At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Yamaha R15 V4
- 155 cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-valve VVA
- 18.4 PS @ 10000 rpm
- 45 km/l (ARAI)
- 11-litre tank
- 3 variants available
- Track & Street riding modes + Traction Control
Yamaha R15S
- 155 cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-valve VVA
- 18.4 PS @ 10000 rpm
- 46 km/l (Owner Reported)
- 11-litre tank
- 1 variant available
- ₹15,488 cheaper starting price
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Yamaha R15 V4 | Yamaha R15S |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 155 cc | 155 cc |
| Cooling System | Liquid-Cooled | Liquid-Cooled |
| Max Power | 18.4 PS @ 10000 rpm | 18.4 PS @ 10000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm | 14.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm |
| VVA Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Compression Ratio | 11.6 : 1 | 11.6 : 1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 58.0 × 58.7 mm | 58.0 × 58.7 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual |
| Clutch | Assist & Slipper Clutch | Assist & Slipper Clutch |
| Top Speed | 140 km/h | 140 km/h |
| Riding Modes | Track, Street | No |
| Traction Control | Yes | No |
| Quick Shifter | Optional (Up-Shift) | No |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (Certified / Reported) | 45 km/l (ARAI) | 46 km/l (Owner Reported) |
| Fuel Tank | 11 litres | 11 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 1.76 litres | 2.2 litres |
| Riding Range | ~495 km | ~506 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 282 mm | Disc – 282 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 220 mm | Disc – 220 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 100/80-17 / 140/70-17 | 100/80-17 / 140/70 R17 |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | USD Fork | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Linked Monoshock | Monocross |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | Yes |
| Chassis Type | Deltabox Frame | Deltabox Frame |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 141 kg | 142 kg |
| Seat Height | 815 mm | 815 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | 170 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1325 mm | 1325 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 1990 × 725 × 1135 mm | 1990 × 725 × 1135 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Fully Digital LCD | Fully Digital LCD |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Call & SMS Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Distance to Empty | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | No |
| Riding Modes | Track, Street | No |
| Headlight Type | LED Projector | LED |
| Projector Headlamp | Yes | No |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Turn Signals | LED | Bulb |
| Brake / Tail Light | LED | LED |
| Hazard Warning Lights | Yes | No |
| USB Charging Port | No | No |
| Gear Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Shifter (Optional) | Yes | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1,67,085 | ₹1,51,597 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,71,686 (Dual Tone) | ₹1,51,597 (single variant) |
| Number of Variants | 3 (Standard, Dark Knight, Dual Tone) | 1 |
| Standard Warranty | 2 Years / 30,000 km | 2 Years / 30,000 km |
★ Green highlights indicate the stronger value in each row. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Variant-wise Price Comparison
All variants laid out — find the right one for your budget
Yamaha R15 V4 Variants
Yamaha R15S Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Track & Street riding modes for versatile performance
- Traction control for improved safety
- USD front forks for superior handling feel
- LED projector headlamp with DRLs
- LED turn signals and hazard warning lights
- Optional quick shifter (up-shift) available
- 3 variants and colour options to choose from
- Marginally lighter at 141 kg vs 142 kg
- Same powerful 18.4 PS VVA engine
Cons
- ₹15,488 more expensive than the R15S
- Smaller reserve tank (1.76L vs 2.2L)
- No USB charging port
- Shorter warranty in km terms (30,000 km)
- Higher maintenance cost expectation
Pros
- ₹15,488 cheaper than the base R15 V4
- Same 18.4 PS VVA engine — identical performance
- Same dual-channel ABS and Assist & Slipper Clutch
- Same Bluetooth console with call & SMS alerts
- Larger 2.2-litre reserve tank vs 1.76L on R15 V4
- Slightly longer riding range (~506 km vs ~495 km)
- Competitive real-world mileage (~46 km/l)
- Same seat height, wheelbase, and dimensions
- Same 2-year / 30,000 km warranty
Cons
- No traction control on any variant
- No riding modes (Track / Street)
- Telescopic forks instead of USD forks
- No projector headlamp — standard LED only
- Bulb turn signals instead of LED
- No hazard warning lights
- No quick shifter option
- Single variant — no colour or spec choice
- No official ARAI mileage certification
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine & Performance
Both bikes use the identical 155cc liquid-cooled 4-valve VVA engine producing 18.4 PS @ 10000 rpm and 14.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm. The bore, stroke, compression ratio, clutch type, and 6-speed gearbox are all shared. The R15 V4, however, adds traction control and Track & Street riding modes — adjusting power delivery and electronics for track or road use. The R15S delivers the same raw power without those rider aids, offering an identical engine experience at a lower price.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The R15 V4 holds an ARAI-certified 45 km/l figure, while the R15S has no official ARAI claim but reports owner-measured mileage of approximately 46 km/l. Both have identical 11-litre tanks, but the R15S has a larger 2.2-litre reserve compared to the R15 V4's 1.76-litre reserve — giving the R15S a slightly better estimated riding range of ~506 km vs ~495 km for the R15 V4. The practical difference is small but the R15S edges ahead on reserve comfort.
Braking & Safety
Both bikes have identical braking hardware — dual-channel ABS, 282 mm front disc, 220 mm rear disc, and the same tubeless tyre sizes (100/80-17 / 140/70-17). The R15 V4 adds a critical safety layer through its traction control system, which the R15S completely lacks. For riders who push the limits in wet conditions or spirited riding, traction control on the R15 V4 is a meaningful safety advantage.
Suspension
The R15 V4 uses USD (Upside Down) front forks — stiffer, more precise, and better suited for sporty and track-oriented riding. The R15S uses conventional telescopic forks which are softer and better suited for daily commuting. Both have rear monoshock setups with preload adjustment. For riders who enjoy corner-carving and track sessions, the USD fork advantage of the R15 V4 is tangible. For everyday use, telescopic forks are comfortable enough.
Lighting & Electronics
The R15 V4 leads significantly on electronics. It features a LED projector headlamp, DRLs, LED turn signals, hazard warning lights, traction control, and an optional quick shifter. The R15S has a standard LED headlamp with DRLs but uses bulb turn signals and has no hazard lights, no traction control, and no quick shifter option. Both have the same Bluetooth digital console with call/SMS alerts and distance to empty. For premium electronics, the R15 V4 is in a different league.
Price & Value
The R15S starts at ₹1,51,597 — ₹15,488 less than the R15 V4's ₹1,67,085. For that saving, you give up traction control, riding modes, USD forks, a projector headlamp, LED turn signals, hazard lights, and the quick shifter option. The R15S delivers the same engine, braking, frame, and connectivity for significantly less. For riders who prioritise value over advanced electronics, the R15S is an exceptional proposition. For track-focused enthusiasts, the R15 V4's premium is justified.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Yamaha R15 V4 if…
- Track & Street riding modes are important for your riding
- Traction control provides confidence you value in wet conditions
- USD front forks for sharper cornering feedback matter to you
- A LED projector headlamp and full LED lighting is a priority
- You want hazard warning lights for safety on roads
- The optional quick shifter excites you for sporty riding
- You want multiple colour options and variant choices
- The ₹15,488 premium feels justified for the feature jump
Buy the Yamaha R15S if…
- Saving ₹15,488 is more important than premium electronics
- You want the same 18.4 PS VVA engine at a lower cost
- Daily commuting is more common than track-day riding
- Traction control and riding modes are not essential for you
- You are upgrading from a 125cc and want R-series excitement
- A slightly larger reserve tank and longer range appeals to you
- Dual-channel ABS gives you adequate safety confidence
Overall Winner for Most Riders: Yamaha R15S. The R15S delivers the same legendary 18.4 PS VVA engine, dual-channel ABS, Assist & Slipper Clutch, Deltabox chassis, Bluetooth console, and aggressive R-series styling — at ₹15,488 less than the base R15 V4. For the vast majority of Indian riders who use their bike primarily for daily commuting and weekend riding rather than track days, the R15S represents extraordinary value. Choose the Yamaha R15 V4 if traction control, Track & Street riding modes, USD forks, and the full premium electronics package are non-negotiable for your riding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The Yamaha R15S is better value for most riders — it delivers the same 18.4 PS VVA engine, dual-channel ABS, and Bluetooth console at ₹15,488 less. The R15 V4 is better for enthusiasts who want traction control, Track & Street riding modes, USD front forks, LED projector headlamp, hazard warning lights, and the optional quick shifter. If performance electronics matter, go R15 V4. If value matters, go R15S.
The Yamaha R15S is priced at ₹1,51,597 while the Yamaha R15 V4 starts at ₹1,67,085 — making the R15S ₹15,488 cheaper at the base level. The R15 V4's top Dual Tone variant reaches ₹1,71,686 — ₹20,089 more than the R15S. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
The engine, power, torque, braking hardware, frame, tank capacity, seat height, and warranty are all identical. The R15 V4 adds: traction control, Track & Street riding modes, USD front forks, LED projector headlamp, LED turn signals, hazard warning lights, and optional quick shifter. The R15S uses telescopic forks, no traction control, no riding modes, standard LED headlamp, bulb turn signals, and no hazard lights — but costs ₹15,488 less.
No, the Yamaha R15S does not have traction control. Traction control is exclusive to the Yamaha R15 V4, available across all three of its variants (Standard, Dark Knight, and Dual Tone). This is one of the most significant feature differences between the two bikes. For riders who frequently ride in wet conditions or push performance limits, the traction control on the R15 V4 is a meaningful safety and performance advantage.
Yes, the Yamaha R15 V4 offers Track and Street riding modes across all its variants. Track mode optimises the bike for more aggressive throttle response and maximum performance, while Street mode tunes it for smoother everyday riding. The Yamaha R15S does not offer any riding modes. This makes the R15 V4 significantly more versatile for riders who alternate between spirited weekend riding and daily commuting.
The Yamaha R15 V4 has an ARAI-certified mileage of 45 km/l. The Yamaha R15S does not have an official ARAI certification but owners report real-world mileage of approximately 46 km/l. Both bikes have identical 11-litre fuel tanks. The R15S has a slightly larger 2.2-litre reserve vs 1.76 litres on the R15 V4, giving it a marginal edge in riding range (~506 km vs ~495 km). For certified mileage assurance, the R15 V4 wins; for overall range, the R15S is marginally better.