Yamaha XSR 155 first ride review: Yamaha’s neo-retro roadster

Neo-retro bikes have gained a lot of momentum over the last few years with more and more manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon, coming out with neo-retro roadsters. Some go in the retro-look-with-retro-guts direction while some go with a retro exterior but with properly modern guts beneath. Yamaha too caught on early but unfortunately, that was with the FZ-X and we all know how that story turned out. Fast forward a couple of years and lo and behold, Yamaha has finally answered the ‘Call of the Blue’ of us Indians and launched the brand’s true neo-retro roadster – the Yamaha XSR 155. Is this what the market needed or is it too little, too late?

Yamaha XSR 155 design

With the XSR 155, Yamaha has taken the ‘retro skin, modern guts’ approach because under the very pretty exterior of the motorcycle lies essentially an MT-15. Meaning, the same 155cc liquid-cooled engine with VVA, the same amazing deltabox frame, same brakes and essentially the same cycle parts. In terms of styling, the XSR 155 is everything we’ve been waiting for and then some. Especially in this shade of red that we had on test. The iconic round headlight and taillight, the ribbed seat, the panels with the bored out circles on the side, the exhaust with the circular mesh cover, all of it really ties in together to make a motorcycle that is the epitome of what a modern neo-retro naked motorcycle should be. Given that it is a small motorcycle, the proportions are quite nice as well. One major complaint I had with the MT-15 as a larger rider was the fact that it felt too cramped, especially for the lower half of your body. This seems to have been rectified with the XSR 155 to a fair extent. I’m not going as far as to say that the XSR is the bike to get if you’re a taller/larger rider, but it certainly is much better than the MT-15.

Yamaha XSR 155 ride and handling

Coming to the ride and handling setup. The deltabox frame and the suspension setup remain the same but because of the lack of panels and such, the XSR 155 tips the scales at 137kg making it a whole four kilograms lighter than the MT-15 and that for the most part is a good thing. Handling remains stellar with it tipping into corners holding a line and getting out of a corner with the same surefooted-ness and eagerness that we love the MT and R15 for. Braking performance remains solid as well and you continue to get dual-channel ABS and traction control. Ride quality, while good for the most part, could be better judged over sharp bumps, but then again you have to factor in that I’m on the heavier side. Lighter or average weight riders might find that the ride quality is quite good. The ground clearance, while seemingly healthy at 170mm, didn’t seem enough when I was riding two up. Again, this could be owing to my weight and I recommend you form an opinion on this matter when you ride it yourself.

Yamaha XSR 155 engine

The engine continues to be as engaging as ever with VVA keeping things interesting and tractable. Outputs of 18.1bhp and 14.2Nm of torque remain unchanged and the XSR 155 feels peppy for what it is. On the features front, it gets a very basic, circular, negatively lit LCD screen with Bluetooth connectivity. While not the easiest to read, it seems to go well with the vibe of the rest of the motorcycle.

Yamaha XSR 155 verdict

The XSR is priced at ₹1.49 lakh, ex-showroom, making it the most affordable of the three motorcycles with this engine. There are also a bunch of accessories and kit on offer to transform the look of the bike. Good stuff. With all this out of the way, is Yamaha’s decision to bring the XSR 155 to India too little, too late? Honestly, no. The motorcycle offers tonnes of capability, in a very appealing package at a very attractive price tag.