Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 – Launch Report : BikeAdvice

Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 – Launch Report
Yamaha R15 V2 – Photos from the Launch
Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 2.0 Preview
Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 Price, Features, Colors and Specifications
Getting Ready for the Launch of Yamaha R15 Version 2.0

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 11:46 AM PDT

Original Source: Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 – Launch Report from BikeAdvice.in

Market Research plays a vital role before launching any new product. Way back in the year 2008, when Yamaha decided to launch its YZF – R15, the general perception of the people was that who would pay more than a lakh of Rupees for a bike with a mere 150 cc engine. But, Yamaha flipped the market towards them with the coming up of this beast. The bike had swept the entire segment that year with 4 of the most prestigious awards given for bikes.

That was a small flashback to tell you how the bike came into the sub-continent initially. Today was an important day, not only for the company, but also for all bikers, for it was they who have been waiting for about 6 months to get to know what the Yamaha YZF – R15 Version 2.0 is actually capable of and in what way it is gonna be different from its previous model.

The entire launch ceremony happened in the Le Meridian Hotel in the capital city. It started by 11.30 in the morning. The grand ceremony was preceded by Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & Managing Director, India Yamaha Motor and Mr. Roy Kurien, National Business Head of IYM.

Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki first addressed the gathering. He said, "The industry demand has rose to 6.2 Mn units, up by 18 per cent from the previous year. We expect around 17 Mn units. This steady growth demand should continue till 2012." He then added, "Yamaha India Motor had sold 150,000 units the domestic market during the first half. This is 14 per cent more sales than the previous year."

"In the 150 cc segment, which is our focus area, our sales have doubled", he said. He also spoke a few words about the other models from Yamaha's stable as well. "Last year, we introduced SZ-X to meet our growing demand in the commuter segment. Earlier this year, SZ-X got six awards from various media. Our SZ-X is enjoying brisk sales. In addition, our popular FZ series got minor changes this year. This model also continues o maintain high sales."

He also me mentioned a few words about the R15 in his short speech. About this bike, he said, "R15 has evolved its racing DNA, in inheriting its racing DNA of super sports from the R1 model. This model has become more attractive with newly designed sporty, stylish features such as a long aluminum swing arm, wider front and rear tires, split seat, LED taillights and new-design middle cowl & tail cowl."

"We are confident that our customers will have exciting experience… With Daytona racing parts, R15 one make race will be much more enjoyable racing experience. "

He also spoke about strengthening the dealer network of Yamaha. "We are strengthening our dealer network across the country. In particular, we'll expand our dealer network with a focus on 3S – Sales, Service and Spare parts. We are striving to build a high quality dealer network in the near future, so that our customers can say 'Yes Yamaha'."

Finally, before ending up his speech, he mentioned a few words about Yamaha's other activities. "Safety riding education is provided for elementary school students and for the college students too. Through Yamaha Safe Riding Program in co-operation with Yamaha dealers and local schools and colleges. We provide safe motorbike riding experience and contribute for an accident free environment. "

Finally Mr. Suzuki said, "We are committed to provide the value of Yamaha brand under the slogan 'Yes Yamaha'."

Then came Mr. Roy Kurien, National Business Head of India Yamaha Motor to the stage. He said, "Yamaha was re-born in India in the year 2008 with the revolutionary YZF – R15 sport bike."

The year 2009 saw the launch of FZ series of street bikes which is a major success for the company in the 150 cc segment in India. In the year 2010, the company decided to capitalize on the commuter segment with the launch of SZ series of bikes which made the company closer to the families than from the youth and individuals. 2011, the performance and consistency of the company went up manifold.

It was interesting to hear him talking about YBS, which stands for Yamaha Bike Stations. These are world class showrooms designed specifically to cater the Yamaha users and customers in all possible means related to their bikes.

Soon after this, three guys in full racing kit rode the bike to the stage. There were all the 3 colours brought to the stage amongst much fanfare. I'll bring the review and the detailed styling factor of this bike in a separate write-up. The photographers thronged around the bike to click pics of it and then the stage was opened for Q&A session. Just before this, he declared the price of this machine which was 1.07 lakh (Ex – Showroom, Delhi).

When asked about, "In how many showrooms will this bike be initially available?" Mr. Roy answered, "This is a nationwide launch and would be made available in across all the 400 dealerships and the sub dealerships in a parallel fashion."

For a question which was asked about the fuel economy of the bike, he replied, "Expect an economy of around 45 kmpl on road."

Then I asked them, "We've been hearing too much about Yamaha's plans to foray into the scooter segment. When is that gonna happen?" The reply from their side was, "We'll be launching the scooters next year. Our new vicion is to come up with a new model for this segment."

There was also a question regarding the necessity for the R15 V2.0 while the old existing one is itself a big success. Mr. Roy answered, "Based on the customer feedback and requirements, the new R15 V2.0 is launched."

This is exactly what happened in the launching ceremony of the much anticipated Yamaha YZF – R15 Version 2.0. As I'd mentioned above, I'll come up with a separate write up about the new version of the existing bike. Hope you enjoyed this. Didn’t you?

Regards,
M.Naren.
Author – BikeAdvice.in

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Yamaha R15 V2 – Photos from the Launch

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 01:59 AM PDT

Original Source: Yamaha R15 V2 – Photos from the Launch from BikeAdvice.in

Here are some photos of Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 from the launch event.

Photos by our author Naren and reader Aditya Chatterjee

For more high resolution photos visit our Picasa Web Album or Facebook Fan Page

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Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 2.0 Preview

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 12:48 AM PDT

Original Source: Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 2.0 Preview from BikeAdvice.in

Cementing its foothold in the premium segment, India Yamaha Motor today launched the YZF-R15 version 2.0 – a 150cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke fuel injected bike. The YZF-R15 version 2.0 is a new model that has been developed under the concept of a "Graded Up R15." While maintaining the proven ease of handling of the existing R15, the R15 version 2.0 boasts of spruced up looks and better performance in circuit riding.

The design elements are borrowed from the supersport model YZF-R1 that is adapted from YZR-M1 MotoGP race machine. The new bike is priced at Rs. 1,07,000 (Ex-showroom, Delhi) and will be available in Racing Blue, Midnight Black & Sunset Red colors.

The R15 version 2.0 has undergone changes as compared to the present YZF-R15 in the specs of the Engine Control unit (ECU), drivetrain unit, a long aluminum swing arm, wider front and rear tires (radial tire for the rear), split seat, LED taillights and new-design middle cowl & tail cowl.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & Managing Director, India Yamaha Motor, said, "Having witnessed the tremendous fan following received by the existing YZF-R15, we are very excited about the launch of the YZF-R15 version 2.0 which promises to deliver greater performance and enhanced features. Seeing the trend, the market for premium bikes in India offers immense scope as this segment consists of people who are looking for performance characteristics."

"The YZF-R15 version 2.0 is an upgraded version of our flagship bike YZF-R15 and is designed keeping in mind the comfort as well as the thrill of a sports ride. The YZF-R15 has been continuously gaining ranks in the hotly contested premium segment since its launch 3 years ago and we are sure to repeat the same feat for the new version too. With the festive season round the corner, we expect the new model to be an instant hit amongst biking enthusiasts", he added.

Based on the "Graded Up R15" concept, the development focused on the two main areas of body styling and sporty performance, and an array of optimum features were adopted throughout the machine to make sure that customers enjoy the thrill of a refined and impressive body styling in the supersport image with the newly designed middle cowl, tail cowl, split seat, LED taillights, new exhaust pipe & silencer specs. The newly designed middle cowl features improved aerodynamic performance at higher speeds – the aerodynamic resistance value is 4% better than that of the existing YZF-R15.

The R15 version 2.0 also sports the first aluminum swing arm in the 150cc segment in the Indian market and has a truss structure that enables greater rigidity while improving handling in the turns. The new seat design enables a better feeling of seat grip in sporty riding. Also, "low front, high tail" design enables a riding posture that is well suited to both sporty riding and everyday riding around town.

The new ECU control and drivetrain unit specs ensure that riders enjoy improved off-the-line acceleration and high speed performance. The silencer protector has also been newly designed in a way that adds cadence to overall styling. It adopts a carbon-look pattern on the surface as well as a model nameplate to add to the high-performance image and the feeling of quality.

To improve the feeling of clutch operation, a more rigid clutch axle shaft than the existing type has been adopted. Furthermore, the pulley that serves as a medium between the throttle wire and throttle valve has been changed to a perfect circular type to improve the linearity of the throttle action and thereby achieve better response. The wider 130mm radial rear tire and 90 mm front tire impart reduced roll resistance, high-speed cornering stability and improved handling performance. A larger 220mm diameter rear disc brake has been adopted to achieve a better balance with the new rear tire size and ensure good braking power.

Another interesting aspect of the bike is the mud guard and sari guard attached to the swing arm which enhances the exterior design product value. The new design of 5-spoke cast wheels achieves the necessary strength balance while creating a sense of lightness at the same time.

Source: Yamaha India

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Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 Price, Features, Colors and Specifications

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 11:27 PM PDT

Original Source: Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 Price, Features, Colors and Specifications from BikeAdvice.in

Yamaha R15 2.0′s details are out! Here are the take away points…

The bike is priced at Rs.1,07,000 Ex-Showroom Delhi
There is no major change in specifications compared to the old R15.
R15 2.0 is available in 3 dazzling colours namely Racing Blue, Sunset Red and Midnight Black

The bike features an aluminum swing arm for improved rear traction.
R15 V2 is the first 150cc in India featuring aluminum swing arm.
Split seats and LED tail lights. The seats are slip resistant and well cushioned. The new R15 has wider rear tyres than the old one. Has better grip and stability on the roads.

Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 Specifications

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Getting Ready for the Launch of Yamaha R15 Version 2.0

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 10:32 PM PDT

Original Source: Getting Ready for the Launch of Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 from BikeAdvice.in

It is 11 AM now. R15 Version 2.0 launch event will start in another 30 minutes. Our author Naren is in the launch place now and he says that everyone is very busy preparing for the launch. Here are some photos he sent us.