2020 Yamaha Y15ZR vs 2020 Yamaha MT-15
Having a hard time trying to decide whether to go for the 2020 Yamaha Y15ZR (V2) or the recently launched 2020 Yamaha MT-15? Well, we are here to help you out in picking the right bike for you! To keep the comparison fair, we will be using the Malaysian variants of the current 2020 Yamaha Y15ZR (V2) and the 2020 Yamaha MT-15. Unlike the earlier comparison where we put the Yamaha YZF-R15 and MT-15 head to head, this comparison would be a lot more different as these bikes are different in every aspect. Now, let’s get right into the comparison!
Speaking of the bikes, the first generation Yamaha Y15ZR (V1) was launched in Malaysia back in August 2015. Almost 4 years later, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor launched the (ongoing) second-generation facelifted model of the Y15ZR V2 in March 2019.
On the other hand, the naked Yamaha MT-15 was launched in Malaysia together with the bigger Yamaha MT-25 a few months back in Septemeber 2020.
Starting with the design, being a naked motorcycle, the MT-15 features minimalist naked style fairing that falls in line with the rest of the MT range. The Y15ZR sports cub/kapcai, on the other hand, gets a sporty fairing over its backbone frame.
Upfront, the MT-15 features dual-slant LED lights with a centrally mounted LED headlamp unit. While the Y15ZR v2 features a three-piece LED headlamp unit with 3 parts (2 low on the sides and 1 high in the centre).
Moving to the rear, the MT-15 gets a minimalist LED taillamp unit and the Y15ZR makes use of the YZF-R25’s LED taillamp.
In the case of seating, the MT-15 gets a single piece two-up seat while the Y15ZR gets a standard one-piece seat.
The naked MT-15 is built around a delta box frame and features an aluminium swingarm (in Malaysia). On the other hand, the Y15ZR is built around a steel diamond backbone frame and gets a standard box-type swingarm.
As for the wheels and tyres, both the MT-15 and Y15ZR come with 17-inch wheels. The MT-15 features a 110/70 tyre up front and a chunky 140/70 tyre at the rear. The Y15ZR, on the other hand, comes with a 90/80 tyre up front and a 120/70 rear tyre at the rear.
On the Yamaha MT-15, braking is done via a 282mm disc with 2 pot calliper upfront and a 220mm disc with single pot calliper at the rear.
On the other hand, the Y15ZR gets a 245mm disc with single pot calliper up front and a 203mm disc with single pot calliper at the rear.
Moving onto the suspension, just like the R15, the Yamaha MT-15 features a gold anodised inverted front fork and a pre-load adjustable rear mono-shock. Meanwhile, the Y15ZR comes with a standard inverted fork up front and a mono-shock at the rear.
The Yamaha MT-15 is powered by Yamaha latest 155cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, VVA engine. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch, the MT-15 pushes 19hp @ 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 14.7 Nm @ 8,500 rpm. On the other hand, the Yamaha Y15ZR V2 features a 150cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC engine. Mated to a 5-speed gearbox, the Y15ZR V2 makes 15.1hp @ 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 13.8Nm @ 7000rpm. Unlike the MT-15, the ongoing model of the Y15ZR doesn’t come equipped with assist and slipper clutch.
However, the next-generation Yamaha Y15ZR V3 that’s due for launch is expected to feature Yamaha’s 155cc VVA engine and a 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch. So you can expect to find assist/slipper clutch and also see a bump in engine output.
In the case of electronics, both the MT-15 and Y15ZR do not get ABS in Malaysia. On the inside the MT-15 and Y15ZR V2 feature a negative LCD. However, the design of the instrument cluster is different from each other. The MT-15’s instrument cluster is more modern and sleeker compared to the one that’s found on the Y15ZR.
Being a naked street bike, the MT-15 measures 1965mm X 800mm X 1065 mm (L, W, H) while the sports kapcai Y15ZR measures 1960mm X 670mm X 1080mm. As for the seating, the seat height is 780mm on the Y15ZR and 830mm on the MT-15. Stating the obvious, dimension wise the Y15ZR is much more compact compared to the MT-15. The MT-15 weighs 133kg while the Y15ZR weighs 16kg lighter at 117kg. Fuel is carried in a large 10L tank on the MT-15 and a smaller under seat 4.2 L tank on the Y15ZR.
The 2020 Yamaha MT-15 is priced at RM 11,988 in Malaysia and is offered in 2 colours: Yamaha Blue and Ice Fluo.
Meanwhile, the ongoing standard 2020 Yamaha Y15ZR V2 is priced RM8,168 and is offered in 4 colours: Matt Titan, Cyan, Red & Blue.
There is also a limited Y15ZR GP Edition which comes covered in Monster Energy Yamaha’s MotoGP YZR-M1 inspired livery. This model is priced at RM 8,868 in Malaysia.
As mentioned earlier, the Yamaha MT-15 and the Yamaha Y15ZR V2 are completely different. This is because they belong to different classes of bikes. The MT-15 is a naked bike while the Y15ZR is a sports underbone motorcycle so from the design to the mechanical components they pack, they both are completely different. When deciding between these two, it all comes down to what you want and your allocated budget.
In terms of mechanical components, the MT-15 obviously stands out straight out of the box. However, it all comes at a cost. MT-15 priced at RM 11,988 which is RM 3,820 or 46.7% more expensive compared to the Y15ZR. So if you are someone who is planning on getting into the big bike scene and has the funds, the MT-15 is for you. The fresh and new MT-15 is an excellent 155cc naked street bike, whether it’s for urban riding or long highway cruise, the MT-15 can handle it all.
On the other hand, if you want an affordable workhorse which is fun to ride and you have a soft spot for the Ysuku, then the Y15ZR is for you. At the end of the day, the Y15ZR is one of the outstanding sports underbone motorcycle that’s currently available in the market so it wouldn’t fail to make you smile. Besides this, the model also has a cult following in Malaysia and has more aftermarket modification options compared to the newer MT-15 so this might be something you would want to consider.
On a friendly note, if you are considering to buy the Y15ZR and it’s not urgent, we suggest waiting for the next generation Y15ZR VVA V3 which will be launching very soon ( Speculated). Currently, the 3rd generation Y15ZR is undergoing road testing in Malaysia so we speculate the model to be launched somewhere around next year. Similar to the MT-15’s engine, the Yamaha Y15ZR V3 would pack Yamaha’s 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder VVA engine.
Besides this, the 3rd generation of the Y15ZR would also receive MT-15’s and R15’s 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch, so you can expect the Y15ZR V3 to closely fall in line with the MT-15 in the future. The model is also expected to get a facelift and pack an array of modern tech that’s found on the Yamaha NVX. These features include keyless ignition, full LED lighting and an all-new instrument cluster. If you want to more, you can find all the up to date details here.
Own a Yamaha MT-15 or a Yamaha Y15ZR and want to help out fellow riders who are looking for the right fit? We believe a few words regarding your own long term user experience with these bikes would be a great addition. So why wait! Send in your experience with these bikes so that we can include them in this article!
Related:
2021 Yamaha MT-15 pricing details announced for Malaysia – RM 11,988