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YZF-R15 V4 continues to compete with CBR150R |
The Yamaha YZF-R15 V4 has just been launched in Vietnam. The 150cc sportbike segment in Vietnam is still a competition between the big three from Japan, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki.
Power is not the main factor determining the success of a model. Users also consider factors such as style, equipment, and price. The 150cc sportbike segment is no exception.
Yamaha introduced the YZF-R15 as a powerful sportbike, so what else does the YZF-R15 have to offer, especially compared to the Honda CBR150R?
Both have angular designs
Looking from the front, it is difficult to say whether the YZF-R15 or the CBR150R looks more sporty.
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The R15 has a design that is very similar to the Yamaha R7. If you put the new YZF-R15 and the YZF-R7 side by side, it is difficult to tell them apart unless you look at the tires.
The new YZF-R15 has the main headlights hidden in the center air intake, with turn signals on both sides. The CBR150R has symmetrical headlights with integrated DRLs above that act as turn signals.
Meanwhile, the new YZF-R15 still maintains the external turn signal lights and uses halogen bulbs, even fans of the YZF-R15 admit that this detail makes the bike look not really modern.
“Just replacing the current turn signals with small, compact LED lights will make the YZF-R15 look better,” said Mr. Th., a YZF-R15 V3 user.
In contrast to the sharp tail of the CBR150R, the YZF-R15 V4 has two additional air vents. Yamaha says this change helps the bike have better road grip.
The CBR150R has a more street sports look, while the R15 has racing-inspired details, which may be a detail that buyers consider. The turn signals on the R15 are quite inconvenient but easy to replace once owned.
YZF-R15 is more powerful
The “heart” of the YZF-R15 V4 is the 155cc engine with variable valve timing VVA. This engine block produces 19.1 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 14.7 Nm at 8,500 rpm.
The CBR150R is equipped with a 149cc engine, producing 17.1 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 13.7 Nm at 7,000 rpm.
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Looking at the numbers, it is easy to see that the YZF-R15 has the advantage in terms of power compared to the CBR150R, from horsepower to maximum torque. The single-camshaft configuration also helps the YZF-R15 accelerate better than its rival.
Although with a displacement of around 150cc, the difference in horsepower is not very clear, but it seems that Yamaha is more interested in the sporty performance and wants to create a more powerful bike compared to the Honda CBR, which is more focused on durability.
The CBR150R is cheaper and has ABS
Despite not being able to compete in terms of power, the Honda CBR150R still has its highlights to attract customers. The anti-lock braking system ABS is considered an advantage of the CBR150R over the YZF-R15. Of course, not everyone needs ABS, but having this feature helps most users consider it.
The lowest starting price in the segment (71.29 million VND) also gives the CBR150R an advantage compared to both the YZF-R15 (78 million VND) and the GSX-R150 (71.99 million VND). It is highly likely that the actual selling price of the YZF-R15 V4 will be lower than the proposed price to compete more easily against the CBR150R.
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In conclusion, if you are a practical person looking for a 150cc sportbike, the Honda CBR150R is the best choice at the moment in terms of economics. The bike has an affordable price and is equipped with ABS brakes.
The Yamaha YZF-R15 V4 will target customers who love the Yamaha brand and want a powerful and sporty 150cc sportbike.
In addition, the standard version of the R15 is also for those who do not have enough budget to afford the “full” YZF-R15M (86-87 million VND) with more advanced technologies but a higher price by nearly 10 million VND.
