Yamaha XSR155 vs Honda CB150R: Picture Perfect Aesthetics

The neo-retro motorcycle segment has become quite exciting lately, especially with Yamaha’s much-awaited XSR155 finally arriving in India at a price tag of Rs 1,49,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi). However, it’s not alone in this class internationally. The Honda CB150R is another contender with similar styling and performance. So, how do these two retro-modern machines stack up against each other? Let’s find out with the help of images: 

Design

The Yamaha XSR155 perfectly blends vintage aesthetics with modern touches. It features a round LED headlight, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a single-piece ribbed seat, and a circular digital instrument console, all of which give it that timeless old-school charm. 

Meanwhile, the Honda CB150R takes a slightly different approach. It’s more modern than purely retro, with sharper lines, a compact tail section, and a sportier overall stance. The design might remind you of the CB300R, which was on sale in India but has now been discontinued. The LED lighting setup, the petal disc brakes and the minimalistic bodywork lend it a premium European vibe. While both bikes ooze class, the CB150R looks more athletic, whereas the XSR155 feels more laid-back.

Engine & Performance

The Yamaha XSR155 is powered by the tried-and-tested 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that we also see on the R15 V4 and MT-15 V2.0. It produces 18.4PS and 14.2Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch. The bike also has dual-channel ABS and traction control, which adds to its safety.

On the other hand, the Honda CB150R gets a 149cc liquid-cooled engine. While the official figures are unknown at the moment, it’s reported to produce about 16.1PS and 13.6Nm, working alongside a 6-speed gearbox. Performance-wise, the Yamaha clearly takes the lead, not only because of the bigger engine, but also due to the Variable Valve Actuation tech. 

Underpinnings

The Yamaha XSR155 uses the Deltabox frame from the R15, while suspension duties are handled by an upside-down fork and a monoshock. Braking is taken care of by disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, while the 17-inch alloy wheels come wrapped in grippy MRF tyres. The XSR has a fuel tank capacity of 10 litres and has a kerb weight of 137kg. The bike has a seat height of 810mm while having a ground clearance of 170mm. 

The Honda CB150R, too, gets similar hardware: a USD fork, monoshock, and petal disc brakes at both ends. Like the XSR, it too runs on 17-inch wheels. The Honda gets a smaller fuel tank capacity of just 8.5 litres, which also allows it to be lighter at 124kg (kerb). It is also more approachable due to its seat height of 802mm, although the ground clearance is lower at 139mm. 

Features

The Yamaha XSR155 keeps things simple yet modern. It comes equipped with an LCD circular instrument console, full-LED lighting, and a slip-and-assist clutch. While it also gets smartphone connectivity, its minimalism adds to the charm and keeps the focus on pure riding.

The Honda CB150R gets a rectangular LCD console and all-LED lighting, but misses out on Bluetooth functions. 

Price & Verdict

The Yamaha XSR155 is priced at Rs 1,49,990 (ex-showroom) in India, making it the most affordable motorcycle among its 155cc siblings. The Honda CB150R isn’t officially sold in India, but we really wish the brand brings it here soon, especially now that Yamaha has finally brought in the XSR155 after years of longing by enthusiasts.

Both these neo-retro machines blend nostalgia with new-age engineering. The Honda CB150R might look a bit sportier, but the Yamaha XSR155 offers the right mix of performance, practicality, and vintage-cool, making it the only Japanese choice for Indian riders right now.