Opinion: What’s The Big Deal About The Yamaha XSR155?

Forty years is enough time for generations to turn over – for teens to hit mid-life, and for the young to start thinking about retirement. It’s a span in which toddlers grow up – and sometimes grow too old to chase new passions. Why bring this up? Because it’s been a little over four decades since Yamaha first stepped into India with the RD 350, followed soon after by the wildly popular RX100. Through the ‘80s and well into the ‘90s, these machines hard-wired Yamaha's identity in India as a brand built on raw, unapologetic performance.

Also Read: Yamaha XSR155 Launched At Rs. 1.50 Lakh

So, when the XSR155 launched in Thailand and Indonesia back in 2019, Indian enthusiasts immediately wanted it here. After all, it’s built on the bulletproof R15 platform, wrapped in stunning neo-retro design – a more contemporary re-interpretation of classic styling, which has a ready-made fan following in India. Now, in 2025, the XSR155 has finally arrived. The question now is – will it win hearts like the R15? Or make a mark in Indian motorcycling history like the RX100 and the RD350?

Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Yamaha XSR155

XSR155 Design & Stance: Neo-Retro Win for Yamaha?

The Yamaha XSR155’s biggest draw is its design. There’s nothing quite like it in the market right now. Unlike “modern classics” which stay close to their vintage looks (think Triumph Bonneville, or Royal Enfield Bullet), the XSR leans into a fresher interpretation of retro, reimagined with liberal dose of modern elements and details, much like a Ducati Scrambler. It’s a contemporary take that has already won plenty of admirers.

Proven Underpinnings: YamahaXSR155 Engine & Platform

The XSR155 shares the same platform with the popular R15. The XSR not only shares the same tried and tested 155 cc liquid-cooled engine with variable valve actuation (VVA) and 6-speed gearbox with slip and assist clutch, but also the Deltabox (perimeter) frame and upside-down front forks.

With dual-channel ABS, traction control and a retro-styled LCD display with smartphone connectivity, the XSR155 is a modern motorcycle in every sense. The four-valve DOHC, liquid-cooled engine is known for its rev-happy nature and strong usable torque across the rev range – versatile for city, highway and everything in between. For many in India, 18 bhp, 14.2 Nm with a 6-speed gearbox, in a light and sleek retro-styled package is possibly something many have been waiting for.

Also Read: Yamaha XSR155 In Pictures

Yamaha XSR155 Dimensions & Ergonomics: Tailor-made for India?

Initial impressions at launch suggest a friendly rider triangle; comfortable reach to the bars, and mid-rear set footpegs that strike a balance between relaxed and sporty. At 137 kg kerb weight, the XSR155 promises to be one of the lightest motorcycles available in its segment right now. It’s even lighter than its siblings, the MT-15 (141 kg) and the R15 (142 kg), and significantly lighter than other retro-styled motorcycles in its price bracket like the TVS Ronin (160 kg) and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (181 kg).

However, in a country where the average height of an adult male is 5 feet 7 inches, the XSR155’s seat height of 815 mm could be a challenge for some. Anyone with a height lower than 5’7” could find it a daunting prospect to reach the ground with their toes – not quite ideal for a motorcycle which will be positioned as a product for relatively new riders. Ground clearance raises eyebrows too – 120 mm laden, 170 mm kerb. On Indian roads where speed breakers and potholes are unavoidable, this is worth noting. Real world testing will tell us more, but for now, it doesn’t sound like a deal breaker.

Yamaha XSR155 – Will it still be a winner?

For many of us who grew up around the iconic Yamaha RX100, nostalgia runs deep – the silhouette, the two-stroke reed valve whine, the freedom it symbolised. A glance over the shoulder at a red RX after a thoroughly entertaining spin on the street is something many of us will fondly remember. But the ‘80s and ‘90s are long gone, memories fading into almost forgotten corners of the mind. Yamaha hasn’t quite recreated that magic in the four-stroke era, though the R15 and MT-15 have created strong fan following.

The XSR155 feels like Yamaha’s next big opportunity. With proven mechanicals, standout design, and strong brand recall for its retro lineage, it has all the ingredients to hit the sweet spot for today’s riders – especially those who want modern performance wrapped in old-school charm.

Will it be able to evoke the same passion and charm as Yamaha’s two-strokes did many years ago? Time will tell. If the XSR155 makes me turn back for an admiring glance after a ride, it’ll be more than a test ride – it’ll be a sign Yamaha’s magic is back. Great expectations from this one!

Watch the Yamaha XSR155 First Look From India Launch Event: