Yamaha’s neo‑retro XSR 155, previously limited to select Southeast Asian markets, has officially launched in India. With its classic styling blended with modern performance, the XSR 155 promises to fill the niche between entry-level commuters and heavyweight retro cruisers. Here’s an in-depth review covering price, features, mileage, performance, and overall appeal.
Launch Overview & Expected Price
Yamaha has introduced the XSR 155 in India, tapping into growing demand for stylish yet practical modern-retro motorcycles. Market analysts estimate the ex-showroom price to range between ₹1.55 lakh to ₹1.80 lakh, depending on variants and accessories
| Variant | Estimated Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Standard | ₹1.55 lakh |
| Retro Edition | ₹1.60 lakh |
| Premium Range | Up to ₹1.80 lakh |
The pricing positions the XSR 155 competitively above typical 150cc commuters, yet below Royal Enfield offerings, making it appealing to both urban riders and retro enthusiasts
Design & Styling
The XSR 155 boasts neo‑retro aesthetics inspired by the iconic XSR‑700 and XSR‑900. Key design elements include:
- Round LED headlamp and taillight with chrome or metal accents
- Teardrop-style fuel tank, often with brushed aluminum or tri-tone finishes
- Ribbed single-piece seat in classic tan or black shades
- Minimalist side panels and exposed chassis for a clean, retro appeal
Color options are diverse, catering to different tastes:
- Black Elegance – stealthy matte black
- Midnight Blue – metallic blue with a touch of purple
- Premium Grey – matte grey with tan seat highlights
- Sports Heritage – white/red tri-tone inspired by Yamaha’s racing legacy
Engine, Transmission & Performance
Under the retro façade lies the performance-tested heart of the R15 V3 and MT-15:
- Engine: 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation)
- Power Output: Around 19.3 PS @ 10,000 rpm; 14.7 Nm torque @ 8,500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox with assist and slipper clutch
This setup ensures lively city responsiveness and confident highway cruising.
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
Built to offer both control and comfort:
- Frame: Rigid yet lightweight Delta Box frame, shared with R15 and MT-15
- Suspension:
- Front: 37 mm inverted telescopic forks (USD)
- Rear: Monoshock, adjustable for preload (and in some versions, rebound)
- Brakes & Wheels:
- Front: 282 mm disc
- Rear: 220 mm disc
- ABS: Dual‑channel (at least in Indian spec)
- Wheels: 17‑inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres (100/80‑17 front, 140/70‑17 rear)
Dimensions & Ergonomics
Built for manageable, enjoyable riding:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Seat Height | 810 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 134 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,330 mm |
| Length × Width × Height | ≈ 2,000 × 805 × 1,080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10–10.4 liters |
These specifications point to a bike that’s easy to maneuver in traffic, yet maintains a presence fitting its retro-modern styling
Features & Instrumentation
Despite its vintage looks, the XSR 155 is well-equipped:
- Instrument Console: Circular digital LCD with speedometer, tachometer (semi-circular), odometer, trip meters, gear indicator, clock, fuel gauge, ABS light, low-fuel indicator, and rev limiter
- Lighting: LED headlight, tail light, and indica
- Switchgear: High-quality feel, with side-stand engine cut-off and potential optional features like USB charging or Yamaha Y-Connect
This combination offers both nostalgia and modern practicality.
Mileage & Fuel Economy
One of the XSR 155’s standout attributes is its fuel efficiency:
- ARAI-certified mileage: Approximately 48–48.6 km/l
- City Riding: Real-world figures often range between 35–45 km/l depending on conditions
- Highway Riding: Up to 50–52 km/l under optimal conditions
Fuel Tank Range Estimate:
| Riding Condition | Mileage (km/l) | Range per Tank (~10 L) |
|---|---|---|
| City | 40 | ~400 km |
| Highway | 50 | ~500 km |
This makes the XSR 155 ideal for both daily commuting and longer rides with fewer fuel stops.
Real-World Impressions: Pros & Cons
Reddit discussions among owners and prospective buyers highlight both strengths and limitations:
Pros:
- Excellent fuel economy, consistently delivering 40–50 km/l
- Comfortable ride with upright ergonomics, light weight aiding maneuverability
Cons:
- High seat (810 mm) may challenge shorter riders
- Pillion seat is narrow; longer rides may fatigue passengers
- Limited premium features like smartphone connectivity (in standard variants)
Competitor Landscape
The XSR 155 enters into a competitive bracket of modern-retro and commuter-performance hybrids:
| Competitor | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Classic appeal, mid-350cc displacement |
| TVS Ronin | Aggressive styling, pricing efficiency |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS200 | Higher displacement, performance bias |
XSR 155 stands out with its balanced blend of retro aesthetics, modern tech, peak mileage, and manageable performance .
Final Verdict: Is the Yamaha XSR 155 Worth It?
Why Riders Will Love It:
- Captivating retro design with modern functionality
- Strong urban handling and ride comfort
- Outstanding fuel economy and respectable performance
- Competitive price vs premium retro motorcycles
Consider Before Buying:
- Seat height and pillion comfort may not suit all
- Lacks some premium features like built-in smartphone connectivity in base trims
- Will require acclimation to a 155cc setup if coming from lower-segment commuters
Summary Table
| Category | Details / Specs |
|---|---|
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹1.55 lakh – ₹1.80 lakh |
| Engine & Power | 155 cc, VVA, ~19.3 PS, 14.7 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, assist & slipper clutch |
| Frame & Suspension | Delta box, USD front, mono rear |
| Brakes | 282 mm front, 220 mm rear, ABS |
| Dimensions | Seat height 810 mm, weight 134 kg |
| Fuel Tank & Mileage | ~10 L, 40–52 km/l |
| Top Speed | ~120–135 km/h |
| Features | LED lights, LCD console, digital cluster |
| Pros | Style, economy, agility |
| Cons | Seat height, limited pillion comfort, feature gaps |
Conclusion
The Yamaha XSR 155 brings a fresh and compelling blend of retro charm and modern practicality to the Indian motorcycle market. With impressive fuel efficiency, agile performance, and striking design, it’s bound to stand out for riders seeking distinctive style without sacrificing reliability. While it may not offer premium connectivity or pillion space, its overall package makes it a standout choice—especially considering the aggressive pricing.