Yamaha R15 Receives New Updates And Colourway, But What’s The Catch?

A bike that remains a ‘forbidden fruit’ if you like for UK and US markets, the Yamaha R15 has been upgraded for customers only in the Asian market. The R15 machine is basically the equivalent to the R125 machine available across the UK, Europe and other markets, but due to regulations and the market in Asia the bike’s displacement comes in at 155cc.

For buyers in the UK, Yamaha’s selection of sportbikes starts with the R125 and the slightly more powerful R3. Both are very handy bikes for someone starting out their journey into the world of motorcycling. Then, one of the most famous and successful middleweight bikes in the R6 roars into the fold. Beyond that, we’re talking about some very powerful machines including the R7 and the R1/R1M, which again, are hugely popular bikes, especially for those with a taste for going fast on the track.

But if you’re anything like me and have a keen interest in bikes that aren’t available to us, then here’s what you should know about the new upgraded R15 machine. In terms of tech, this bike comes with a quickshifter as standard, a slipper clutch, traction control and ABS, all of which are standard too. And for the 2025 model, there is more… Yamaha has given the R15 and R15M a built-in smartphone connection, which comes as part of the Yamaha Y-Connect software system. The features that are available as a result of the smartphone connection software include onboard diagnostics, periodic maintenance reminders, ride tracking, and more.

The demand for smaller-output motorcycles across Asia is extremely high, perhaps more than anywhere else in the world. City riding is extremely popular on small sportbikes as is ripping their country roads, so it's no surprise that the R15 has received a wrath of exciting upgrades. A new look in the form of an all-black livery is also available. The styling and technology, like many of Yamaha’s smaller bikes, are modelled after the flagship YZF-R1.

That’s not to say you can’t get your hands on a similar type of bike because the R125 received updates in 2023 which included a pre-wired quickshifter system and a TFT display which allows the rider the option to connect their smartphone and receive calls and text messages. It can also notify a Yamaha dealership of any issues with the bike.

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