Yamaha supersports and race bikes have a proud tradition of wearing the speed block motif. The latest in a long line of 'R' series machines is an all new fuel injected single cylinder sportster for 2011 that's inspired by the genius of its larger capacity brothers.

With all the 'R' hallmarks, the YZF-R15 will appeal to riders keen to own a piece of race bred heritage. And with a high level of user friendliness, the R15 will also appeal to riders who need to ride a motorcycle every day.

R15 designs were developed in the same modeling room where YZF-R1 designers worked and information was shared, ensuring that the 'R' lineage is passed on. But the new model also incorporates practical features such as a comfortable riding position for both pilot and pillion.

Tech heads are also well catered for with a 150cc liquid cooled and fuel injected engine slotting into a Deltabox chassis boasting linked monocross suspension. R15 bristles with state-of-the-art technology also seen on the world's best supersport bikes, such as a forged aluminium piston running in an all aluminium DiASil cylinder which offers the benefits of light weight, great heat dissipation, less oil consumption and high levels of wear resistance.

The DiASil cylinder is constructed using aluminum alloy with 20 per cent silicon content to create a very hard, reliable cylinder surface, making conventional iron sleeves obsolete. As a result, the entire cylinder is aluminum and delivers better heat dissipation and less weight.

The DiASil cylinder's surface treatment prevents oil evaporation from the cylinder's surface and improves oil consumption. The cylinder also has excellent hardness and is considerably resistant to wear compared to conventional iron sleeves.

A light and thin aluminium forged piston is the same type of piston used in Yamaha supersport bikes. Reciprocating mass is approximately 20% less than an engine of the same displacement fitted with a conventional cast aluminum piston, which gives a great feeling when the throttle is twisted.

A lightweight fuel injection system uses only four sensors to gather large amounts of information relating to engine operations, which is sent to a small 26-pin ECU, which in turn calculates the optimum fuel supply.

The fuel supply component consists of a small, fuel pump, modularised regulator and filter, and a small six hole type injector, all of which come together to enable a lightweight, compact system. A large (three litre) air cleaner provides the clean air mix. The duct area of the intake is designed to optimise the flow of intake air.

A four-valve combustion chamber with two intake and exhaust valves has allowed designers to fit the spark plug at the centre of the combustion chamber for better flame propagation. This also increases the total valve area relative to the chambers for improved intake/exhaust efficiency Chamber is a hemispherical shape which allows intake and exhaust valves to be laid out in the smallest size possible.

A special compact and lightweight aluminum radiator maximises airflow for heat dissipation. This has enabled the creation of a lightweight, compact Overall the engine offers superb fuel efficiency, excellent response, is environmentally friendly and produces a quiet, comfortable ride.

On the handling front, an R-series style Deltabox frame forms the basis for riding comfort and performance. The synergy created by optimising longitudinal, lateral, and torsional rigidity delivers a solid riding feel as well as agile riding performance.

The engine's low vibration makes rigid supports possible, ensuring excellent balance of rigidity. Plus a linked type monocross suspension delivers a comfortable ride and a cushioning performance that is less prone to bottoming out. In particular, the R15 makes for a great pillion motorcycle.

The R15 is available in two colourways (Racing Blue or Midnight Black), will have a 12 month genuine factory warranty and will be competitively priced. It will be in dealers from February 2011, RRP is TBA.

2011 YZF-R15 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine type

Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve

Cylinder arrangement

Single cylinder

Displacement

149 .8cc

Bore & Stroke

57×58.7mm

Compression ratio

10.4:1

Starting system

Electric Start

Lubrication

wet sump

Engine oil capacity

1.0 litres

Fuel tank capacity

12 litres

Fuel management

Electronic fuel injection

Ignition system

TCI

Primary / Secondary reduction ratio

3.042 / 3.000

Clutch type

Constant-mesh wet multi-plate

Transmission type

Return type 6-speed

Gear ratios

1st=2.833, 2ndï¼1.875, 3rd:=1.364,
4th=1.143, 5th=0.957, 6th=0.84

Frame type

Deltabox Frame

Caster / Trail

26° / 100mm

Tyre size (F/ R)

80/90-17 / 100/80-17

Brake type (F / R)

Hydraulic, single disc (Front / Rear)

Suspension type (F / R)

Telescopic / Linked type Monocross

Headlight

12V35W / 35W＋35W

Overall length x width x height

1995mm x 670mm x 1070mm

Seat height

790mm

Wheelbase

1290mm

Min ground clearance

160mm

Wet weight

131kg (includes 12 litres of fuel)

Available colours

Racing Blue, Midnight Black

Warranty

12 months unlimited kms, parts and labour

RRP (inc GST)

TBA