Launched during the inaugural Thailand MotoGP at Buriram the previous weekend was the 2019 Yamaha MT-15 naked sports. Despite looking a lot like the Yamaha M-Slaz 150, the MT-15 is a different motorcycle.

As can be seen in the video posted by Yamaha Society Thailand (starting at minute 24:20), the MT-15 most resembles the other bikes in Yamaha’s MT family, like the MT-07, MT-09 and MT-10. The seat on the MT-15 is also different, being a single unit compared to the M-Slaz’ two-piece seat assembly.

Although no specific details were released by Yamaha Thailand, we would assume the MT-15 takes most of its internals and running gear from the Yamaha R15, recently launched in Malaysia. This would mean the MT-15 uses the same single-cylinder, 155 cc mill with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA).

In the R15, the engine is claimed to produce 19.3 hp with 15 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted through a six-speed gear box with Assist and Slipper clutch.

Other items that appear to have been ported over to the MT-15 from the R15 include the aluminium alloy swingarm, negative monochrome LCD meter and upside-down front forks. Considering the current model FZ150i naked sports has been in the Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia catalogue for the longest time, do you feel it is time for an upgrade?

All things being equal, there is every likelihood our neighbours Indonesia will see the launch of the 2019 Yamaha MT-15 before Malaysians do. What do you think? Should HLYM bring in the MT-15 as a catalogue companion to the YZF-R15? Leave a comment, below.