When my buddy tossed me the keys to his brand-new 2025 Yamaha MT-15 V2, I didn’t expect it would change how I feel about small-displacement bikes. After spending two weeks with this machine, I’m sharing my honest thoughts with you all.
Day One: First Impressions
“That’s a 155cc?” was my first reaction. The bike looks beefier and more premium than its engine size suggests. Yamaha has completely reimagined the styling for 2025, ditching the alien-like front end of previous models for something more refined yet still edgy. The new pearl white color with orange accents on my test bike turned heads everywhere.
The seating position surprised me – upright enough for comfort but still sporty. At 5’10”, I found the ergonomics spot-on for my frame. The seat cushioning felt just right – not too soft, not too firm.
The Daily Grind
For a week, I used the MT-15 for my 30-minute commute through congested city streets. Here’s what stood out:
The updated fuel injection system deserves praise. Unlike other small bikes that feel jumpy at low speeds, throttle response was buttery smooth. Crawling through traffic jams was stress-free, and the lighter clutch action (30% lighter than the previous model, according to Yamaha) saved my left hand from fatigue.
I averaged about 55 km/l during city riding – impressive considering how often I couldn’t resist a quick burst of acceleration when gaps opened up.
Weekend Fun
On Sunday, four of us took our bikes to the twisty hill roads outside town. Despite being the smallest displacement in our group, the MT-15 held its own.
The standout feature? The updated suspension. The new adjustable front forks soaked up bumps while providing excellent feedback through corners. The wider rear tire (now a 140-section versus the old 130) added noticeable stability during aggressive leans.
The bike’s real magic happens between 7,000-10,000 RPM, where the VVA system kicks in, transforming this commuter into something much more exciting.
Tech That Actually Matters
Yamaha didn’t just throw random tech at this bike. The new simplified LCD display is perfectly readable in bright sunlight – something many expensive bikes still get wrong.
The new smartphone app connection isn’t just a gimmick – I actually used the navigation feature daily, and the maintenance reminders helped me schedule the first service.
The USB-C charging port under the seat powered my phone during a three-hour ride without draining the bike’s battery – practical engineering at its finest.
What Could Be Better
No bike is perfect. The stock headlight, while looking cool, could be brighter for night riding. And why still no ABS on the rear wheel? Full dual-channel should be standard in 2025.
Worth Your Money?
After putting 600+ kilometers on the odometer, would I recommend it? If you want a bike that makes daily commuting enjoyable while still offering weekend thrills, absolutely. The MT-15 V2 punches well above its weight class and price point.
What are your must-haves in a daily rider? Would something like the MT-15 tick your boxes? Let me know!