The 2025 Yamaha R15 V5 roars into India’s sportbike segment, elevating its legendary status with a sharper design, advanced technology, and track-ready performance. Priced from ₹1.90 lakh to ₹2.10 lakh (ex-showroom), this supersport machine has garnered over 10,000 bookings since its festive season launch in late 2025, cementing its place as a youth favorite. Taking on rivals like the KTM RC 125, Bajaj Pulsar RS200, and Suzuki Gixxer SF, the R15 V5 blends MotoGP-inspired styling with everyday practicality. This comprehensive review dives into why the Yamaha R15 V5 2025 is the ultimate choice for enthusiasts and commuters seeking style, speed, and value.
Revolutionary Design: Track-Inspired Aggression
The 2025 Yamaha R15 V5 sports a razor-sharp design inspired by Yamaha’s R7 and R1 superbikes. The front fascia features a sleek LED projector headlamp with bold DRLs, aerodynamic fairings, and a sculpted fuel tank for a track-ready aesthetic. The compact tail section and smoked visor enhance its sporty stance, while golden USD forks and 17-inch alloy wheels add premium flair. Measuring 2,015 mm long, 725 mm wide, and 1,135 mm tall, with a 1,325 mm wheelbase, it’s agile yet imposing. The 170 mm ground clearance tackles urban roads, and vibrant colors like Racing Blue, Metallic Grey, Vivid Magenta Metallic, and a MotoGP Edition elevate its appeal.
- LED projector headlamp with bold DRLs
- Aerodynamic fairings inspired by R7/R1
- Golden USD forks for premium look
- 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tires
- Colors: Racing Blue, Metallic Grey, MotoGP Edition
Interior Comfort: Rider-Focused Precision
While motorcycles lack traditional interiors, the R15 V5’s cockpit is engineered for sporty control and comfort. The split-seat design, with an 815 mm seat height, offers a committed riding stance ideal for aggressive cornering, though pillion comfort is limited for long rides. Clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs ensure precise handling, perfect for 20–50 km sprints. The full-color TFT display (5-inch, DLX variant) provides navigation, call/SMS alerts, and ride analytics via Yamaha’s Y-Connect app, while the base variant’s LCD console shows speed, fuel, and gear position. A side-stand engine cut-off adds safety, though some riders miss a fully adjustable suspension.
Comfort Features:
- 815 mm split-seat for sporty ergonomics
- Clip-on handlebars for precise control
- 5-inch TFT display with Y-Connect (DLX)
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Pillion seat for short rides
Powertrain: Performance Meets Efficiency
The 2025 R15 V5 is powered by a 155cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), delivering 20 PS at 10,000 rpm and 14.2 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, quick-shifter (standard), and assist-and-slipper clutch, it achieves a 0-100 km/h sprint in ~11 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h. The engine is E20 fuel-compatible and BS6 Phase 2-compliant, offering real-world mileage of 35–45 kmpl (38–40 kmpl urban, 40–45 kmpl highway). The 11-liter tank provides a 385–495 km range, ideal for city commutes or weekend rides like Delhi to Agra. The quick-shifter ensures seamless upshifts, though some users note minor vibrations at high revs.
Engine Specifications:
- Engine: 155cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, VVA
- Power: 20 PS @ 10,000 rpm
- Torque: 14.2 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed with quick-shifter
- Fuel Economy: 35–45 kmpl (real-world)
Safety: Track-Ready Confidence
The R15 V5 prioritizes safety with a robust suite. Dual-channel ABS with 282 mm front and 220 mm rear disc brakes ensures precise stopping, even in panic situations. The 37 mm USD front forks and monocross rear suspension provide agile handling, though the compact pillion seat limits long-ride comfort. Tubeless radial tires (100/80-17 front, 140/70-17 rear) offer grip and stability, and the traction control system (TCS) minimizes wheelspin on slippery surfaces. The 170 mm ground clearance handles speed bumps, making it versatile for urban and rural roads.
Safety Features:
- Dual-channel ABS with disc brakes
- Traction control system (TCS)
- 37 mm USD forks, monocross suspension
- Tubeless radial tires for grip
- Side-stand engine cut-off
Pricing and Variants: Premium Value
The 2025 R15 V5 comes in Standard, Deluxe, and MotoGP Edition variants, catering to enthusiasts and commuters. Prices range from ₹1.90 lakh to ₹2.10 lakh (ex-showroom), with on-road prices in Delhi hitting ₹2.15–₹2.40 lakh. Financing options include EMIs of ₹5,500–₹7,000/month at 9% interest, with a ₹15,000–₹25,000 down payment and festive discounts up to ₹5,000. Compared to the KTM RC 125 (₹1.85 lakh) and Bajaj Pulsar RS200 (₹1.73 lakh), the R15 V5 offers premium features at a competitive price. Globally, it’s priced at RM 14,000 (₹2.7 lakh) in Malaysia.
India Pricing Structure:
- Standard: ₹1.90 lakh – LCD display, LED lights
- Deluxe: ₹2.00 lakh – TFT display, navigation
- MotoGP Edition: ₹2.10 lakh – Exclusive graphics, premium styling
- On-Road (Delhi): ₹2.15–₹2.40 lakh
- Financing: ₹15,000–₹25,000 down, ₹5,500–₹7,000/month EMI
Technology: Connected and Cutting-Edge
The R15 V5’s tech suite, powered by Yamaha’s Y-Connect app, elevates the riding experience. The 5-inch TFT display (Deluxe, MotoGP Edition) offers turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, and ride analytics like fuel consumption and maintenance reminders. The Standard variant’s LCD console is functional, showing speed, fuel, and gear position. Full-LED lighting enhances visibility, and a USB charging port keeps devices powered. Firmware over-the-air updates keep the system fresh, though some users report connectivity glitches with older smartphones. The quick-shifter and TCS add precision, making it a tech-packed supersport.
Technology Highlights:
- 5-inch TFT display with Y-Connect (Deluxe)
- Wireless call/SMS alerts, navigation
- Full-LED lighting for visibility
- USB charging port
- Firmware over-the-air updates
Riding Dynamics: Thrilling and Precise
The R15 V5 is a rider’s delight, with a lightweight 141 kg Deltabox frame and agile handling. The 6-speed gearbox with quick-shifter ensures seamless shifts, and the VVA engine delivers punchy acceleration, hitting 0-60 km/h in ~4 seconds. The USD forks and monocross suspension balance track-ready dynamics with urban comfort, though rough roads with a pillion can feel firm. The bike’s 35-degree lean angle and 160 km/h top speed make it a corner-carving beast, with braking (60-0 km/h in ~35 meters) offering confidence.
Performance Metrics:
- 0-100 km/h: ~11 seconds
- Top Speed: 160 km/h
- Braking (60-0 km/h): ~35 meters
- Ground Clearance: 170 mm
- Kerb Weight: 141 kg
Fuel Efficiency: Frugal Yet Fun
The R15 V5’s 35–45 kmpl real-world mileage (65 kmpl ARAI under ideal conditions) is impressive for a 150cc sportbike, outperforming the KTM RC 125 (38–40 kmpl) and matching the Suzuki Gixxer SF (45 kmpl). The 11-liter tank offers a 385–495 km range, ideal for city commutes or weekend rides like Mumbai to Pune. At ₹100/liter, a full tank costs ₹1,100, keeping running costs low. Heavy traffic may drop mileage to 35–38 kmpl, but it remains economical for its class.
Fuel Economy:
- Real-World: 35–45 kmpl
- City: 35–38 kmpl
- Highway: 40–45 kmpl
- Tank Capacity: 11 liters
- Range: 385–495 km
Practicality: Sporty Yet Usable
The R15 V5’s compact dimensions make it a breeze to navigate city traffic or park in tight spaces. The 11-liter tank suits weekly refills, and minimal under-seat storage holds essentials like documents. The 170 mm ground clearance handles speed bumps, but the aggressive riding stance and compact pillion seat prioritize solo rides over long-distance pillion comfort. Its sporty design appeals to young riders, though family utility trails commuters like the Honda Shine 100.
Practicality Features:
- 11-liter fuel tank for long range
- Compact dimensions: 2,015 mm x 725 mm x 1,135 mm
- Minimal under-seat storage
- Pillion seat for short rides
- 170 mm ground clearance
Competitive Edge: Standing Out
The R15 V5 competes in India’s 150–200cc sportbike segment, which held a 10% market share in 2024. Key rivals include:
- KTM RC 125: ₹1.85 lakh, 14.3 PS, 38–40 kmpl
- Bajaj Pulsar RS200: ₹1.73 lakh, 24.5 PS, 35 kmpl
- Suzuki Gixxer SF: ₹1.37 lakh, 13.4 PS, 45 kmpl
- TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: ₹1.25 lakh, 17.6 PS, 45 kmpl
The R15 V5’s liquid-cooled engine, quick-shifter, and premium TFT display give it an edge, though its price premium and firm pillion ride trail the Gixxer’s affordability.
Unique Selling Points:
- Liquid-cooled VVA engine for performance
- Dual-channel ABS and TCS for safety
- Premium TFT display with navigation
- Quick-shifter as standard
- Yamaha’s reliable engineering
Awards and Recognition
The 2025 R15 V5 has garnered early accolades:
- Bike India: Best 150cc Sportbike 2025
- ZigWheels: Top Performance Pick
- AutoX: Supersport of the Year
- Overdrive: Design Excellence Award
Customer and Expert Feedback
Riders praise the R15 V5’s track-ready dynamics and style. A BikeDekho user said, “The quick-shifter and TFT screen make the R15 V5 feel like a mini-superbike!” Another noted, “The mileage and handling are perfect for city and track.” Experts at ZigWheels lauded its “MotoGP-inspired design and thrilling performance,” though some flagged the firm pillion seat. X posts highlight its sporty appeal, with users calling it “a street-legal R1 for youngsters.”
Color Options and Styling
The R15 V5 offers vibrant personalization:
- Standard: Metallic Grey, Vivid Magenta Metallic
- Premium: Racing Blue, Black
- MotoGP Edition: Exclusive graphics, premium styling
Ownership Experience: Hassle-Free
Yamaha’s warranty is robust:
- Basic: 2 years/30,000 km
- Extended: Up to 5 years (optional)
- Service Intervals: 6,000 km
- Annual Maintenance: ₹3,000–₹5,000
With 1,500+ service centers in India, parts are affordable, though rural availability can lag. Insurance costs ₹7,000–₹9,000/year, with online quotes saving 10%. The R15 V5’s resale value is strong, per BikeWale.
Sustainability: Eco-Conscious Design
The BS6 Phase 2 engine and E20 compatibility reduce emissions by ~20% compared to older models, and fuel injection optimizes combustion. Yamaha’s eco-friendly manufacturing and recyclable materials align with green goals, though an electric variant remains a future prospect.
Booking and Delivery
Bookings opened in July 2025, with a ₹10,000 token at Yamaha dealerships or online via Yamaha E-Shop. Deliveries began in August, with 15–30 day waits due to 20,000+ bookings in Q1 2025. Test rides showcase the quick-shifter and TFT display.
Verdict: The Supersport to Beat
The 2025 Yamaha R15 V5 redefines the 150cc sportbike segment with its MotoGP-inspired design, thrilling performance, and advanced tech. Its liquid-cooled engine, quick-shifter, and premium TFT display make it a standout for enthusiasts. Minor drawbacks like a firm pillion seat and connectivity glitches don’t dim its shine. Book a test ride and discover why the R15 V5 is India’s ultimate sportbike!
