Yamaha shifts greener motorcycle strategy in favour of ethanol, not EVs

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By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 11 Apr 2024, 07:18 AM

  • Yamaha India is aiming to focus on flex-fuel engine technology while the Indian two-wheeler industry is increasingly emphasising on electric mobility.
Yamaha Blue Square Showroom
Yamaha India is aiming to focus on flex-fuel engine technology while the Indian two-wheeler industry is increasingly emphasising on electric mobility.

While the two-wheeler manufacturers in India are thriving for electric mobility, Yamaha India is aiming big with ethanol-based flex fuels, reported Mint. This comes as a more conservative approach towards greener mobility, considering the peers are focusing on pure electric two-wheelers. The report has quoted Eishin Chihana, Chairman of Yamaha Motor India, saying that anticipating a 0 per cent adoption rate for electric scooters by the end of this decade, the company is betting on a holistic approach to cleaner emission technologies and this strategy will be led by ethanol-based flex fuels.

Chihana stated that the OEM’s primary strategy to meet its emissions targets revolves around flex-fuel (E85) options for motorcycles, acknowledging the global shift towards sustainable fuels. He also stated that this strategy will help the OEM avoid the infrastructural and technological challenges of full electrification. This shift of strategy comes in line with the government’s focus on cleaner mobility solutions, which also include flex-fuel engines propelled by ethanol-blended petrol.

Interestingly, Yamaha India’s Chairman’s comment comes immediately after the former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant called for full electrification of the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segment by 2030. Instead of focusing on pure electric propulsion tch, Chihana advocated for technologies like ethanol-blended fuels to achieve the country’s emission targets.

Considering the current market share of electric scooters at five to six per cent Yamaha India expects EVs to grow to 20 per cent of the scooter market in India by 2030, he said. “While 20 per cent of the market will become EV, 70-80 per cent will remain internal combustion engine. So, our Target 2030 is while we prepare for EVs, we will certainly increase our step-up models with ICE engines. We are preparing, but we are not in a hurry. Our focus remains on developing our premium motorcycle dealership network and targeting the younger generation with our urban, sporty motorcycles. Our first priority is to establish premium motorcycle dealerships across India,” he further added.

Speaking further, the Yamaha official said that despite the high petrol prices driving faster adoption of electric scooters, consumer behaviour remains largely unaffected due to usage patterns and infrastructure challenges. Interestingly, despite emphasising its intention to focus on flex-fuel engines, Yamaha plans to introduce two electric scooters by 2030. Besides that, the OEM intends to enhance its premium motorcycle strategy and distribution network as well over the next six years, Chihana said.

First Published Date: 11 Apr 2024, 07:18 AM IST

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Yamaha announces special Pongal offers in this state. Check details

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By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 06 Jan 2024, 17:30 PM

Yamaha has announced special offers in the state of Tamil Nadu to celebrate the Pongal festival. These offers will be applicable till 31st January 202

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Yamaha Fascino 125 FI Hybrid
Image of Yamaha Fascino 125 FI Hybrid used for representation purposes only.

Yamaha Motor India has announced special offers in Tamil Nadu to celebrate the Pongal festival. These offers will be applicable till 31st January 2024 only. The exclusive offers are currently applicable on Yamaha’s 150 cc FZ model range, FZ16 and 125 cc Fi Hybrid scooters.

Yamaha is offering benefits of up to ₹6,000 or ₹1,999 down payment on 150 cc 150 cc FZ-S Fi V4, FZ-S Fi V3 and FZ Fi. The FZ-X gets zero down payment or benefits up to ₹7,000. Apart from this, there are benefits of up to ₹4,000 or zero down payment on 125 Fi Hybrid Scooters – RayZR and Fascino. There are no offers on the recently launched YZF-R3, MT-03, MT-15, R15 and Aerox 155.

In the Indian market, the most recent launch from Yamaha was the YZF-R3 and MT-03. Everyone has been waiting for these motorcycles for a very long time. While the R3 returned to the Indian market after some time, this was the first time that the brand launched the MT-03 in India.

Also Read : Yamaha YZF-R3 & MT-03 initial impressions: Motorcycles for purists

However, there was a bit of an issue when Yamaha announced the prices of the R3 and MT-03. They are priced at ₹4.65 lakh and ₹4.60 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom. The price is on the higher side because the motorcycles come to India through the CBU route. Yes, Yamaha did say that they will eventually bring the motorcycles through CKD if they see enough units being sold. However, at this price, this is a difficult proposition considering that the Aprilia RS457 costs ₹4.1 lakh ex-showroom.

Having said that, the R3 and the MT-03 will be preferred by a few people who are die-hard fans of the basic motorcycle. Both motorcycles are pretty simple and do not offer any electronics. The only thing on offer is a digital instrument cluster and dual-channel ABS. There is not even a slipper clutch on offer.

First Published Date: 06 Jan 2024, 17:30 PM IST

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Yamaha YZF-R3 & MT-03 initial impressions: Motorcycles for purists

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Yamaha Motor India was once known for being a brand that wanted to sell motorcycles that enthusiasts would want. The manufacturer used to sell the YZF-R3 but it was then discontinued when the BS6 emission norms came into effect. Since then things have been slow and cold. However, earlier this year, Yamaha announced that they would be launching the YZF-R3 and MT-03 in the Indian market. This sparked a lot of hype around the brand once again. So, when Yamaha invited us for a few laps of both motorcycles on the Buddh International Circuit (BIC), we could not say no.

By: Paarth Khatri
| Updated on: 20 Dec 2023, 17:57 PM

Yamaha MT-03 Yamaha YZF-R3
The MT-03 and R3 use the same underpinnings.

It is important to note that we only rode both motorcycles for just 15 minutes which is 4 laps of the race track. So, these are only our initial impressions and not a full review.

Yamaha R3 and MT-03: Looks and ergonomics

Yamaha R3 Yamaha MT-03
Both motorcycles look quite impressive and high quality.

In terms of looks not much has changed since the last time, the R3 was on sale in the Indian market. It now comes with all LED lighting, a fairing and a design that is inspired by its elder siblings. The golden forks do add a bit of character and premiumness to the looks of the motorcycle. Being a sportbike, the R3 comes with slightly rear-set footpegs and clip-on handlebars. Having said that, the ergonomics are not as committed as one would imagine. In fact, they are more accommodating than the R-15 which was quite surprising for me.

Then there is the MT-03 which has a transformer-like front-face and looks like a larger version of the MT-15. The motorcycle just gets twin slim LED Daytime Running Lamps and a projector headlamp. The one thing that is a bit of an eyesore is the fact that the horn is placed right below the headlamp. Being a naked streetfighter, the riding triangle on the MT-03 is more upright and comfortable than the R3. However, because there is no fairing, the wind blast on the MT is a lot more than the R3.

Yamaha R3 and MT-03: Smooth engine

Yamaha R3
The ergonomics of the R3 are more accommodating than the R15.

Both motorcycles are powered by a 321 cc, parallel-twin engine that is very smooth and delivers power in a very linear fashion. The engine dishes out 41 bhp at 10,750 rpm and a peak torque of 29.5 Nm at 9,000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox which unfortunately does not get a slip-and-assist clutch. Because of this, under aggressive downshifting, the rear would start to hop. Moreover, the gearbox would get stuck while shifting from 4th to 5th and then from 5th to 6th. The engine can pull cleanly even at higher gears and slow speeds and speaking of speeds, it can stay all day long at 100 kmph doing 6,000 rpm. We were able to clock a top speed of around 172 kmph on the R3 whereas the MT-03 did 169 kmph.

Yamaha R3 and MT-03: Features

Yamaha MT-03
The MT-03 looks striking. The only eye sore is the placement of the horn which is directly below the projector headlamp.

There are no fancy features on the R3 and MT-03. It just comes with a digital instrument cluster that shows various information including a temperature gauge and a gear position indicator. There is no Bluetooth connectivity or USB port to charge mobile devices. Fortunately, the motorcycles do come with all LED lighting and dual-channel ABS.

Yamaha R3 and MT-03: Who should get one?

Well, this is where things get a bit interesting. Yes, people have been waiting for these motorcycles for a long time now but Yamaha is bringing them to India through the CBU route. What this means is that they are priced high. The MT-03 costs ₹4.60 lakh whereas the R3 is priced at ₹4.65 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom. The recently launched Aprilia RS 457 is priced at ₹4.1 lakh ex-showroom and it does look more exotic, offers more features and is more powerful as well. But, if you are a purist, someone who just wants a pure basic motorcycle without any of the fancy features then your heart will deviate towards Yamaha’s motorcycles.

First Published Date: 20 Dec 2023, 17:57 PM IST

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Yamaha R3 and MT-03 launched in India, likely to light up sub-400cc bike market

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Yamaha Motor India has finally launched the R3 and the MT-03 in the Indian market. They are priced at ₹4.65 lakh and ₹4.60 lakh respectively. Both prices are ex-showroom and the motorcycles will be sold through Yamaha’s Blue Square dealerships. As of now, the motorcycles come to India as a Completely Built Unit and it is expected that the manufacturer might drop the price if the demand is high enough for them to use the Completely Knocked Down route.

By: Paarth Khatri
| Updated on: 15 Dec 2023, 18:28 PM

Yamaha
The Yamaha R3 and the MT-03 come into the Indian market via the import route.

At this price, the motorcycles are quite expensive. For reference, the KTM 390 Duke costs ₹3.11 lakh ex-showroom and the recently launched Aprilia RS 457 is priced at ₹4.10 lakh ex-showroom. Because of the pricing, the Aprilia now seems more value for money as it will have more exclusivity factor and comes with more electronic aids as well.

Both motorcycles share the same 321 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces 41.4 bhp of peak power at 10,750 rpm and 29.6 Nm of maximum torque at 9,000 rpm. The engine is very smooth but because of its high-revving engine, the rider would need to twist the throttle in case he or she needs to exploit that power. Having said that, the engine is also tractable and does 100 kmph at 6,000 rpm without any vibrations.

Yamaha is using a 6-speed gearbox for the engine. Unfortunately, there is no slip-and-assist clutch on offer because of which under aggressive downshifting the rear does start to hop. Having said that the gearbox is quite smooth for the most part.

Also Read : IBW 2023: Aprilia RS 457 launched at ₹4.10 lakh in India

The R3 and the MT-03 are quite basic in terms of features. There is no traction control, riding modes or Bluetooth connectivity. The motorcycles only get a dual-channel ABS, all LED lighting and a digital instrument cluster that only shows basic information.

First Published Date: 15 Dec 2023, 15:15 PM IST

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2023 Yamaha MT-15: Should you buy?

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Yamaha Motor India recently introduced the 2023 MT-15 V2 streetfighter in the market. The 2023 Yamaha MT-15 arrives with a host of upgrades, the most important of which has been the transition to BS6 Phase 2 norms, meeting the latest emission standards. However, that’s not the only change, the bike gets new colour schemes as well bringing a breath of fresh air to the offering. Should you consider the 2023 Yamaha MT-15? Let’s take a look.

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 19 Oct 2023, 20:54 PM

2023 Yamaha MT-15 V2
The Yamaha MT-15 is one of the most performance-friendly offerings in the segment. Should you buy one in 2023?

The Yamaha MT-15 is one of the exciting motorcycles in its segment. The bike shares its underpinnings with the YZF-R15 V4, while the styling is borrowed from Yamaha’s larger-capacity naked motorcycles. The alien face on the MT-15 makes it stand out compared to its rivals, while the build quality is one of the best in the segment.

Also Read : 2023 Yamaha MT-15 vs KTM 125 Duke: Price, specs, and features compared

2023 Yamaha MT-15 Monster Energy
The 2023 Yamaha MT-15 also gets the Monster Energy MotoGP special edition

Power on the MT-15 V2 comes from the tried and tested 155 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology. The motor develops 18.4 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 14.1 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. The 155 cc motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch and the engine is now OBD2 compliant and E20 compatible as well.

Suspension duties on the 2023 Yamaha MT-15 come from USD front forks with a monoshock at the rear, while braking performance comes from disc brakes (282 mm front and 220 mm rear) at either end. The bike also gets an aluminium swingarm that’s lighter and does not compromise on stability.

On the feature front, the Yamaha MT-15 gets an LCD instrument cluster that shows the necessary information including a fuel consumption indicator, VVA indicator, shift timing light, gear position indicator and a tachometer. The bike gets all-LED lighting with LED flashers and also gets Bluetooth connectivity. Moreover, the Yamaha mobile app brings a host of additional features including geofencing, rider telematics, call and SMS alerts, email notifications, fuel consumption details and more.

The streetfighter is equipped with a host of electronic aids including dual-channel ABS and a side-stand cut-off switch. The 2023 MT-15 V2 was also updated with the traction control system, which is now standard across Yamaha India’s motorcycle lineup. The bike rides on a 100/80 section front and a wide 140/70 section rear tyre wrapped on 17-inch alloy wheels.

The 2023 Yamaha MT-15 V2 gets multiple colours – Dark Metallic Blue, Metallic Black, Cyan Storm, Racing Blue, and Ice-Fluo Vermillion. The company is also offering the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP special edition on the streetfighter. The MT-15 V2 is priced from ₹1.67 lakh, going up to ₹1.73 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

First Published Date: 19 Oct 2023, 20:54 PM IST

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2024 Yamaha R15 V4 launched in Japan with new colours

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Yamaha Motor has launched the R15 V4 in Japan updated for the 2024 model year. The 2024 Yamaha R15 V4 joins the 2024 R125, also launched in the bike maker’s home market. Both bikes get new colour options while retaining the same mechanicals. The 2024 R15 V4 gets a new all-black paint scheme ‘Black Metallic 12’, which seems to be inspired by the larger R7. The colour option is complemented by the new blacked-out components.

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 26 Sep 2023, 21:58 PM

2024 Yamaha R15 V4 Japan
The 2024 Yamaha R15 V4 gets three new paint options in Japan including the all-black ‘Black Metallic 12’

Up next is the new ‘Deep Purplish Blue Metallic C’ that is essentially a blue and black shade borrowed from the larger R1, and ensures the R15 looks a part of the R1 family. Lastly, the 2024 R15 V4 gets the new ‘Dark Bluish Gray Metallic’ shade that brings more flare to the full-faired offering. This includes the neon yellow finished alloy wheels complementing the bodywork finished with the grey-blue shade with neon yellow pinstripes.

Also Read : MotoGP Bharat 2023: Yamaha R3 and MT-03 showcased at Indian GP, launch in December 2023

The 2024 Yamaha R15 V4 for Japan also gets the neon yellow and Dark Bluish Gray Metallic shade
The 2024 Yamaha R15 V4 for Japan also gets the neon yellow and Dark Bluish Gray Metallic shade

Apart from the new colour options, the 2024 Yamaha R15 V4 retains the same hardware as the outgoing model. Power comes from the familiar 155 cc single-cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine with VVA system. The motor is tuned to develop 18.1 bhp and 14.1 Nm of peak torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike gets a bi-directional quickshifter as well as an assist and slipper clutch. The bike also comes with dual-channel ABS.

The 2024 Yamaha R15 V4 in Japan is priced at 550,000 Yen (approx. ₹3.08 lakh), which makes it nearly twice as expensive as the Indian version. The India-spec R15 V4 is priced from ₹1.82 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) onwards. The R125, meanwhile, is not on sale in the Indian market.

First Published Date: 26 Sep 2023, 21:58 PM IST

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Yamaha India offers cashback on FZ motorcycles and 125 Fi scooters in this state

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Yamaha Motor India has announced special offers on the 150 cc FZ motorcycle range and 125 Fi hybrid scooters on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The special offers include instant cashback, low down payment and low rate of interest on vehicle loans. The Japanese two-wheeler major has announced that the special offer will be valid till September 30 across Maharashtra.

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 18 Sep 2023, 16:23 PM

Yamaha is offering special cashback and finance offers on select models in Maharashtra.

Yamaha Motor India has said that the special offer and finance schemes are applicable to its 150 FZ motorcycle range and 125 Fi scooter range. The offers include an instant cashback of ₹3,000. Also, the offers include a low down payment starting from ₹7,999 and a low rate of interest at 7.99 per cent on two-wheeler loans.

Watch: 2023 Yamaha FZ-X: First ride review

The special offers and finance schemes will be valid till the end of this month. The cashback and finance offers are currently applicable in Yamaha’s 150 cc FZ model range and RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid in Mumbai. For the rest of Maharashtra, the offers are available on Yamaha’s 150 cc FZ range and Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid.

Yamaha Motor India’s current product portfolio includes four FZ motorcycles, which are the FZ-X, FZS-Fi Version 3.0, FZS-Fi Version 4.0 and FZ-Fi Version 3.0. The 125 cc Fi hybrid scooter range includes Fascino 125 FI Hybrid, Ray ZR 125 FI Hybrid, and Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid models. However, the other motorcycles and scooters in Yamaha’s India product lineup, including the R15, MT15, and Aerox 155 are not covered under these festive offers.

First Published Date: 18 Sep 2023, 16:23 PM IST

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