If you’ve been scrolling through motorcycle reviews, showroom offers, and YouTube comparisons lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon two Yamaha favourites — the R15 V4 and the MT 15. Both are head-turners, both are sporty, and both are powered by Yamaha’s trusted engineering. But when it comes to choosing between them, things can get a little confusing.

Should you go for the aggressive supersport feel of the R15 V4? Or does the streetfighter charm of the MT 15 suit you better? And while we’re at it — how much does the MT 15 price really differ from the R15 V4? Let’s break it all down in detail so you can make a confident choice.

1. First Impressions – Styling & Personality

When it comes to motorcycles, the first thing that pulls you in is the design.

R15 V4 – The Supersport DNA

The Yamaha R15 V4 is heavily inspired by Yamaha’s legendary R1 superbike. It comes with an aerodynamic full fairing, aggressive twin LED headlights, and a crouched-forward riding stance. It’s the kind of bike that makes you want to hit a racetrack, even if your main commute is to college or work.

It screams “sportbike” from every angle, and the attention to detail in the panels, tail section, and graphics make it look far more expensive than it actually is.

MT 15 – The Naked Streetfighter

The MT 15, on the other hand, ditches the fairing for a more muscular, minimalist design. With its sharp tank shrouds, single projector LED headlamp, and upright seating, it has a more urban, street-friendly personality. Yamaha calls it the “Dark Side of Japan,” and it really does carry that mean, edgy vibe.

2. Riding Position & Comfort

One of the biggest differences between the R15 V4 and MT 15 lies in how you sit on them.

• R15 V4: Low clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs, and a forward-leaning position give you better aerodynamics but can be tiring for long city rides. Great for spirited highway runs and track days.
• MT 15: Wide handlebar, more relaxed stance, and upright seating make it comfortable for daily commuting and longer city rides. It’s less aggressive on your wrists and back.

Verdict: If you ride mostly in traffic and prefer comfort, the MT 15 wins. If you want sporty thrills and don’t mind a committed posture, the R15 V4 is your match.

3. Engine & Performance

Here’s where things get interesting — both bikes actually share the same 155cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-valve engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). That means power delivery is smooth and strong across different RPM ranges.

Specifications (Both Bikes):

• Engine: 155cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve
• Max Power: ~18.4 PS @ 10,000 RPM
• Max Torque: ~14.2 Nm @ 7,500 RPM
• Gearbox: 6-speed with assist and slipper clutch

The Difference Lies in Tuning & Experience

• R15 V4: Slightly better aerodynamics, which helps it achieve higher top speeds. Ideal for riders who enjoy highway blasts.
• MT 15: Shorter gearing and upright stance make it feel quicker in city stop-and-go traffic.

4. Features – What You Get for the Money

Both the R15 V4 and MT 15 are feature-packed, but Yamaha Bike has made sure they cater to their respective audiences.

R15 V4 Features:

• Full fairing aerodynamic design
• Twin LED headlights with LED DRLs
• LCD instrument cluster with gear shift indicator
• Optional quickshifter (upshift) in higher variants
• Dual-channel ABS
• Traction control system (in newer models)

MT 15 Features:

• Naked streetfighter styling
• Single projector LED headlamp with LED position lamps
• LCD instrument cluster
• Bluetooth connectivity (in some variants)
• Single-channel ABS (dual-channel in higher trims)
• Lightweight Deltabox frame

5. Handling & Ride Quality

Both bikes use Yamaha’s Deltabox frame, which gives them excellent stability and cornering capabilities.

• R15 V4: Feels planted at high speeds, thanks to its sportbike geometry. However, the stiffer suspension can feel harsh over bad roads.
• MT 15: Lighter steering and upright stance make it more agile in city traffic. Slightly more forgiving suspension compared to R15 V4.

6. Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy is similar for both, averaging 40–45 km/l depending on riding style. The MT 15 might give you a little more mileage in city use, thanks to its riding posture and tuning.

7. Pricing – Breaking Down the Numbers

Here’s where the MT 15 price difference comes into play.

• R15 V4 Price (Ex-showroom, 2025 estimate): ₹1.85 lakh – ₹1.95 lakh (depending on variant)
• MT 15 Price (Ex-showroom, 2025 estimate): ₹1.68 lakh – ₹1.78 lakh

Price Difference: Around ₹15,000–₹20,000

That means if budget is tight, the MT 15 offers similar performance for a lower cost. But if you want the premium sportbike experience, the R15 V4 justifies the extra spend.

8. Who Should Buy Which?

Here’s the simplest way to decide:

Choose the R15 V4 if:

• You love sporty styling and aggressive riding posture
• You plan to hit the track or enjoy spirited highway rides
• You’re okay sacrificing some city comfort for performance

Choose the MT 15 if:

• You ride mostly in the city and want more comfort
• You prefer upright seating and easy manoeuvrability
• You want almost the same engine performance for less money

9. Pros & Cons Summary

R15 V4 Pros:

• Premium sportbike look
• Better aerodynamics & higher top speed
• Feature-rich with advanced electronics

R15 V4 Cons:

• Less comfortable in daily traffic
• Higher price

MT 15 Pros:

• Comfortable riding position
• Lighter & more agile in city
• More affordable

MT 15 Cons:

• Lacks full fairing sportbike appeal
• Slightly lower high-speed stability compared to R15 V4

10. Final Verdict

Both the R15 V4 and the MT 15 are brilliant machines in their own right. They share the same heart but have different personalities — one’s a track-inspired supersport, the other’s a comfortable yet stylish streetfighter.

If your heart says “racing” and your weekends are for open roads, the R15 V4 will keep you smiling. But if your rides are mostly about daily commuting, easy handling, and city fun, the MT 15 gives you more value — especially considering the MT 15 price.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about numbers and specs. It’s about how the bike makes you feel every time you twist the throttle.