2011 Yamaha YZF-R15

Yamaha's new YZF-R15 entry-level sports bike was on show at the 2010 Melbourne Motorcycle Expo on the banks of the Yarra River, displaying a fresh new take on the YZF design ethos.

Joining bigger brothers R1 and R6, the LAMS-approved learner-friendly YZF-R15 will arrive in Australia from next February priced at $3999.

Offered in two colour schemes, racing blue or midnight black, the new models will come with a 12-month factory warranty and a liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine.

The 2011 YZF-R15's 149.8cc single-cylinder fuel injected engine features four-valves, a single overhead cam, wet sump lubrication and has a 10.4:1 compression ratio. A forged aluminium piston is in residence within the all-aluminium DiASil cylinder, which ensures improved thermal dynamics along with light weight and better reliability.

Paired to a six-speed manual gearbox, the lightweight bike weighs just 131kg wet and while no power/torque figures are mentioned, it should be a spritely performer. Furthermore, one of the images show the tachometer with a 10,500rpm redline, a promising figure that bodes well for the motorcycle's top end.

Featuring a 12-litre fuel tank, the Yamaha YZF-R15 is almost two metres long (1995mm) and has a seat height of 790mm, should suit a range of different rider heights. The Japanese motorcycle maker also promises its new model has "a comfortable riding position for both pilot and pillion."

The chassis of the new baby YZF is based around a Deltabox frame which optimises "longitudinal, lateral, and torsional rigidity" to ensure "solid riding feel as well as agile riding performance," according to Yamaha's press statement.

At the rear is a linked type Monocross suspension setup, while the front end sees telescopic forks. Single disc brakes at the front and rear take care of deceleration and the tyre size for the new YZF-R15 is 80/90 at the front and 100/80 at the rear, fitted to 17-inch rims.

The fuel tank will take 12 litres of unleaded petrol and Yamaha says the new YZF-R15 "will appeal to riders keen to own a piece of race bred heritage."

2011 YZF-R15 SPECS

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve
Cylinder arrangement: Single cylinder
Displacement: 149 .8cc
Bore & Stroke: 57×58.7mm
Compression ratio: 10.4:1
Starting system: Electric Start
Lubrication: wet sump
Engine oil capacity: 1.0 litres
Fuel tank capacity: 12 litres
Fuel management: Electronic fuel injection
Ignition system: TCI
Clutch type: Constant-mesh wet multi-plate
Transmission type: Return type 6-speedFrame type: Deltabox Frame
Caster / Trail 26° / 100mm
Tyre size: (F/ R) 80/90-17 / 100/80-17
Brake type: (F / R) Hydraulic, single disc (Front / Rear)
Suspension type: (F / R) Telescopic / Linked type MonocrossOverall length x width x height: 1995mm x 670mm x 1070mm
Seat height: 790mm
Wheelbase: 1290mm
Min ground clearance: 160mm
Wet weight: 131kg (includes 12 litres of fuel)

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