Yamaha XSR155 vs Honda CB150R: Picture Perfect Aesthetics
The Japanese retro beaut we have vs the one we don’t, compared with the help of images
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.
Yamaha XSR 155 User Reviews
- liked it much driving experience is very good 👍👍 thanks yamahaI have bought this bike in February, I liked it's performance very much, some problems are there as handling and seat comfort, but overall it's a good bike, mileage is very good, it gives 56-60 on average speed at 75-80, it gives 45 but performance is very good, maintenance is not so high, overall the bike is great.Read More2 7
- I recommend for studentsStylish and mileage is good. The bike looks are amazing and the bike gives 42kmpl mileage in city. It is e85 compliant so you don't need to worry about fuel cost. Yahama have a good service and you usually get any parts of the bike easily. This bike in highway it's feel like you riding a jet and the bike is so so amazing and in highway it's give you 45-50 mileage and the sites is good and this bike have good in build quality and the bike weight is so light. For college students and works it's good bike have good mileage and low maintenance cost so for college students is good. And I am a college student I have less pocket money but I save money from the pocket money.Read More7 6
- roller coaster of emotionsSeeing this bike for the first time on road was nothing short of fabulous and i decided to buy it, the next day only, my personal experience has a lot of ups and down. - week 1 gear shifting was buttery smooth bus after 500kms it got stiff and rigid - mirrors do not suit the bike at all - very impressive performance - 10/10 road presence - suspension is slightly rigid in city commute - riding posture is a mix of sporty and aggressive - engine feels very smooth yet powerful at the same time overall the experience has been great, if you are looking for a bike for daily commute with a punch of power and occasional long rides, would 100% recommend buying it eyes closed, more importantly if you want a bike that makes you smile when you look at it, go for it.Read More13 8
- This bike is awesome and stableI choose this bike because of performance and mileage. Everything is perfect in the bike and the look and design is really awesome. It looks like a racer bike. This bike suit me a lot because I am 5.6. The performance of this bike is really awesome. I can play with this bike and this is really awesome for cruising or for racing because it has high performance gears and stability of the bike is awesome. I will recommend this to buy because I get sufficient mileage for city rides and if I want to go to highway, I can get around 36 to 37 which is really nice for long tours and rides. It comes with very less weight.Read More5 5
- joy ....very bad experienceBuying experience not so good, riding comfort is too bad, look is good, performence is not so good, handle bar and rider body in between distance unmatched, this is very uncomfortable for long drive like 40 to 50 km, its make pressure on hand, build quality also bad, a new bike also make noise from the body part.Read More5 6
5 out of 5 found this helpful