Yamaha MT-15 V2 Review: The Pocket-Sized Streetfighter That Delivers Big Thrills

The Yamaha MT-15 has always been the wild child of the 150cc segment—a bike that looks like it escaped from a bigger displacement category. Now in its second generation (V2), it’s sharper, meaner, and even more irresistible for riders who want performance without the bulk.


First Impressions: Baby MT-09, Big Attitude

Yamaha’s “Dark Side of Japan” design language shines here. The MT-15 V2 looks like a shrunken version of its elder siblings (MT-07, MT-09), with:

✔ Aggressive LED Headlights – Twin LED projectors with DRLs that scream premium
✔ Muscular Fuel Tank Design – Sharp angles and a compact, streetfighter stance
✔ New Color Options – Cyan Blue, Metallic Black, and Ice Fluo (that fluorescent yellow is pure head-turner material)

This isn’t just another commuter bike—it’s a statement on two wheels.


Engine & Performance: R15’s Firepower in a Naked Frame

The MT-15 V2 borrows its 155cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine from the R15 V4, meaning:

  • 18.4 BHP @ 10,000 RPM (one of the most powerful in the segment)
  • 14.1 Nm torque @ 7,500 RPM
  • 6-speed gearbox with slip-and-assist clutch (buttery smooth shifts)

What’s it like to ride?
✅ Rev-happy engine – Loves to be pushed, with a strong mid-range punch
✅ Quick acceleration – 0-60 kmph in under 4 seconds (ridiculously fast for a 150cc)
✅ Top speed – Comfortably cruises at 100-110 kmph (with more in reserve)

It’s not for laid-back riders—this bike demands to be ridden hard.


Handling & Ride: Light, Sharp, and Addictive

  • Deltabox frame (same as R15) – Razor-sharp cornering
  • USD forks & monoshock – Firm setup for aggressive riding (not the plushiest for bad roads)
  • 140 kg kerb weight – Feels like a bicycle in traffic, flickable at will

If you love canyon carving or lane-splitting in city traffic, this is your dream machine.


Features: Almost Premium, But Not Quite

✔ Full LED Lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators)
✔ Digital LCD Dash (gear indicator, shift light, fuel efficiency readout)
✔ Single-Channel ABS (works well, but dual-channel would’ve been better)

Missing?
❌ No Bluetooth Connectivity (the KTM 125 Duke has it)
❌ No Ride Modes or Traction Control (but at this price, expected)


Fuel Efficiency: Not for the Mileage-Conscious

  • City: 35-40 kmpl
  • Highway: 45-50 kmpl (if ridden sanely, which is hard because the bike begs to be revved)

This is a performance bike first, commuter second.


Price: Steep, But Justifiable?

At ₹1.68 – ₹1.72 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s pricier than most 150cc bikes, but you’re paying for:
✅ R15-derived performance
✅ Best-in-class handling
✅ That head-turning MT-series design


Who Should Buy It?

✔ Young riders who want a sporty naked bike without jumping to 200cc+
✔ City riders who crave agility and aggression in traffic
✔ Enthusiasts who appreciate sharp handling over raw power

Who Should Look Elsewhere?
❌ Comfort seekers – The Honda Hornet 2.0 has a plusher ride
❌ Budget buyers – The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is cheaper


Final Verdict: The Most Fun 150cc Bike Money Can Buy

The Yamaha MT-15 V2 isn’t practical, it isn’t cheap, and it isn’t for everyone. But if you want a miniature streetfighter that rides like a dream, nothing in the 150cc segment comes close.

Would you pick this over the KTM 125 Duke or Suzuki Gixxer SF? Let’s argue in the comments! 🔥🏍️

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