Yamaha XSR 155 Price : ₹ 1,50,957 Lakh* (Ex-showroom)
For years, Indian Yamaha fans have been asking just one question: “Where is the XSR 155?, and when is it coming?”
Instead, Yamaha gave us the FZ-X, which many felt wasn’t the modern-retro motorcycle they were hoping for. Now, six years after its global debut, Yamaha has finally brought the XSR 155 to India.
So the big question is: is it too late?
The answer is simple – too late, yes.. but definitely not too little.
Design: Modern retro done right
The design of the XSR 155 is the biggest reason why Indians fell in love with it right from the start. It beautifully blends classic Yamaha retro styling with modern touches.
There’s nothing flashy or over the top here, just a clean, classy motorcycle that comes with a strong road presence. The round LED headlamp, sculpted fuel tank, minimalist tail section and new colour schemes give it a premium feel. Those 3D Yamaha and XSR badges and the aluminium headlamp bracket add a lot to the overall quality.
Simply put, this is one of the best-looking bikes in the 150-160cc segment.
Platform and ergonomics: Familiar, but better
The XSR 155 is based on the same platform as the R15 and MT-15. That means it gets :
- Deltabox steel frame
- Aluminum swingarm
- USD front forks
- 155cc liquid-cooled engine with VVA
But where it really shines is in comfort and usability.
Unlike the aggressive R15 or the polarizing MT-15, the XSR 155 offers a more natural and spacious riding position. Taller riders will especially appreciate the extra space, wide handlebars and comfortable seat. It gets a slight forward lean, which Yamaha calls “retro sport”, and it makes the bike look attractive without being uncomfortable.
For shorter riders, the 810mm seat height may seem high, but the bike’s light 137kg weight makes it easy to manage.
XSR 155 Engine Performance
The 155cc engine is already very popular in India, and for good reason.
Power: 18.4 bhp
Torque: 14 Nm
The VVA kicks in at around 7,000 rpm
It’s smooth, refined and offers great flexibility in city traffic. You can cruise easily at low speeds, but once you cross 6,000 rpm, the engine really comes alive. It loves to rev and feels energetic all the way to the redline.
0-100 km/h: ~11 seconds
Cruising speed: Comfortable at 100 km/h
Top speed: Around 120-125 km/h (more if tucked in)
Despite the performance, fuel efficiency remains impressive if driven sensibly, which is also one of the reasons this engine is so popular.
Ride and Handling
Due to its light weight and strong chassis, riding the XSR 155 offers a very fun experience.
- It feels easy to ride in the city.
- Direction changes are quick and natural.
- Handles corners with confidence.
- Can also enjoy gentle tracks.
The suspension gets a little firm, which feels good on smooth roads. On broken roads over long distances, you can feel a little strain, but for a sporty motorcycle, the comfort level is completely acceptable.
Braking is more than adequate than exciting. The 280mm front disc doesn’t have a sharp bite at first, but overall stopping power is good. Dual-channel ABS and traction control are standard, which adds to safety and boosts confidence.
Ground clearance and practicality
There was confusion about ground clearance initially, but here’s the good news:
It gets 170mm of unladen ground clearance (same as the MT-15).
No issues on Indian roads or speed breakers.
The 10-litre fuel tank is on the small side, but the efficiency helps make up for it.
Features and quality
The XSR 155 offers a good list of features:
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Dual-channel ABS.
- Switchable traction control.
- An LCD display with plenty of ride data is available.
The LCD screen may not be as fancy as TFT, but it’s clear, functional and easy to use. The only real drawback is the switchgear, which feels basic and a bit inconvenient, especially the horn and high-beam switches.
Price and Strong Value Proposition
At around ₹1.5 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom), the XSR 155 is priced very competitively. It beats out bigger retro bikes like the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, while offering better performance, lighter weight and modern technology features. Along with that, it also becomes the most affordable Yamaha 155cc motorcycle in India.
