Yamaha launched the much awaited YZF R15 earlier this year in India. Even though the Indian-spec bike loses out on a few features, it is cutting-edge in the segment. The YZF R15 V3 is available at a price of Rs. 1.25 lakh, while the FZ25 is priced at Rs. 1.19 lakh (both price ex-showroom). If you’re out in the market and want to choose one of these two, which one should you choose? Let’s find out.
Want to cruise not rip
Yamaha FZ25
If you’re looking for a motorcycle with relaxed riding position, then the FZ25 will offer you exactly the same. The FZ25 offers a much-relaxed riding position than the YZF-R15. The wide, single-piece handlebar makes the rider sit upright, that puts less stress on the rider’s back and other parts.
YZF R15 V3 being a track oriented motorcycle has a very aggressive riding position with high-knee sitting posture. The handlebar is positioned at a very low position that demands aggressive riding posture from the rider.
Torque-rich power delivery
Yamaha FZ25
The Yamaha FZ25 is powered by a 249cc oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces a maximum of 20.61 Bhp at 8,000 rpm and 20 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. The YZF R15 is powered by a 155cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine with variable valve timing. It generates a maximum of 19.03 Bhp at 10,000 rpm and 14.7 Nm at 8,500 rpm.
The R15 uses a high-revving engine with 6-speed transmission. The high-revving engine demands constant gear changes, even in slow-moving traffic. Whereas the FZ25 uses a 5-speed transmission set-up and high low-end torque makes it easier to ride.
Want good looks
Yamaha YZF-R15
The Yamaha FZ25 looks quite good but when compared to the Yamaha YZF-R15, the naked bike comes nowhere close. The FZ25 may get you noticed on the road but the YZF R15’s sharp styling inspired by the flagship R1 is a sure shot chance of getting noticed everywhere. If looks are a primary concern for you, get the R15. The R15 gets a full body fairing, sleek LED dual headlamps, sharp styling overall that make the heads turn every time.
Highways are on your list
Yamaha FZ25
If you’re looking to spend weekends munching the highways, the FZ25 will do the best job between the two. The easy riding position of the bike with the relaxed engine makes the FZ25 a perfect touring bike. The Yamaha R15’s riding position creates a lot of wrist and ankle pain over long distances. Also, the high revving engine is not ideal for the highway rides.
Aspiring track-enthusiast?
Yamaha YZF-R15
But if you’re looking to participate in track days then the R15 has no comparison in the segment. The bike has been built for the track and nothing else can do a better job than the R15. It gets a deltabox frame, which maintains the perfect balance. The bike also gets optional Metzeler tyres and a Daytona muffler as official accessories that can enhance the track-riding experience even further.
Carry a pillion most of the time?
Yamaha FZ25
If you have to carry a pillion rider most of the time then the FZ25 is a much better choice than the YZF R15. The wide seat of the FZ25 makes the pillion rider very comfortable. The YZF R15, on the other hand, gets a small, pointed and high positioned pillion seat. It is quite difficult to get the pillion seat of the R15 and the sitting posture itself is quite aggressive.
Want a tech-laden motorcycle
Yamaha YZF-R15
The Yamaha YZF-R15 is quite tech-laden. The frame itself is Deltabox, which is used in the high-end motorcycles. The 155cc 4-valve engine with fuel injection and variable valve actuation are some of the high-end features on this bike. It also gets assisted slipper clutch and all-LED lamps including the headlamp and the tail lamp. The R15 looks miss out on ABS though but so does the FZ25. The FZ25 also offers all-LED lamps.
Want a faster bike?
Yamaha FZ25
Well, the results may surprise you but the FZ25 is faster than the Yamaha R15 V3. The FZ25 gets a bigger engine, gets more power that makes the FZ25 a lot quicker. We are yet to get official figures of 0-100 km/h, top speed and braking power of the Yamaha R15 but we have found a video showing a drag race between the two.
Now, such drag races without any safety equipment are extremely dangerous and should not be promoted. We have put the video here just to give an indication of how fast the FZ25 is from the R15.
[“Source-cartoq”]
