It is important to remember that the Japanese giant Yamaha has its own group of heroes. Riders still have a soft spot in their hearts for classic bikes like the RD350 and the RX100. After those days of glory, Yamaha changed its direction and fell out of the spotlight with motorcycle fans until the FZ series and the R15 came out.
Those two bikes got people excited about the name again, and they went on to make many other models that were big sellers. With the XSR155, Yamaha is back with a new idea. This motorbike has retro looks but a modern, performance-focused engine inside. It sounds a bit like the RX100’s spirit coming back, doesn’t it?
Yamaha XSR155- Design, features, riding position
Not many people get the retro idea right. But the XSR155 is a good mix of new and old. On the front, a big tyre on metal wheels takes up most of the space. The front frame looks cool, and the gold USD forks are the main attraction. The light is a round LED unit with very small, complicated letters inside that say “XSR.” The XSR has an all-digital single-pod instrument panel that gives a lot of information and can connect to Bluetooth devices. The wide handlebar gives you enough power. While being simple, the hardware does its job very well.
A 10-liter fuel tank with classy logos and a simple design is on the XSR. It looks good with the chrome XSR logo on top. The triangle side panels definitely make me think of the RX. The rear end is short, and an LED taillight is mounted on top. There are LEDs all over as indicators.
The seat is one piece and has enough room for the rider. But the passenger will fit well. When the XSR first comes out of the shop, it doesn’t have a back grab rail. This also means that the passenger could rest on the tail light and cause damage.
With an 810mm seat height, most users will be able to flat-foot with ease. Somewhat rearwardly set, the foot pegs aren’t too difficult to use. The wide frame is easy to hold, and this is still a pretty comfy place to sit.
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Yamaha XSR155- Engine and chassis
First, it’s important to note that the XSR has the same engine as the R15. As time goes on, this motor will be the company’s “go to” engine because Indian buyers are very picky about specs. The single-cylinder, 155cc, liquid-cooled engine keeps making 18.4hp at 10,000rpm and 14.1 N · m at 7,500rpm. It comes with a 6-speed engine.
Also, the XSR has the same Deltabox frame as the R15 and MT15. There are USD forks in front of this perimeter frame and an adjustable monoshock in the back. The kerb weight is 137 kg, and the ground clearance is 120 mm. It’s important to note that Yamaha’s ground clearance is measured with the bike loaded, so there’s not much to worry about here.
The Yamaha really stands out for its fit and finish. But because it’s an open motorbike, you can see a lot of lines, cords, and other things. I don’t like how the two sections on either side of the frame look on top of it. The R15’s exterior, on the other hand, kept all of this covered.
Last but not least, the XSR has a 100/80-17-inch tire up front and a 140/70-17-inch tire in the back. The bike has stability control and dual-channel ABS as part of its safety equipment.
How does it feel to ride the Yamaha XSR155?
This engine makes me so happy in some way. It runs smoothly, and below 7,000rpm it stays calm, almost like a commuter car. One can chug along at higher speeds without worrying about hitting. You can’t say anything bad about the vibes here either. When you twist your right wrist, the XSR pulls easily but not quickly, thanks to its torque on tap.
But it gets fun when you speed it up to 7,000rpm or more. On the instrument panel, a small screen indicates it’s time to “VVA.” The engine sound changes as the bike screams towards the sky. From a certain point on, you can feel the vibes, but it’s all exciting at the same time. It’s not a big deal to cruise at 100kmph, and the way the bike speeds up is really exciting. For those of you who remember the RX, it, too, used to be a little slow, but once it got into the power band, it would speed up. This makes me feel the same way.
The XSR is easy to handle because it is not heavy. It is easy to change direction, and it handles turns with great accuracy. There is something wonderful about this body that keeps giving. I loved it! Small, light, and quick! Wow, what a mix!
Review of the Yamaha XSR155
Prices for the XSR155 start at Rs 1.50 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. It’s a great deal for how well it performs. The parts are also very well made, and it’s clear that Yamaha is trying to bring the RX back to life. Has their plan worked out? Yes, please!
Yamaha XSR155- Verdict
It will go up against bikes like the KTM 160 Duke, the TVS RTR 200 4V, and even the Royal Enfield Hunter.
