July 27, 2025 – The Yamaha R15S continues to ignite the passion of India’s young riders, solidifying its place as the most accessible supersport bike in Yamaha’s iconic R-series lineup. Priced at ₹1.68 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the R15S remains the budget-friendly sibling to the Yamaha R15 V4, offering a single-piece seat for pillion comfort and a 155cc liquid-cooled engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) for thrilling performance. With 10,000 units sold in June 2025 and a 4.4/5 rating from over 1,100 user reviews on BikeDekho, the R15S blends track-inspired DNA with everyday practicality, making it a favorite among students, enthusiasts, and urban commuters. Here’s why the 2025 Yamaha R15S is stealing the spotlight in India’s 150cc sports bike segment.
A Supersport with Street Smarts
Introduced in November 2021 as a pillion-friendly variant of the R15 V3, the 2025 Yamaha R15S retains its aggressive supersport styling, inspired by the flagship Yamaha R1. Its split LED headlights, aerodynamic fairings, and muscular tank design give it a big-bike presence, despite its 155cc heart. Available in Racing Blue and Matte Black, the R15S sports a simpler, more practical design compared to the R15 V4, with a single-piece step-up seat that enhances comfort for both rider and pillion. X users rave about its “head-turning looks” and “throaty exhaust note,” with one calling it “the perfect first bike for aspiring racers.”
The R15S is built on Yamaha’s race-proven Deltabox frame, paired with a telescopic front fork and linked-type monocross rear suspension, delivering agile handling for city streets and twisty roads. Its 170 mm ground clearance and 142 kg kerb weight ensure stability, though some riders note the firm suspension can feel stiff on potholed roads. With a top speed of 136 kmph and user-reported mileage of 47 kmpl, the R15S strikes a balance between performance and economy, ideal for daily commutes and weekend rides.
Power and Performance
At the core of the R15S is a 155cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-valve engine with VVA, producing 18.1 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 14.2 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox and assist-and-slipper clutch, it offers smooth gear shifts and prevents rear-wheel lockup during aggressive downshifts. The BS6 Phase 2 and OBD-II compliant engine ensures low emissions and real-time diagnostics, enhancing reliability. X posts highlight the VVA’s “dual nature,” delivering low-end grunt for city riding and a high-rpm surge for spirited runs, with one user stating, “The VVA kick at 7,400 rpm is pure adrenaline!”
Braking is handled by a 282 mm front disc and 220 mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS, ensuring confident stops. The 100/80-17 front and 140/70-17 rear tubeless tires, mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels, provide excellent grip, with optional Metzeler tires for enhanced traction. However, some owners report issues with battery and radiator fan durability, recommending regular check-ups at Yamaha’s 1,200+ service centers.
Features for the Modern Rider
The 2025 R15S keeps things simple yet functional. Its negative-LCD instrument cluster displays speed, tachometer, gear position, average fuel economy, and a personalized “Hi Buddy” greeting, though it lacks the smartphone connectivity and traction control of the R15 V4. Safety features include dual-channel ABS, side-stand engine cut-off, and E20 fuel compatibility. The LED headlights and taillight enhance visibility, but bulb-type indicators and a slightly dim headlight draw minor criticism. Yamaha’s 10-year warranty (2 years standard + 8 years extended) and 5-year roadside assistance (₹975 add-on) add value, with maintenance costs averaging ₹6,000/year.
Priced at ₹1.68 lakh, the R15S is ₹16,800 cheaper than the R15 V4 (₹1.85 lakh), making it a compelling choice in the 150-200cc segment. Launch offers include 8.5% EMI financing and a 36-day waiting period in major cities like Delhi and Bangalore. Competitors like the Suzuki Gixxer SF 150 (₹1.46 lakh) and Hero Karizma XMR 210 (₹1.81 lakh) challenge its value, but the R15S’s sporty dynamics and Yamaha reliability keep it ahead.
Specifications Table: Yamaha R15S (2025)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi) | ₹1,68,355 |
| Engine | 155cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve, BS6 Phase 2, VVA |
| Power | 18.1 bhp @ 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 14.2 Nm @ 7,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, assist-and-slipper clutch |
| Mileage | 47 kmpl (user-reported), 40 kmpl (ARAI-claimed) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11 liters |
| Frame | Deltabox frame |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic fork, Rear: Linked-type monocross |
| Brakes | Front: 282 mm disc, Rear: 220 mm disc, dual-channel ABS |
| Tires | Front: 100/80-17, Rear: 140/70-17 (tubeless, optional Metzeler) |
| Wheels | 17-inch alloy wheels |
| Kerb Weight | 142 kg |
| Dimensions | Length: 1,990 mm, Width: 725 mm, Height: 1,135 mm, Wheelbase: 1,325 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm |
| Seat Height | 815 mm |
| Key Features | Negative-LCD console, LED headlights/taillight, side-stand cut-off, E20 fuel compatible, dual horns |
| Safety | Dual-channel ABS, engine kill switch, AHO (Automatic Headlight On) |
| Colors | Racing Blue, Matte Black |
| Warranty | 2 years standard + 8 years extended (10 years total) |
| Availability | Yamaha dealerships nationwide, July 2025 |
Why the R15S Stands Out
The 2025 Yamaha R15S is a masterclass in balancing sporty performance with everyday usability. Its VVA-equipped engine, lightweight chassis, and pillion-friendly seat make it ideal for young riders seeking thrill without sacrificing practicality. While it misses premium features like a quick-shifter or TFT display, its affordable price and low running costs (₹2/km on petrol) make it a value-driven choice. With 10,000 units sold last month, the R15S outpaces rivals like the KTM Duke 200 (4,000 units), proving its dominance in the entry-level supersport segment.