YZF R15

2018 Yamaha YZF R15 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Yamaha for the sport motorcycle segment, the 2018 Yamaha YZF R15 features a 149.8 cc (9.1 cu in) liquid-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 22.8 HP (16.6 kW) at 8,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 15 Nm (11.1 lb-ft) at 7,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 152.2 HP per liter and a 1,000 rpm working window between peak torque (7,500 rpm) and peak power (8,500 rpm), the engine character is placing it firmly in high-revving supersport territory where top-end breathing dominates.

On the scales, the YZF R15 measures 136 kg (300 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.17 HP/kg (5.96 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 800 mm (31.5 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,345 mm (53 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 12-liter (3.2 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints.

Within MotoLibrary's Yamaha archive, this model family spans 5 indexed model years from 2017 to 2021, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.