2020 Yamaha YZF-R15 Review

When it comes down to what makes a motorcycle fun, it is all about weight and the two wheels. It doesn’t matter what engine size it boasts, but rather how you use it. That is where the new 2020 Yamaha YZF-R15 comes in bouncing off the rev limiter, using all of its 155cc to its maximum potential.

Over the last few years, the YZF-R15 has been a favourite amongst city dwellers for ease of commuting, as well as an alternative to scooter ownership for delivery riders. It is no secret that previous models lacked a decent cruising speed for the Australian market. Our vast population that resides in the outer urban fringes are regular freeway users, who understand a greater cruising speed is a necessity in getting out of trouble on the road.

Previous Yamaha R15 models required the rider to tuck behind the windshield in order to reach a respectable speed. The first two generations of the R15 were not ideal for Australian conditions, but third time around, Yamaha has cottoned on with a winning formula.

Power up

For 2020, the R15 features a variable valve actuation system which, apart from making the bike sound like someone has thrown some gravel into the cylinder, helps give the YZF-R15 a respectable 20% power boost compared to past models.

The new variable valve actuation (VVA) engine is a 155cc single, SOHC, four-valve setup, giving a leaf blower a run for its money with 18hp at 10,000rpm and 14.1Nm at 8500rpm, meaning if you’re a tall bloke like me you really have to ride the YZF-R15 at 100% to get anywhere.

When you get the shifts right on max power or a down shift coming up to a corner, it’s a very rewarding experience and makes the R15 an extremely enjoyable bike to ride. It can sit comfortably on 110km/h, which is more than enough for city freeways and urban streets.

One benefit of a low-power bike like the Yamaha YZF-R15 is learning new ways to ride, as well as getting the most out of the motorcycle, rather than buying the fastest bike on the showroom floor only to tiptoe around it during your ownership.

More than that

The 2020 R15 is not just an updated engine. Yamaha has made an entirely new frame for the R15, with an updated delta shaped swingarm which can now fit a larger 140/70 tyre for added grip at the rear. The intention of the R15 was to be a competitive frame for the Oceania Junior Cup in Australia and many other entry level motorcycle racing series around the world. The R15 would be perfect for anyone looking for a new ride that is a tamer and more cost effective than the YZF-R3.

The 2020 Yamaha YZF-R15 looks angry and aggressive, with its sleek styling made for an aerodynamic advantage. Styling cues are taken from the Yamaha YZF-R1, making the most affordable bike in the R line up look like part of the family. The new central air intake doesn’t just look cooler, but also directs the airflow to the 5.5 litre airbox, bettering it by a 60% increase from last year’s model, impressively improving the motorcycles performance.

While the conventional front fork and rear shock are a bit tense, they perform well combined with the increased front brake disc size of 282mm giving the YZF-R15 rider plenty of confidence when entering and exiting a corner. The triple clamp clip-on bars are great for performance style riding, but when it comes to slow tight turns, which learners will be doing in the early days as well as during the motorcycle licence test, the R15 takes some getting used to. There is much less bar movement when comparing it to other learner bikes opting to use one-piece handlebars for comfort and ease.

The verdict

The Yamaha YZF-R15 was a pleasant surprise with its liveability and performance finally matching and bettering the popular and well-liked Suzuki GSXR125. I really struggled to find a fault with this motorcycle given the $4799 ride away price tag. My only whinge is the lack ABS, which could be an issue for novice riders in the emergency braking situations.

Although the Yamaha YZF-R15 is targeted towards new riders, there is no reason why an experienced rider shouldn’t buy one, especially if you are dreaming of a new career on the race-track or in these uncertain times - delivering Uber Eats.

Specs: 2020 Yamaha YZF-R15

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve single
Capacity: 155cc
Bore x stroke: 58 x 58.7 mm
Compression ratio: 11.6:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 18.4hp (13.7kW) at 10,000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 14.1Nm at 8500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Steel Deltabox
Front suspension: Forks, 130 mm travel
Rear suspension: Monoshock, 97mm travel
Front brakes: 282mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear brakes: 220mm disc with single-piston caliper no ABS
Tyres: 100/80-17 front, 140/70-17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 138kg
Seat height: 815mm
Wheelbase: 1325mm
Fuel capacity: 11 litres
Economy: 2.5lt/100km (estimated)

OTHER STUFF
Price: $4799 Rideaway
Colours: Racing Blue, Thunder Grey
Bike supplied by: Yamaha Australia, www.yamaha-motor.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres