Menu
๐Ÿ๏ธ
Bikes
โญ
Reviews
โš–๏ธ
Compare
๐Ÿ“š
Guides
๐Ÿ“Š
Samples
camera_alt
Free Inspection
Start a new bike check
Privacy
Terms
Reviews/ Yamaha/ Yzf-r15s
WATCH REVIEW
7.5/10 Supersport

Yamaha Yzf-r15s Review

"Smart urban sportsbike buy if you inspect fairing and VVA carefully."

New riders wanting proper sporty daily commuter $2,500-$4,200 used 2016-2023
search Inspect a Yamaha Now
dashboard

Key Specs

speed
Top Speed
~130 km/h
bolt
Power
~19.0 hp
@ 10,000 rpm
rotate_right
Torque
~15.0 Nm
@ 8,500 rpm
local_gas_station
Fuel Economy
33.3 km/L
78 mpg ยท ~3.0 L/100km or ~33 km/L (typical real-world average)
build
Service Every
6,000 km
scale
Weight
~136 kg
(wet/curb weight)
settings
Engine
155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder SOHC 4-valve
height
Seat Height
815 mm
cog
Transmission
6-speed
favorite
Engine Lifespan
100,000+ km with proper maintenance
chevron_right

Used Buyer Review

The R15S is essentially the R15 with a slightly more upright riding position, and honestly that small tweak makes a genuine difference for daily use. The 155cc single still pulls cleanly through the rev range and that slipper clutch feels genuinely premium for this segment. Used examples hold their value stubbornly, so don't expect bargain basement prices. Inspect the fairings carefully โ€” owners crack them parking lot dropping these things constantly. The VVA variable valve system is clever engineering but check it's functioning properly on older units. A rough idle or flat mid-range usually means the solenoid needs attention โ€” budget around $80-120 for that fix. Chain and sprocket wear is the other thing to scrutinize. Many owners skip this maintenance entirely. Frame and forks are genuinely robust though, which is reassuring. For a first proper sportsbike or urban commuter, this punches significantly above its displacement. Just be realistic โ€” highway cruising at sustained speed gets tiresome fast.

Pros

+Slipper clutch feels genuinely premium
+VVA engine surprisingly rev-happy
+Robust frame rarely causes problems
+Upright position aids daily riding

Cons

-Fairing damage almost always present
-VVA solenoid fails on neglected bikes
-Highway sustained speeds genuinely exhausting
-Resale value stubbornly high
warning
Avoid if

You regularly need sustained highway speeds

description View full specs, facts & rivals for Yamaha Yzf-r15s โ†’

Similar Supersport Reviews

Bmw S 1000 Rr M Sport
Bmw S 1000 Rr M Sport 9.2/10

"The finest all-round superbike money can buy used, if maintained properly."

Experienced track riders wanting road-legal superbike $16,000-$24,000
Ducati Panigale V4 Sp2
Ducati Panigale V4 Sp2 9.2/10

"The greatest production superbike built, but buy it eyes wide open."

Experienced riders wanting serious track capability occasionally $29,000-$38,000
Bmw M 1000 Rr
Bmw M 1000 Rr 9.2/10

"The finest superbike BMW has made โ€” buy only with full service history."

Experienced riders wanting real racetrack-derived performance $28,000-$38,000
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 Rr
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 Rr 9.2/10

"The finest street triple-cylinder motorcycle money can realistically buy used."

Experienced riders wanting track-capable daily exotica $16,000-$21,000