Yamaha XSR 155 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350: Detailed Comparison

India’s oldest retro bike compared with the newest one!

The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is one of India’s oldest and arguably the most known retro bikes in India. The Yamaha XSR 155 is the latest retro bike in India at a similar-ish price. So could this Yamaha bike put any sort of a dent in the Bullet’s sales? Here’s what we think: 

Price & Variants

• The Yamaha bike undercuts the Bullet 350 by quite a margin, especially when you consider that the dual-channel ABS variants cost even more. The XSR 155, meanwhile, gets dual-channel ABS as standard. 

• If you’re thinking that by spending a little more than the XSR 155 you get a bike with an engine that’s more than twice as big, that’s not the best way to look at it.

Dimensions & Design 

• Both have ample ground clearance and approachable seat heights but that’s about where the similarities end. 

• There’s a massive 58kg difference between the two,that’s the equivalent of having a whole extra passenger. While the Bullet 350’s weight is manageable once you start spending more time with it, it obviously cannot match the XSR 155’s lightness. 

• Both bikes are completely different in their designs too. The Bullet is long, brawny, and has a certain macho appeal. The laid-back, upright riding posture and relatively forward set footpegs is quite enjoyable. 

• The XSR 155 is a much more compact motorcycle and its sporty intentions are clear from the high-set footpegs itself. While it’s a retro bike on the outside, underneath the bodywork is still pretty much a Yamaha MT-15 V2. 

Features & Safety

• As we said, the XSR 155 is a thoroughly modern bike underneath the retro styling and that’s visible from its features list too.

• The Royal Enfield bike stays true old school.  The basic analogue dash is standard, while dual-channel ABS and the tripper navigation pod are optional. 

Engines

• The gap between the XSR and the Bullet 350 is the widest when we talk about their engines.The engine loves being ridden hard and being revved out, so all the fun lies above 7000rpm. The XSR looks retro on the outside but the engine (from the Yamaha R15 V4) is a true sportbike engine so if you enjoy riding your bikes hard, the XSR 155’s engine is a delight. 

• As we mentioned in the price subhead, considering the Bullet 350 as twice the bike isn’t right since it isn’t exactly twice the performance.

• The Bullet 350’s story is all about torque. The engine delivers a lot of it at low revs and that makes little overtakes very easy. You can putter around town at low speeds lazily. It’s not fond of being revved out and if you do, you’ll realise there isn’t a lot of performance at high revs anyway. Get on the Bullet 350 and it’ll ask you to just take it nice and easy. 

Verdict 

The Bullet’s macho, easygoing riding experience isn’t something the XSR 155 can match, so Bullet fanboys will still go for it. If you want a bike that’s retro on the outside and the inside, the Bullet 350 is the one to get. 

But if you want something that is a lot more fun and exciting, something that thrills you, be it city commutes or weekend rides, get the Yamaha XSR 155.

XSR 155 Vs rivals: 

• When compared to the TVS Ronin, the XSR 155 feels more sporty and engaging.
• If sportiness and excitement is what you want, the Yamaha XSR makes more sense, but if you prefer a proper retro roadster feel, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is the better option.
• If you are on a strict budget, get the Yamaha FZ-X. But in most other aspects the XSR is the better option.
• Between the XSR and Yamaha MT-15, the choice mainly comes down to styling preference, as both bikes are largely similar underneath.
• The Yamaha R15 offers a proper sportbike experience, while the XSR 155 offers similar excitement with a more comfortable riding position.
• Both the Yamaha XSR and Honda CB150R follow a neo-retro design philosophy, but the CB150R is not on sale in India.
• With its variable valve actuation engine, the Yamaha bike feels more exciting to ride than the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.
• The Honda CB190SS has a stronger retro appeal, but since it is not available in India, the XSR 155 becomes the only option.
• Between the Yamaha XSR155 and the Honda Unicorn, the latter is more affordable, has conventional styling, and is meant for hassle-free commuting rather than performance.
• Take a look at the price alternatives for the Yamaha XSR 155.