The sales and production of the bike tumbled into the double digits last month, which suggest an update is on the horizon
The January 2022 sales report saw a steady YoY dip for most two-wheelers, courtesy of the pandemic. However, when looking at it closely, one motorcycle caught our eyes – the Yamaha MT-15.
Why, you ask? Well, because ONLY 80 units were produced by Yamaha, out of which a meek 17 units were sold. And such low production is a clear sign that Yamaha is planning to update the MT-15 soon with new components. Not to forget, there were numerous rumours (even by official sources) in the recent past suggesting the same. Let’s dive into the details.
What Went Wrong?
All these updates will make the bike more expensive, probably by around Rs 10,000
Even with no updates, the bike's price has risen steadily over the years
The Yamaha MT-15 is a popular motorcycle in India. First launched in 2019, it offered a great blend of power, features, and a good riding experience, thanks to its low kerb weight and small proportions.
And it makes sense as the bike hasn’t seen any major updates since its first launch in 2019
However, since 2019, Yamaha hasn’t really updated it (except for new colours) and the bike has lost its charm, especially after its rivals like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the 200 4V have set new benchmarks in the segment.
Plus, even with no major updates, the prices have risen steadily, which makes matters worse for the product.
2022 Yamaha MT-15 – What’s Expected?
For 2022, the MT-15 will get a new LCD instrument cluster borrowed from the R15 V4
So what’s on the charts for the 2022 MT-15? Well, quite a lot, actually.
The biggest update for the 2022 MT-15 will be a new instrument cluster, the same unit as the R15 V4, which was revealed in leaked type-approval documents filed by the company last month.
The fully digital instrument cluster on the R15 V4 comes laden with smartphone connectivity and displays phone notifications. Along with this, all necessary information like gear position, fuel efficiency, average speed, and shift lights are also available.
Another thing the updated MT-15 will probably borrow from the R15 V4 is the USD fork. To job your memory, the international variant of the MT-15 already gets golden USD forks and with Yamaha bringing similar KYB units here for the R15 V4, it’d be fairly easy to do the same with the MT-15.
Likewise, dual-channel ABS will also be introduced for the MT-15, which is a must nowadays.
Apart from these, the bike could also borrow the quick shifter from the Yamaha R15 V4. Now, we’re just speculating in this case, but if it happens, it’ll surely give the MT-15 a much-needed edge over its rivals.
No updates are expected to the 155cc, single-cylinder engine, though
Meanwhile, the bike will carry forward its 155cc, single-cylinder motor putting out 18.5PS and 13.9Nm. The motor comes equipped with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) and a slip-and-assist clutch.
Similarly, the design too will remain more or less unchanged. Yamaha could, however, throw in a handful of new colours to enhance the package.
2022 Yamaha MT-15 Price
For a more detailed breakdown, swipe up and read our full story.
Nothing comes free in this world and these updates won’t either. Owing to the extra components, we expect Yamaha to hike the prices of MT-15 by around Rs 10,000.
For reference, the Yamaha MT-15 currently starts from Rs 1,46,900 (ex-showroom Delhi).
Keyword: 2022 Yamaha MT-15 Incoming - Here’s What You Can Expect From It