Yamaha’s MT-15 has long been a favourite among riders seeking a lightweight, city-friendly bike. In August 2025, Yamaha rolled out its biggest tech upgrade yet: a full-colour TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity via the Y-Connect app, turn-by-turn navigation, and two fresh paint schemes—Ice Storm and Vivid Violet Metallic—on the new DLX variant.
But with a sticker price of ₹1.8 lakh ex-showroom, the question on every rider’s mind is: does a fancy screen and smartphone pairing justify a price tag of ₹1.8 lakh for a 155cc bike?
What Yamaha Changed
Yamaha’s biggest upgrade here is the new TFT display. It replaces the old LCD unit and gives riders a sharp, full-colour screen. Through the Y-Connect app, you can now see call alerts, messages, and navigation prompts. Just one catch—you’ll still need a phone mount for actual turn-by-turn navigation. Still, it’s a cleaner, more modern cockpit.
The engine? Same as before. The 155 cc liquid-cooled VVA unit continues to push out 18.4 PS at 10,000 rpm and 14.1 Nm at 7,500 rpm. It’s smooth, proven, and fun to ride in the city. But nothing has changed under the tank.
Yamaha’s also added two new paint options: Ice Storm and Vivid Violet Metallic—exclusive to the DLX. They’re flashy and clearly aimed at younger riders who want to stand out.
The Price Reality Check
Here’s where things get interesting. The MT-15’s previous on-road price hovered around ₹1.75 lakh, but the DLX’s ex-showroom tag of ₹1.8 lakh means an on-road cost above 2 lakhs. That’s a substantial leap for a 155 cc motorcycle.
For context, the TVS’s new Ronin 225, offering 20 PS and more torque, sits around ₹1.85 lakh on-road. Even Hero’s Xtreme 250R, with a 249 cc engine and 26 PS, barely breaks ₹2.1 lakh. Suddenly, the MT-15’s tech feels less groundbreaking when you can get larger displacement and more grunt for a similar outlay.
“At ₹1.8 lakh, you’re essentially paying a premium for features you can’t fully use without a smartphone,” notes motorcycle reviewer Priya Sharma in Bike India. “For many riders, the added display and connectivity won’t offset the lack of extra power.”
Riders Speak Up
On one hand, fans are thrilled by the modern dashboard and smartphone pairing. “The new TFT looks sick, and I love seeing navigation arrows without glancing at my phone,” writes @Bikky.
On the flip side, the most viral comment calls the upgrade “a fancy garnish on the same old dish,” echoing widespread “overpriced for 155 cc” sentiments. Pillion comfort remains a sore spot; the rear seat feels too slim for carrying a passenger comfortably on longer rides.
Where the MT-15 Still Wins
One stat that still shines in MT-15’s favour is its mileage. Multiple owners report real-world figures of 50–54 kmpl in city traffic and 38–42 kmpl on the highway—numbers few bikes in this category can match.
According to a recent survey by Autocar India, the MT-15 delivered an impressive average of 48 kmpl across mixed riding conditions, beating most 200 cc rivals by at least 10 percent.
Better Options for the Same Money
If you’re eyeing the MT-15 DLX purely for its tech, remember that several alternatives pack more punch for the same money:
- TVS Ronin 225: 20 PS, torque-rich engine, ₹1.85 lakh.
- Hero Xtreme 250R: 26 PS, ergonomic design, ₹2.1 lakh.
Each offers more displacement (and usually better pillion comfort) for the same—or slightly higher—price.
Who Should Buy?
If you’re a city rider, value fuel efficiency, love Yamaha’s reliability, and dig modern displays, the MT-15 DLX is still a solid pick. It’s light, agile, and beginner-friendly.
But if you’re after performance, better pillion comfort, or overall value, this might not be your best bet. Bikes in the 200–400 cc space now offer way more motorcycle for just a little more.
So, is the new tech worth it? That depends on what you value more: a crisp screen or a meaner engine.
