Yamaha MT-15 arrived in the Indian market in March 2019. The 155cc streetfighter became a roaring success with over 15,000 units sold within six months of its launch in India. BS6 compliant Yamaha MT-15 was launched in February earlier this year with feature additions. The bike is a naked version of the YZF-R15 sports motorcycle, its introductory price is Rs 1.39 lakh (ex-showroom), India. MT 15 comes with new features like a radial rear tyre, side-stand engine cut-off and a new LED taillight. It is packed with key equipment like ASC (Assist-Slipper clutch), VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) but still lacks USD forks. Interestingly the KTM 125 comes with this feature. Reducing the costs would be one of the factor behind the non-addition of USD forks in Yamaha MT 15.
One bike enthusiast made the attempt to add USD fork on a Yamaha MT-15. Abhinav Bhatt shared on his Instagram about his attempt to add 43mm ‘WP’ USD forks from a second-generation KTM Duke 390 on his friend’s BS4 Yamaha MT15. The entire project of conversion cost his friend Vetrivel Rs 10,000. Tons of improvements were noticed, notably increase in comfort, ease in turning around corners and on high speed. Few negative points could be an increase in weight on the front-side and turning radius.
With the addition of components from a different motorcycle, the headlight assembly was modified. The wheels and engine remained the same as the stock BS4 Yamaha MT-15. The BS4 Yamaha MT-15 is powered by a 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. The bike used to deliver a maximum power output of 19 bhp with 14.7 Nm of peak torque. The powertrain comes mated to a 6-speed transmission. However when compared to new BS6 Yamaha, the BS4 model's performance was slightly better. Thus the BS6 Yamaha MT-15 produces 18.2 bhp of power and 13.9 Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties are carried out by to a 6-speed gearbox. A new paint scheme- Ice Fluo Vermillion is also offered with the motorcycle.