Aesthetic Appeal

The Yamaha R15 has been in a lot of talks everywhere. I have been on few communities on a social site. There were some who were claiming that the looks of the R15 are the best that Indian market has seen till date. But while many are talking in this fashion, I even came across posts from few people who hate the looks of the bike like anything! Now this comes as shock from a nation where a full fairing is all that it takes for a bike to get converted from its form into a sportsbike! But actually I was happy to read that some people didn't like the looks of the bike.

The Yamaha R15 has been based on the basic design of the R1. Yes, that is what Yamaha claims and that is what we feel. And to some extent, there is nothing wrong in it. I indeed feel that the design of the bike is somewhat based on the R1's design. But highlight the word "somewhat". Cause, the bike doesn't look altogether like the R1. I guess some of you guys might have seen the R125 that is sold in the international market. The design of the R125 is again on the same lines. But if you ask me, I would prefer the design of the R125 way above the R15. The R15 screams everywhere, on every detail, that there has been a lot of cost cutting that has been done. The fineness of the R125 is simply superb. The bike is a feast for your eyes. But that is not exactly the case with the R15.

The R15 has a full fairing. But that doesnt really transform a bike into a superbike. The front of the bike is too wide. The bike overall is very small. I would say it is puny. The full fairing has saved it a bit. If you get a bike of that small a size in India and if it doesn't have a full fairing then that bike is not going to sell at all. People in India go for looks a lot. But anyways, coming back to the point, the bike has a full fairing. The fairing quality is good enough. And it blends well with the overall bike. What doesn't suit on the bike is its tail. And even the tail-light. The tail-light actually looks like some pathetic aftermarket local tail-light. The bike sports clip-ons which are of superior quality. They exhaust is visually appealing. Dunno how it will sound though. The nose of the bike is very wide. It looks so much like the old 2001/02 R1. The lamps are roundish and lack the aggressiveness. The tyres on the bike are quite thin and don't suit the looks of the bike. but then its a performance bike and putting wider tyres would have only ruined its performance.

Well, thats all in short about the looks of the bike. The bike did appeal to me aesthetically, but then its a personal choice. Plus, I would definitely agree with the fact that is not at all meant for a well built body. The bike is very small and will suit only those with less than average height or just about average height and those who are thin. Healthy riders are adviced to stay away from the bike as it is not going to suit them at all.