Yamaha XSR155: Bikes We’d Like To See In India
Here’s why we think the lovely retro-looking Yamaha XSR155 would be ideal for the Indian market
Here’s why we think the lovely retro-looking Yamaha XSR155 would be ideal for the Indian market
Yamaha surprised enthusiasts when it launched the deliciously retro-looking yet tech-laden Yamaha XSR155 in Thailand back in August 2019. Word around the town is that it will soon launch it in India and here’s why we think it’d be the perfect fit in our market:
Why does it make business sense?
The small-capacity retro segment in the country is single-handedly dominated by Royal Enfield. Sure, Jawa entered the fray but it couldn’t make an impressionable dent in this category. What’s currently lacking in this space is an old-school motorcycle tempered with Japanese technology and reliability. Hence, it would bode well for Yamaha to exploit this segment with the launch of the XSR155. Moreover, at present, there isn’t a single 150cc liquid-cooled motorcycle that’s got the looks and is comfortable enough for everyday use. With the Yamaha XSR155, the Japanese brand would be able to conveniently hit two birds with a single stone.
Since it’s based on the already-existing Yamaha R15 V3.0, it would be even easier for Yamaha to manufacture in India with part sharing. Sure, the brand could compromise on certain aspects and might replace the aluminium swingarm with a box-section unit and the inverted front fork with a traditional one, as it did with the Yamaha MT-15. Even then, it would make a compelling proposition as these measures would only make it more affordable.
How much is it likely to cost in India?
Back in Thailand, the price difference between the faired R15 and the retro XSR155 is an equivalent of Rs 14,281, with the latter being more affordable. Expect the delta to be slightly smaller for the Indian market, and with that in mind, the India-spec Yamaha XSR155 could cost around Rs 1.42 lakh (ex-showroom). At this pricing, it would be dearer than the Yamaha MT-15 by around Rs 4,000 and go squarely against the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 ES, priced at Rs 1,39,948 (ex-showroom Delhi).
What makes the Yamaha XSR155 so special?
Apart from being the only 150cc retro bike in India (if launched), it will also appeal to a much wider set of audience than the R15, thanks to its easy-going ergonomics with the wide easy-to-reach handlebars and bench seat. Its classic looks are complemented by a properly modern liquid-cooled 155cc single-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). This clever technology helps in maintaining a good balance between low-end grunt and top-end drive. The motor makes 19.3PS and 14.7Nm, linked to a six-speed transmission with assist and slipper clutch.
Also Read: Yamaha WR 155R: Bikes We’d Like To See In India
Other notable features include an LED headlamp and tail lamp, bulb indicators, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The India-spec version could pack dual-channel ABS as standard. In a true retro scrambler fashion, the 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped with 110-section front and 140-section rear tubeless block pattern tyres.
All in all, the Yamaha XSR155 seems to be promising enough to hog Royal Enfield’s limelight in the small-capacity retro segment. It’s got the right set of features, a very likeable design, and a performance-packed powertrain. What more could you possibly want?
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