Drawing on 10 years of YZF series development
Introducing the Yamaha YZF-R15, a supersport model for India
To be displayed in the 9th Auto Expo - 2008
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces the debut of the new YZF-R15, a new supersport model mounting a newly designed 150cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC single-cylinder, 4-valve fuel-injected engine on a Deltabox frame. It will be displayed for the first time at 9th Auto Expo 2008 (Organizer: Confederation of Indian Industry; Venue: Pragati Maidan) in New Delhi from January 10 (Thursday.) to 17 (Thursday.).
Packed full of state-of-the-art technologies, the new YZF-R15 boasts performance worthy of a supersport model and a body design that evokes the image of the YZF-R series and gives visual expression to the quality of its ride. It is truly an embodiment of Yamahas desire to bring customers a model to help them Enjoy riding.
In Yamahas new medium term (3-year) management plan that begins this year and runs through 2010, rebuilding the Yamaha motorcycle business in India has been designated as one of top priorities.
The new YZF-R15 now being unveiled is an example of the objective of introducing attractive new products called for in Yamahas high value-added marketing strategy for India business, and plans call for it to be released on the market in the middle of this year.
Yamaha YZF-R15
Market background and product summary
Motorcycle demand in India has grown steadily about 8 million units. This makes it the second largest market in the world. Based on the countrys demographics and progress in development of the road system, it is expected that stable growth will continue from now on. Most of the demand (about 80%) is in the 100cc to 200cc motorcycle category, and a large part of the remainder is in the 125cc and under scooter category.
The motorcycle demand in India is driven mainly by young people in their 20s and there is an increasing trend toward European style tastes as seen in the preference for luxury products and stepping up to higher quality goods, which is reflected in growing demand in the trade-in market. Also, among the users in their 20s there is a group that say their dream bike is a 1000cc supersport model, indicating a growing interest in sport bikes.
The new YZF-R15 makes full use of the MotoGP race experience and YZF-R series supersport bike development technology and know-how acquired by Yamaha Motor over the years to create a 150cc supersport bike that offers users to truly Enjoy riding in a full range of situations, from around-town riding to touring on winding roads and even aggressive riding on the circuit.
A development concept was to build a new 150cc supersport that is the first model for the Indian market designed in the true supersport image and featuring a high-level balance of enjoyable running performance on winding roads, enjoyable performance and riding comfort with a tandem passenger and agile handling through crowded city traffic. The body has been designed to show at a glance that this is a R series bike and to give visual expression to technology feedback from the 10 years of YZF-R series development since the series debut in 1998. In this way, it is a direct expression of Yamahas motorcycle development ideal of Exciting Performance & Stylish Design in the 150cc class.
Main Features
(1) A newly developed 150cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder fuel-injected engine
(2) An all-aluminum DiASil Cylinder produced by an exclusive Yamaha casting technology
(3) Eco-friendly performance that clears the next-phase Bharat 4 emissions standard
(4) The Deltabox frame known for excellent rigidity balance
(5) Impressive 2-eye multi-reflector headlight design in the YZF-R series image
http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/news/2008/01/10/yzf-r15.html
This time Yamaha did show some of the Best Machines that we can see in the Auto Expo 2008.
The latest was a concept bike names Yamaha FZ-150 ". This one is a "Prototype" which Yamaha India has conjured up by taking the DNA of the 1000 C.C FZ1.
Check Them out.
This one is a "Prototype" which Yamaha India has conjured up by taking the DNA of the 1000 C.C FZ1...
The FZ-150 "Prototype" shown in the Auto Expo 2008 has a 150 cc engine, carburettor (instead of fuel injection), fat rear tyres (about as big as Pulsar 200/220 rear tyres), air cooled engine (not liquid cooled like the YZF-R15), 5 speed gearbox (insted of a 6 speed one on the YZF-R15) and also the FZ-150 doesn't have the "delta" frame of the YZF-R15.
The FZ-150 would look stunning even without that leggie "firangi" model on it. I don't see a reason as to why Yamaha India shouldn't launch it. The FZ-150 easily will easily overshadow the Pulsar, Apache RTR, CBZ Xtreme or the Hunk in the looks department.
And if performance if the name of the game, then the YZF-R15 should take care of it.
On inquiring about when can we expect the FZ 150 to appear in the market, the Yamaha Officials at the Auto Expo said that they had no clue. I just hope that the FZ-150 isn't just a "Prototype" but a mass production model to compete with the Pulsar 150, Apache RTR 150, CBZ X's and the Hunks.. and leave the YZF-R15 to take the niche position as the 150 cc performance king
Source:
Special Thanks to 2 Wheeler Blogger Mr. Satadal Payeng for allowing us to use his article for discussing here. All Pictures belong to the Blog:
http://www.2wheelsindia.com/
http://www.humsurfer.com/view/auto-expo-2008-yamaha-fz150-prototype
