Yamaha XSR 155: The morning sun glints off the brushed aluminum tank as I thumb the starter. The engine fires up with a characteristic thump that settles into a smooth idle.
This isn’t just another entry-level motorcycle—this is Yamaha’s latest neo-retro masterpiece, the 2025 XSR 155, finally making its way to Indian shores after years of anticipation.
A Design Language That Speaks Volumes
Parked between a row of conventional naked streetfighters, the XSR 155 stands apart like a vintage timepiece in a collection of smartwatches.
Its circular LED headlamp—a hallmark of Yamaha’s Sport Heritage lineup—dominates the front end, complemented by brushed metal brackets that wouldn’t look out of place on a custom build from the 1970s.
The sculpted fuel tank, with its 10-liter capacity, features removable aluminum side panels that invite personalization—a nod to the growing custom culture among younger riders.
What’s particularly striking is how Yamaha’s designers have managed to incorporate retro elements without compromising modern ergonomics.
Running my hand along the stitched saddle, I notice it sits at a comfortable 810mm height—accessible for riders across various heights while maintaining the proportions that make this machine so visually balanced.
Heart of a Performer
Beneath the classic aesthetic beats a thoroughly modern heart—the same 155.1cc liquid-cooled single that powers Yamaha’s R15 and MT-15. This isn’t merely an engine transplant, though.
The tuning has been recalibrated to match the XSR’s character, with the VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) technology ensuring robust low-end torque without sacrificing top-end performance.
With 19.3 horsepower arriving at 10,000 rpm and 14.7 Nm of torque peaking at 8,500 rpm, the numbers might seem modest on paper.
However, coupled with a wet weight of just 134kg, the power-to-weight ratio translates to real-world performance that exceeds expectations.
During a spirited ride through the twisties outside Bangalore, the engine’s flexibility becomes apparent. In second gear, it pulls cleanly from 30 km/h all the way to 80 km/h without protest.
a versatility that’s invaluable in Indian traffic conditions. When the road opens up, the bike comfortably cruises at 100 km/h with enough in reserve for overtaking maneuvers.
The six-speed gearbox deserves special mention—the shift action is precise with short throws between gears, and the assist and slipper clutch makes light work of city traffic while preventing rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.
Chassis Dynamics: The Perfect Balance
“Creating a motorcycle that both looks retro and handles with modern precision is one of the greatest challenges in motorcycle design,” explains Takahiro Yoshida, a senior engineer I spoke with during a press preview. “Too soft, and it feels vague; too stiff, and it loses comfort.”
The solution Yamaha arrived at is a Deltabox frame similar to that found on the MT-15, but with subtle modifications to the steering geometry.
The result is handling that feels both intuitive and confidence-inspiring. The front end offers excellent feedback through corners, while the rear stays planted even over the broken surfaces that characterize many of our roads.
Suspension duties are handled by 37mm upside-down forks up front with 130mm of travel, while the rear features a monocross unit offering 5-step preload adjustability. During my week with the bike, I found the setup strikes a commendable balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort.
The braking system consists of a 282mm front disc paired with a 220mm rear, both gripped by single-piston calipers. While not the sharpest stoppers in the segment.
they offer good modulation and adequate power for the bike’s performance envelope. Dual-channel ABS comes standard—a welcome safety feature that intervenes subtly when needed.
Technology: Modern Conveniences in Vintage Clothing
Despite its retro aesthetic, the XSR 155 doesn’t skimp on modern amenities. The circular LCD instrument cluster packs in a wealth of information while maintaining the vintage theme. The switchgear, shared with other premium Yamaha models, feels tactile and well-damped.
LED lighting features throughout—headlamp, taillight, and indicators all use modern illumination technology while maintaining design elements that evoke nostalgia. The headlight, in particular, offers excellent spread and penetration during night rides.
What’s notably absent is any form of ride-by-wire throttle or riding modes. This deliberate omission aligns with the XSR’s philosophy of providing a pure, direct connection between rider and machine—something that many enthusiasts will appreciate in an increasingly electronically mediated motorcycling world.
Living With The XSR 155
Over a week of daily commuting, weekend rides, and an overnight trip, the XSR 155 revealed itself as a remarkably versatile machine. The upright riding position, with its neutral footpeg placement and moderate reach to the handlebars, remains comfortable even after hours in the saddle.
Fuel efficiency hovers around the 40 kmpl mark in city conditions, improving to nearly 48 kmpl on the highway—impressive figures considering the performance on tap.
The 810mm seat height should accommodate most Indian riders comfortably, while the relatively narrow midsection makes it easy to get both feet on the ground at stops. Ground clearance of 170mm ensures you’ll clear most obstacles urban and rural India can throw your way.
Perhaps the only practical limitation is the limited storage space—there’s not even a small compartment for documents or a phone. This is, however, a deliberate design choice that maintains the clean lines of the motorcycle.
Competition and Market Positioning
At its expected price point of ₹1.4-1.7 lakhs (ex-showroom), the XSR 155 positions itself as a premium offering in the 150-160cc segment.
Its most direct rival is Honda’s CB150R Exmotion, though it also competes indirectly with Royal Enfield’s Classic 350 by appealing to riders seeking retro styling with modern reliability.
The XSR 155 occupies an interesting niche in Yamaha’s lineup, sitting alongside the sportier R15 and the more aggressive MT-15. What distinguishes it is not performance metrics but character—it offers a distinctly different riding experience and aesthetic appeal.
“We’re not targeting pure performance seekers with the XSR,” explains Yamaha’s marketing lead. “We’re appealing to riders who appreciate engineering excellence expressed through timeless design.”
The Ownership Experience
Yamaha’s service network in India has expanded significantly in recent years, with over 600 touchpoints nationwide. The XSR 155 shares most of its mechanical components with the well-established R15 and MT-15, meaning parts availability should be excellent.
The recommended service interval is 3,000 kilometers, with major services at 12,000-kilometer intervals. Given the shared platform with other Yamaha models, maintenance costs should be reasonable for the segment.
Verdict: A Compelling Blend of Old and New
After spending considerable time with the 2025 Yamaha XSR 155, its purpose becomes clear. This isn’t attempting to be the fastest, the most feature-laden.
or even the most affordable option in its segment. Instead, it excels at being characterful—providing an engaging riding experience wrapped in timeless design.
For riders seeking an entry into the world of modern classics without the reliability concerns of actual vintage motorcycles, the XSR 155 presents a compelling proposition.
It delivers the aesthetic appeal and emotional connection of heritage models while incorporating the performance, efficiency, and dependability of contemporary engineering.
In a market increasingly dominated by performance metrics and feature lists, the XSR 155 reminds us that motorcycling is as much about feeling as it is about specifications. That alone makes it a noteworthy addition to India’s rapidly evolving motorcycle landscape.