My Yamaha YZF R15 v2.0.

Since this is my first blog, I urge the readers to bear with me.

The period of time which led me to the union with this wonderful machine, the Yamaha YZF R15 v2.0.

Turn the clock back a couple months.

Having sold my old bike, a Honda CB Dazzler, I wasn't ready to buy another commuter bike from 150cc segment because I had experienced a lack of power and torque (but the Dazzler was more exciting on the city streets) while riding on highways (basically from Bangalore to Hassan). Even though I loved my Dazzler, I certainly felt on many occasions, the missing X-factor.

When I planned to buy a new bike, surprisingly the R15 v2.0 wasn't at the top of my list. I was convinced that the bike to buy was the Honda CBR 250R. And then KTM came out with Duke 390, which not only impressed me, but blew my mind, with its specifications, the reviews it got and also because of the amazing value for money. For a while I contemplated buying the Duke 390. Before continuing, I have to mention that I have always adored the R15, including the first version. According to me, what attracts people to the R15 v2.0 is completely subjective. Fortunately during this period of indecision, I got into a discussion with +Parthasarathy Prasad, about the way it feels to ride the R15 v2.0. BTW he is a big fan of it. By the end of the conversation he had me convinced that this was the bike to buy. But my trepidation and advice from my other pals ( +Pradyumna Rao and +Nithin Das ) forced to me do a proper research about it. So my next couple of months were basically spent going through the articles, blogs, the official site or anything remotely related to it. Finally I made up my mind, keeping in consideration the performance, the fame, the value for money and lastly, the economy (can't forget that I'm still an Indian, no offense). Since the cost was a bit of an issue, I had to go for a vehicle loan, which, after jumping through a lot of hoops, got approved. Color of the bike was a tough choice, but anyways I went for the special racing blue edition.

My bike was delivered on the 3rd of December, 2013. According to the odometer today, a mere 217 km have been covered since I bought it. Sadly, I haven't had the chance to ride it every day. The first time I sat on it, I got this special indescribable feeling. Adjusting to the new riding position was a bit annoying and painful. Wrist pains persisted for the first two weeks which is common for people who are riding a sports bike for the first time. The engine run in period is the toughest test of patience as one shouldn't rev beyond the 5k mark according to owner's manual. The engine is very smooth and I haven't encountered any problems with shifting. As praised in the official reviews, the R15 v2.0 handles brilliantly and is forgiving to the beginners. It just meanders through the tight corners of my neighborhood with so much ease. Finally, it is a looker!! I am very satisfied with this machine. It has everything which I look for in a bike, but mainly, it has CHARACTER.