A real head turner

NABIN MAHARJAN

KATHMANDU: Riding the brand new version of Yamaha R15 on the streets of Kathmandu and its outskirts, I experienced an extraordinary thrill I had not experienced previously on a two-wheeler. Inspired by Yamaha R1 sports bike, the new R15 acquires more sporty look than its predecessor with lots of cosmetic uplifts along with some performance and handling improvements. With its aggressive yet appealing looks, this bike stands out in the crowd of two-wheelers on the road and proves to be an actual head turner.

When it comes to riding comfort, its flamboyant design ensures an easy riding position and offers a great deal of manoeuvrability. With its impressive pickup, this bike imparts a greater kick if it is ridden on the outskirts of the valley alongside lesser traffic. Compared to the previous model, the new R15 has much more to offer in looks and style. However, the bike is equipped with the same engine (150cc) as the earlier version and

offers same power and torque figures with a mileage of around 40 kmpl. The frame of the new R15 has also been improved for better strength, stability and sturdiness. The new version has adopted new split seats, LED tail light, RR frame structure, mud splash, tyre hugger, exhaust muffler, wider rear tyre, larger rear disk brake, mid cowl, fuel tank design and new alloy wheels, which not only imparts stylish looks to the bike but also ensures pleasant riding experience.

The seat of the new version is split into the front and the rear seat, which makes the new R15 much more sporty and attractive, besides adding a distinct excitement to the thrill of riding solo. Moreover, the rear tyre is 130/70 R17, up from 100/80 R17 and front tyre is 90/80 R17, differing from the existent 80/90 R17, which helps to give the new R15 better control and stab-ility. Meanwhile, larger disk brakes ensure better braking efficiency, lower stopping distance, and improved safety.

A word of caution, though — the bike is chiefly designed for solo riding, and seating a pillion rider may not impart total thrill of riding it. Overall, this sporty bike is not merely visually appealing but also fulfills the need and desire of many, if not all, bike enthusiasts.

(The writer is the managing director of Byang Ganesh Brick Industry, Machhegaun. He is a bike enthusiast and has a decade long experience of riding bikes from different segments.)