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YZF-R15M has a starting price of 86 million VND. |
Yamaha Vietnam has just launched the 4th generation YZF-R15, notable for the presence of the YZF-R15M version. This is Yamaha’s 2nd model with the M suffix, after the YZF-R1M.
Unlike other models that only differ in terms of stickers or colors, the YZF-R15M has undergone many technological upgrades. The Yamaha YZF-R15M is priced at 86-87 million VND. So, what are the differences that account for the nearly 10 million VND price gap compared to the standard version?
Trade-off technology for price
While the YZF-R15 primarily changes its design language, the YZF-R15M is considered a higher-end version with many new technologies that have never appeared on the YZF-R15 or its competitors like the Honda CBR150R or Suzuki GSX-R150.
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The Yamaha YZF-R15M is equipped with a 2-channel ABS braking system, which is a response to the Honda CBR150R – a model that was officially launched in Vietnam last year. The standard YZF-R15 does not have this feature.
The traction control system is a first-time appearance on a 150 cc sportbike in Vietnam. In reality, this feature serves more for advertising than actual usage.
For a bike with less than 20 horsepower like the YZF-R15, the occurrence of wheelies when twisting the throttle hard is unlikely, even though even in the 150 cc racing segment, this technology is still not equipped.
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The feature that I highly appreciate on the YZF-R15M is the quick-shift system. Although it is a one-way quick-shift, the YZF-R15M is still enough to provide a more exciting riding experience, especially on the racetrack. Yamaha Japan stated that the YZF-R15 can still be equipped with this feature as an official optional add-on.
The engine of the new generation YZF-R15 is still the 155 cc type with Variable Valve Actuation. This engine block produces a power output of 19.1 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 14.7 Nm at 8,500 rpm. The bike uses a 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch.
Not a mass-market bike
In the past, many users have complained that the YZF-R15 lacks new technologies. However, the introduction of the YZF-R15M with its modern equipment but a price of nearly 90 million VND will also make consumers consider it.
Sharing with Zing, Mr. Pham Van Thanh (a YZF-R15 V3 user in Ho Chi Minh City) said: “Technology is an undisputed feature when it comes to the YZF-R15M, but the price of 86 million VND is quite high, so I have to weigh my options before making the purchase”.
“The price above 80 million VND will pose difficulties for the YZF-R15M. Users who choose a 150 cc bike will feel hesitant about the price of the YZF-R15M”, Mr. T. (living in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City) shared.
When compared to its competitors, the YZF-R15M is more expensive than the Honda CBR150R by about 15 million VND and more expensive than the Suzuki GSX-R150 by about 14 million VND. In the 150 cc sportbike segment, a price difference of more than 10 million VND is not insignificant.
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Of course, there is still a certain group of customers who are willing to spend nearly 90 million VND to own the YZF-R15M. They like a bike with many supporting technologies but do not want to choose the 175 cc and above models that require an A2 driver’s license.
The high price of the M version will make many users interested in the standard version. Most people will be interested in the new design of this model, and the cost of adding the quickshifter will also be something users pay attention to.
The price increase of 8 million VND for the standard YZF-R15 compared to the previous generation will make users think twice when choosing between the YZF-R15, CBR150R, and GSX-R150 in the price range of 72-73 million VND.
