Yamaha XSR 155 : After years of whispers and endless speculation, Yamaha has pulled the covers off the XSR 155 right here in India, and it’s turning heads already.

Launched late last year at an introductory ex-showroom price of ₹1.49 lakh to ₹1.50 lakh, this bike feels like the perfect storm of old-school charm and cutting-edge thrills tailored for our chaotic streets.

Riders have been clamoring for something that mixes classic vibes with modern punch, and Yamaha listened – deliveries are kicking off in key cities, making it one of the hottest tickets in showrooms today.

What makes this launch special isn’t just the timing; it’s how Yamaha slotted it into a market hungry for personality.

Forget bland commuters – the XSR 155 screams individuality from that round headlamp to the sculpted tank.

As we roll into 2026, with Yamaha promising nine more models by year-end, this little screamer sets the tone for their aggressive push.

Design That Turns Back Time Without Feeling Dated

Picture this: you’re cruising down a Ludhiana backroad, wind in your face, perched on a bike that looks like it rolled out of a 70s garage but rides like a 2026 beast.

The XSR 155 nails that neo-retro sweet spot with its teardrop fuel tank emblazoned with “Yamaha” in bold script, ditching the usual logo for pure attitude.

That circular LED headlight glows with a vintage warmth, flanked by simple side panels and a single-piece flat seat that begs for solo spins or quick pillion grabs – no split-step nonsense like its sportier siblings.

Colors? They’ve gone all out: Metallic Grey for the understated pro, Vivid Red that pops like festival lights, Greyish Green Metallic evoking forest trails, and Metallic Blue for those ocean-road fantasies.

At 2005mm long, 805mm wide, and 1080mm tall, with a 1325mm wheelbase, it handles city slaloms effortlessly while feeling planted on highways.

Ground clearance sits at a practical 120mm (some spots say 160mm, but real-world tests confirm it’s nimble over potholes), and the 810mm seat height welcomes riders from 5’4″ up without drama.

It’s not just pretty – the Deltabox frame, borrowed from Yamaha’s racing DNA, keeps things light at 137kg kerb weight, blending rigidity with agility that makes you grin through every corner.

Powertrain Punch: Familiar Heart, Fresh Soul

Under that timeless shell beats the heart of a champion – Yamaha’s trusty 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder mill, the same one powering the R15 and MT-15, but tuned for everyday joy.

Crank it up, and you get 18.1 bhp at 10,000rpm with 14.2Nm at 7,500rpm – figures that deliver zippy acceleration without overwhelming newbies.

Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) is the secret sauce, smartly tweaking intake valves for low-end grunt in traffic and high-rev screams on open stretches.

Paired to a slick 6-speed gearbox with an assist-and-slipper clutch, shifts feel buttery, and that VVA magic means no lugging in second gear through bazaars.

Owners are reporting a solid 46 kmpl in mixed conditions, stretching that 10-liter tank to around 460km – perfect for weekend getaways without constant pit stops.

Top speed hovers around 130kmph, plenty for our roads, and the liquid cooling keeps things composed even in Punjab summers.

Features Packed for the Modern Retro Fan

Yamaha didn’t skimp on the goodies. Dual-channel ABS brings confident stops with 282mm front disc (dual-piston caliper) and 220mm rear (single-piston), no lockups in panic brakes.

Upside-down (USD) front forks and a link-type monoshock out back soak up bumps like pros, while 17-inch alloys wrapped in 100/80-17 front and 140/70-17 rear tubeless tires grip wet or dry.

The digital LCD console screams retro with analog-style gauges but packs Bluetooth via Y-Connect app for call/SMS alerts, navigation, and ride data – yes, even traction control for those slippery monsoon rides.

All-LED lights mean no bulb swaps, and hazard warnings add safety smarts. At 137kg, it’s flickable, and the 810mm perch suits most.

Who Does It Battle? Rivals Round-Up

In this price bracket under ₹2 lakh, the XSR 155 carves its niche but eyes heavyweights. Royal Enfield Hunter 350 brings thumpy 350cc charm at similar money, but it’s heavier and less rev-happy – great for relaxed cruises, less for sporty flicks.

TVS Ronin offers scrambler flair with variable valve tech too, but its 225cc feels buzzier; XSR wins on premium build and ABS.

KTM 200 Duke (or 160) tempts with raw aggression, sharper handling, but naked styling lacks the retro wow. Hero Xtreme 250R ups displacement for torque, yet misses the heritage vibe.

Jawa 42 Bobber apes classics but trails in refinement. Priced right, XSR 155 steals hearts wanting style without compromise.

Riding It: Real Roads, Real Thrills

I imagine firing it up on a foggy Chandigarh morning – that liquid-cooled growl builds smoothly, VVA kicking in for effortless overtakes.

City rides shine with light steering and compact stance; highways let you lean in, slipper clutch smoothing downshifts. Owners rave about the planted feel, minimal vibes up to 90kmph, and that mileage holding true even loaded.

Comfort? The upright ergonomics beat crouched sports bikes, seat padding good for hours, though tall riders might crave more legroom. Service? Yamaha’s network is solid, parts shared with R15 keep costs low – expect ₹3,000-4,000 intervals.

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Yamaha XSR 155 Worth the Hype in 2026?

At ₹1.5 lakh introductory (on-road around ₹1.8-1.9 lakh in Delhi/Punjab), the XSR 155 isn’t cheap, but it delivers premium without excess.

If you’re tired of cookie-cutter 150s and crave a bike that starts conversations, this is it – Yamaha’s retro ace upending the game.

Book one; your garage (and Instagram) will thank you. With Yamaha’s 2026 lineup looming, the XSR 155 proves they’re serious about fun.