Yamaha R15 V4 vs R15S
The Yamaha R15 has long been the go-to choice for young enthusiasts seeking a track-inspired sportbike that balances performance with everyday usability. In 2025, Yamaha continues to offer two compelling variants in the R15 lineup: the premium R15 V4 and the more affordable R15S. Both bikes share the same DNA, yet they cater to different types of riders with distinct preferences. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand which machine deserves a place in your garage.
Understanding the R15 Lineage
Before diving into the comparison, it’s important to understand what makes these bikes special. The R15 series draws inspiration from Yamaha’s legendary racing heritage, particularly the MotoGP-winning R1 superbike. Both the V4 and R15S carry forward this legacy while making premium sportbike styling and performance accessible to the masses.
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Pricing: The Budget Reality Check
The 2025 Yamaha R15S is priced at Rs. 1.68 lakh, while the new R15 V4 costs Rs. 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom). This price difference of approximately Rs. 17,000 might seem significant, but the additional features and refinements on the V4 could justify the premium for many buyers.
When you factor in on-road costs including RTO charges, insurance, and other fees, the 2025 on-road price of Yamaha R15 V4 in Delhi is Rs. 2,04,186, while the R15S comes in slightly lower. For budget-conscious riders, the R15S presents an attractive entry point into Yamaha’s performance-oriented lineup without breaking the bank.
Engine Performance: Identical Hearts, Different Characters
Both motorcycles share the same mechanical foundation. Powering the Yamaha R15 V4 is a 155cc, liquid-cooled engine that comes paired with a six-speed gearbox. The single-cylinder motor makes 18.1bhp and 14.2Nm of peak torque. The R15S features the same powertrain specifications, ensuring that both bikes deliver similar levels of performance.
This 155cc liquid-cooled engine incorporates Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology, which optimizes valve timing across different RPM ranges. This translates to responsive acceleration at low speeds for city commuting while still delivering exhilarating power when you twist the throttle on open roads. The six-speed transmission on both models ensures smooth power delivery and allows riders to extract maximum performance from the engine.
The top speed of Yamaha R15 V4 is 140 kmph, and the R15S matches this performance figure. In real-world conditions, both bikes can comfortably cruise at highway speeds and have enough power in reserve for quick overtakes.
Fuel Efficiency: Daily Riding Economics
Fuel economy is a crucial consideration for riders who plan to use their sportbikes as daily commuters. The Yamaha R15 V4 Mileage is around 45 kmpl, while the Yamaha R15S Mileage is around 40 kmpl. The V4’s slightly better fuel efficiency can be attributed to its newer technology and optimized engine mapping.
However, it’s worth noting that real-world mileage varies significantly based on riding style. Aggressive throttle inputs and frequent high-RPM riding will reduce fuel economy on both motorcycles. Conservative riding with smooth gear changes can push mileage figures even higher than the claimed numbers.
Design Language and Aesthetics
This is where personal preference plays a significant role. The flagship Yamaha R15M is now offered in a premium Metallic Grey shade, while the R15 V4 is offered in Metallic Black, Racing Blue, and Matte Pearl White paint schemes. Meanwhile, the R15S receives a stealthy Matte Black finish with striking vermillion wheels.
The R15 V4 boasts a more aggressive and track-focused aesthetic with sharper body lines, aerodynamic fairings inspired by the R1, and premium graphics. Yamaha R15 V4 is available in 9 colours which are Metallic Grey, Dark Knight, Metallic Black, Intensity White, Metallic Red, Matte White Pearl, Vivid Magenta Metallic, Racing Blue and Icon Performance, giving buyers more choices to express their personality.
The R15S, while sharing the same basic silhouette, features a slightly toned-down styling approach that appeals to riders seeking a sporty look without being overly flashy. Both bikes feature full LED lighting, including headlamps, taillights, and turn indicators, ensuring excellent visibility and a modern appearance.
Seating and Ergonomics: Comfort Considerations
One of the notable differences between these models lies in their seating arrangements. The R15 V4 features a split-seat design with distinct rider and pillion sections, emphasizing its track-oriented nature. The R15S, on the other hand, comes with a single-piece step-up seat that offers slightly more comfort for the pillion rider during extended journeys.
Yamaha R15S is heavier (142 kg) than Yamaha R15 V4 (141 kg), though this minimal difference is barely noticeable during actual riding. Both bikes maintain sporty, forward-leaning riding positions that engage the rider but might feel aggressive for shorter riders or those accustomed to more upright postures.
Features and Technology: Where Premium Matters
This is where the R15 V4 justifies its higher price tag. It comes packed with features such as a traction control system, assist and slipper clutch, quickshifter (select variants), and LED lighting. Meanwhile, suspension duties are carried out by upside-down front forks and a linked-type monoshock at the back.
The quickshifter on select V4 variants allows clutchless upshifts, making for seamless acceleration and a more engaging riding experience. The traction control system monitors wheel slip and intervenes when necessary, providing an extra layer of safety, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
The assist and slipper clutch reduces clutch lever effort while also preventing rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts—a feature borrowed directly from racing technology. The upside-down (USD) front forks on the V4 not only look more premium but also offer better rigidity and feedback compared to conventional telescopic forks.
The R15S comes with most essential features but lacks some of the advanced technology found on the V4. It retains the traction control system and LED lighting but misses out on the quickshifter and USD forks, featuring conventional telescopic front forks instead.
Instrumentation and Connectivity
Both motorcycles feature fully digital instrument clusters that display essential information like speed, RPM, gear position, fuel level, and trip meters. The R15 V4 M variant takes it further with a color TFT display featuring Bluetooth connectivity, enabling smartphone integration for call alerts, SMS notifications, and other connected features.
The R15S features an LCD display that, while not as advanced as the TFT unit, provides all the necessary information in a clear and easily readable format. For most riders, the LCD console will be more than adequate for daily riding needs.
Suspension and Handling: Track Day Ready
The engine is housed inside a Deltabox frame on both models. This lightweight yet rigid chassis design, borrowed from Yamaha’s larger sportbikes, provides exceptional handling characteristics and stability at high speeds.
The R15 V4’s upside-down front forks offer superior damping and feedback, making it the better choice for riders who plan to push the bike hard on twisty roads or even take it to the occasional track day. The R15S, with its telescopic forks, still handles brilliantly for street riding and spirited canyon carving, though it doesn’t quite match the V4’s precision at the limit.
Both bikes come equipped with disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, ensuring confident braking performance in all conditions. The radial rear tire setup on both models provides excellent grip and contributes to their sharp handling characteristics.
Ownership Experience: Maintenance and Reliability
Yamaha has built a strong reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs in the Indian market. Both the R15 V4 and R15S benefit from this legacy. The liquid-cooled engine requires regular coolant checks and periodic oil changes, but overall maintenance costs remain reasonable for the segment.
Service intervals are identical for both models, and spare parts availability is generally good across Yamaha’s extensive dealership network. The simpler mechanical setup of the R15S could potentially result in slightly lower service costs compared to the feature-rich V4, though the difference isn’t substantial enough to be a deciding factor.
User Reviews and Real-World Feedback
Out of 1178 user reviews, R15S scores 4.6 whereas the Yamaha R15 V4 tallies 4.5 out of 5 based on 671 user reviews, indicating high satisfaction levels with both motorcycles. Owners praise the bikes for their engaging performance, sharp handling, and premium build quality.
Common feedback highlights the R15 V4’s quickshifter as a game-changer for riding enjoyment, while R15S owners appreciate the more comfortable pillion seating and value-for-money proposition. Both groups of owners consistently mention the bikes’ ability to turn heads wherever they go and the confidence-inspiring handling characteristics.
Who Should Buy What?
Choose the R15 V4 if:
- You want the latest technology including quickshifter and USD forks
- Track days or aggressive canyon riding are in your plans
- Premium aesthetics and build quality matter to you
- You can stretch your budget for the additional features
- You primarily ride solo or with an occasional pillion
Choose the R15S if:
- You’re looking for the most value-oriented entry into performance sportbikes
- Daily commuting with a pillion is a regular requirement
- The single-piece seat appeals to you for added comfort
- You want genuine Yamaha performance at a lower price point
- Advanced electronics aren’t essential for your riding style
The Verdict: Two Winners, Different Audiences
Both the Yamaha R15 V4 and R15S are exceptional motorcycles that punch well above their weight in terms of performance, build quality, and overall riding experience. The R15 V4 is the clear choice for enthusiasts who want every last feature and are willing to pay a premium for it. It’s the more focused, track-ready machine that will reward skilled riders with its precision and technology.
The R15S, meanwhile, is the smart choice for riders who want 90% of the R15 experience at a significantly lower price point. It offers the same thrilling engine performance, attractive styling, and Yamaha build quality while being more practical for everyday use with a pillion.
In the Indian sportbike market, where value and performance must coexist, both these motorcycles succeed brilliantly. The R15 V4 represents the aspirational choice—what you save up for when you want the absolute best in the segment. The R15S is the practical choice—what you buy when you want to join the sportbike club without compromising on quality or performance.
Ultimately, the “better” bike depends entirely on your priorities, budget, and intended use. Test ride both motorcycles, evaluate your needs honestly, and choose the one that puts the biggest smile on your face. After all, that’s what motorcycling is all about—the pure joy of riding. Either choice will deliver that in abundance, with Yamaha’s trademark reliability and engineering excellence thrown in as a bonus.
Whether you choose the feature-packed R15 V4 or the value-conscious R15S, you’ll be part of one of India’s most beloved sportbike communities, riding a machine that beautifully balances everyday usability with genuine performance thrills.
