode it once on the track will realise it's as close to a superbike as you can ever get in that price.

[V.Max]

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

The Design : Need I say more! Just look at it! I am damn sure this won't get old for a decade atleast.

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Quite the looker man! Wow. The DRLs are tastefully done. Glad you got the R15M Silver variant!

My General Usage Pattern:

1. My daily usage consists of office commute of 44 km of commute considering both to and fro. Committed riding position was indeed a bit uncomfortable at the beginning, but I soon got used to it and I don't feel the pain I used to have initially.

2. As far as long rides are concerned, I have done Chennai-Marakannam(Near Puducherry)-Chennai, a total of 246 km roughly and it was an absolute bliss of a ride. So long rides, totally possible once you get used to it.

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Incidentally my usage pattern is similar too. 35 kms to office and I also recently did a Chennai Marakkanam trip with this route:
Chrompet-Chengalpet-Madhuranthakam-Thenpakkam-ECR Thiruvanmiyur stretch -Guindy-Chrompet

Man the Madhuranthakam-Thenpakkam route in SH117 is a superb ghat road section with shady trees adorning both sides for 40+ kms. Its reasonably deserted too and roads are 95% well laid. Try it. Unfortunately ECR is a mess with so many take diversions now




And I guess I was really lucky that I ran out of fuel right in front of an IOCL bunk lol. The R3 was so much fun I forgot to plan my refuelling lol. It did 396 kms on 14 ltrs of fuel. It was neither spirited nor a sedate, but a lively riding style.