Yamaha XSR155 vs MT-15 vs R15: Differences Explained

With the recent launch of the Yamaha XSR 155, the brand now has three different models based on the same 155cc engine. But each one is aimed at different kinds of riders. Here we give you a detailed breakdown of the differences.

Design

The Yamaha XSR 155 is the most affordable retro-roadster in India with a liquid-cooled engine, priced at Rs 1,49,990 (introductory ex-showroom, Delhi). Bookings are open on the brand’s website for a token amount, and deliveries have begun.

What makes the XSR 155 unique is the neo-retro design drawing inspiration from Yamaha’s higher capacity models in the XSR lineup. The bike has a wide handlebar, and a flat single-piece seat giving a relatively relaxed and upright riding posture.

The Yamaha MT-15 is a streetfighter, and gets a modern design, with its headlight section looking similar to the face of a Transformer. The Yamaha R15, on the other hand, gets a sharp and aggressive design inspired by the higher capacity Yamaha R1 and feels quite upmarket.

Accessories & Customization

The Yamaha XSR 155 is also offered with two accessory kits, so riders have the option to modify their bikes – either with a scrambler theme or a cafe racer one. Yamaha is not offering the same option with the MT-15 and the R15, likely because the XSR 155 is more popular with bike modification enthusiasts.

Comfort & Practicality

The XSR 155 with its wide handlebar, and flat single-piece seat should offer the most comfortable riding experience. It will put the rider in a relatively relaxed and upright riding posture.

On the Yamaha R15, the clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs create a committed, track-focused riding posture that sacrifices comfort for control. This makes the bike less practical for city riding.

The MT-15 is more of a middle-ground in this regard, which will be manageable in the city, while also being good enough for sporty riding.

Features

The Yamaha XSR 155 is a bit basic in terms of features, and only gets a simple LCD console with smartphone connectivity for call/SMS and email alerts. Other than this, it gets a traction control system for added safety but we think this system on a 155cc bike is a bit of overkill.

Meanwhile, on the more premium DLX variants of the Yamaha MT-15, there’s a TFT console with turn-by-turn navigation. Similar to the Yamaha XSR 155, this bike also gets a traction control system as standard. 

The Yamaha R15 has the same premium TFT console as the Yamaha MT-15 along with track-ready features like an optional quickshifter. The quickshifter offers riders the option for clutchless upshifts making the bike perfect for the twisties and the track.

Performance

Although all three are powered by the same 155cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. The engine produces 18.4PS at 10,000rpm and 14.2Nm at 7,500rpm on the Yamaha R15. But on the MT-15, it produces 0.1Nm less torque. 

To suit the streetfighter nature of the MT-15, Yamaha has gone with a larger 52-tooth rear sprocket compared to the Yamaha R15’s 48-tooth one. This has made the MT-15 a lot more usable on an everyday riding basis, instead of wringing the throttle hard to get the R15 singing.

So far, the brand has not revealed the bike’s sprocket size, but we think it might be similar to what is offered on the Yamaha R15 V4. We think so because the brand uses the same 48-tooth sprocket when selling the XSR 155 internationally.

Price & Verdict

Overall, the XSR 155 is meant to be a fancy city commuter, with good looks and comfortable ergonomics. It is aimed at those riders who want the sweet 155cc engine performance but in a more stylish package. Here's our Ultimate Buying Guide for the XSR.

The Yamaha R15 V4 is a supersport aimed at budding enthusiasts who are looking for a good beginner bike to sharpen their track skills.The Yamaha MT-15 is a good middle-ground between the two offering the same sporty riding experience in a slightly more accessible package.