Yamaha Motor India launched the XSR 155 today, at a virtual event streamed from their headquarters in Surajpur, Greater Noida. The bike enters the competitive 150-160cc premium segment, priced at INR 1.60 lakh ex-showroom (Delhi), making it accessible for urban professionals and enthusiasts. It slots between the FZ-S at INR 1.20 lakh and the MT-15 at INR 1.69 lakh, appealing to those who want a retro look without the higher cost of models like the Royal Enfield Classic 350 starting at INR 1.93 lakh.
The launch timing aligns with festive season demand, with bookings open at over 400 Yamaha dealerships nationwide. Deliveries begin this week in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, followed by tier-2 markets. Yamaha expects to sell 5,000 units in the first quarter, targeting the growing neo-retro segment, which saw 15% growth in India last year per SIAM data. Globally, the XSR 155 has been available in markets like Indonesia and the Philippines since 2016, but this marks its India debut with BS6 Phase 2 compliance for emissions.
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
The XSR 155 draws from Yamaha’s classic roadster heritage, updated for contemporary tastes. Its neo-retro design features a round LED headlamp with a chrome surround, evoking 1970s cafe racers but with efficient LED lighting that draws just 10W for bright night visibility. The fuel tank, 11 liters capacity, has a sculpted shape with knee recesses for a secure grip during rides, painted in three options: Metallic Brown Authentic, Metallic Black Elegance, and Matte Silver Premium. These finishes use a dual-tone scheme with subtle pinstripes, giving a premium feel at this price.
The bodywork is minimalistic, with a single-piece seat at 810mm height, suitable for riders around 5’6″ to 6′ without feeling cramped. The frame is a diamond-type steel unit, weighing 134kg kerb, which contributes to agile handling in city traffic. Suspension includes 41mm telescopic forks upfront with 130mm travel for absorbing potholes, and a rear monoshock with preload adjustment for pillion comfort. Wheels are 17-inch alloys with block-pattern tires (110/70 front, 140/70 rear), providing good traction on wet or gravelly roads common in Indian suburbs.
Braking uses 282mm front disc with dual-channel ABS and a 220mm rear disc, ensuring controlled stops from its top speed of 130kmph. ABS activates on both wheels during hard braking, reducing skids by 30-40% compared to non-ABS bikes in tests. Build quality reflects Yamaha’s Japanese standards, with rust-resistant coatings on exposed parts and a two-year warranty covering 30,000km.
Engine and Performance
Powering the XSR 155 is the familiar 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC engine shared with the R15 and MT-15, tuned for roadster duty. It produces 19.3PS (about 19 horsepower) at 10,000rpm and 14.7Nm torque at 8,500rpm, with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). VVA switches cam profiles at 7,400rpm, optimizing low-end grunt for city starts and high-rev pull for highway overtakes. In real-world terms, it accelerates from 0-60kmph in 4.2 seconds, feeling peppy without overwhelming a new rider.
The engine uses fuel injection for precise delivery, achieving 45-48kmpl mileage in mixed conditions, better than the sportier R15’s 40kmpl. A six-speed gearbox with assist-and-slipper clutch makes shifts light; the slipper prevents wheel hop during quick downshifts, useful when slowing for traffic lights. Vibration is minimal up to 100kmph thanks to a balancer shaft, though it picks up at sustained 120kmph speeds.
Top speed touches 130kmph, adequate for national highways, with a rev limit around 11,000rpm. Cooling is efficient, maintaining temps under 90°C in 35°C ambient heat, ideal for Indian summers. Sound is a refined growl, louder than the FZ but not as aggressive as the MT-15.
Features and Technology
The XSR 155 keeps features practical and user-friendly. The digital console is a negative LCD with analog-style tachometer and digital speedo, displaying gear position, fuel economy, and trip meters. It lacks Bluetooth but includes a USB Type-A port for charging phones during rides. LED lighting covers headlamp, taillight, and turn signals, consuming 20% less power than halogens for longer night rides.
Safety gets dual-channel ABS from Bosch, with sensors monitoring wheel speeds to prevent lockup. No traction control, but the block tires and upright posture help in slippery conditions. The seat is cushioned for 100km comfort, with a split design for a solo look, though pillion grab rails are included. Color options suit different tastes: Brown for a vintage cafe vibe, Black for understated elegance, and Silver for a modern twist. Accessories like windshields or luggage racks will be available post-launch.
Ride and Handling Impressions
Riding the XSR 155 feels engaging yet approachable. The 785mm wheelbase and 200mm ground clearance handle speed bumps and uneven roads well, with forks soaking small jolts and the monoshock adjustable for load. In city scenarios, like Mumbai traffic, the light steering and torquey low-end make filtering easy, with a turning radius of 2.6 meters for U-turns.
On open roads, it cruises at 90-100kmph comfortably, with wind protection from the tank but exposed at higher speeds. Braking is confident, stopping from 100kmph in 40 meters with ABS intervening smoothly. Fuel stops every 450-500km suit touring, though the 11L tank means planning ahead.
Compared to rivals, it offers better refinement than the Avenger 160 but less low-end torque than the Classic 350. For daily commutes, it’s nimble; for weekends, the retro style turns heads.
Pricing and Variants
Only one variant launches at INR 1.60 lakh ex-showroom, on-road around INR 1.75-1.80 lakh in Delhi after taxes and insurance. EMI options start at INR 4,500/month for 36 months. Service intervals are every 4,000km or six months, costing INR 1,500-2,000 initially.
