Do you love the classic, timeless look of bikes from the 70s and 80s, but can’t live without modern performance and technology? If so, the Yamaha XSR 155 is the motorcycle you’ve been dreaming of.
Blending Yamaha’s rich racing heritage with its cutting-edge 155cc engine, the XSR 155 offers a unique proposition: a stylish, manageable, and highly refined machine that is perfect for the daily commute yet thrilling enough for weekend adventures. It’s a modern classic that delivers style and substance without breaking the bank.
Timeless Appeal: Design That Never Fades
The XSR 155 is the smallest member of Yamaha’s globally acclaimed Sport Heritage family, and it beautifully captures the “neo-retro” spirit. Its design is a deliberate nod to the past, wrapped around a completely modern platform.
- Signature Styling: Key elements include the distinctive Round LED Headlamp and taillight, a classic Teardrop-shaped Fuel Tank, and a flat, single-piece seat—all contributing to an unmistakable vintage roadster silhouette.
- Premium Feel: Despite its budget-friendly segment, the XSR 155 looks genuinely premium, featuring minimalist bodywork and quality finishes that set it apart from typical commuter bikes.
- Customization Ready: Yamaha even offers official accessory packs, such as the Scrambler and Café Racer kits, allowing buyers to instantly personalize the bike to their own retro taste.
A Modern Heart: Engine Performance & VVA Technology
Underneath its classic skin is the highly celebrated engine shared with Yamaha’s R15 and MT-15. This is where the XSR 155 truly proves that retro doesn’t mean slow.
It is powered by a 155cc, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, 4-Valve engine that features Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology. This advanced system ensures strong, usable torque in the low and mid-range (ideal for city traffic) and seamlessly switches to a performance cam profile for exciting power at higher RPMs.
| Engine & Performance Highlights | Detail |
| Engine Displacement | 155 cc |
| Max Power | 18.4 PS @ 10,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.2 Nm @ 7,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-Speed Manual |
| Clutch | Assist & Slipper Clutch (A&S) |
The engine’s smoothness and the refined performance, especially when paired with the light-action Assist & Slipper Clutch, make gear changes incredibly fluid, reducing rider fatigue during heavy traffic commutes.
Commuter-Friendly Mileage: Smart and Efficient
For daily commuters, the XSR 155 manages to strike an excellent balance between thrilling performance and necessary fuel economy.
Thanks to the efficient 155cc engine and Yamaha’s engineering, the bike offers a commendable real-world mileage of approximately 45-48 kmpl depending on your riding style.
Lightweight Agility: With a kerb weight of only about 137 kg, the bike is incredibly easy to handle, which not only improves its fuel efficiency but also makes cutting through city traffic effortless.
Safety & Features: Modern Tech for Peace of Mind
Despite its old-school aesthetics, the XSR 155 is fully equipped with modern safety hardware, offering a secure and confident ride.
- Dual-Channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): This crucial safety feature is standard, providing superior stopping power and preventing wheel lock-up on both wheels during emergency braking.
- Traction Control System (TCS): An exceptional feature in this segment, TCS adds an extra layer of safety by preventing wheel spin on low-grip surfaces like wet roads.
- Deltabox Frame: The same robust chassis underpinning the sporty R15 ensures excellent stability at high speeds and predictable handling in corners.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: The circular, retro-styled Full LCD Display provides all vital information clearly, including a gear position indicator and a shift light.
Pricing & Final Call: The Stylish Value Proposition
The Yamaha XSR 155 is positioned for riders who demand premium engineering, powerful performance, and unique style without the typical cost of a premium brand.
The ex-showroom price for the Yamaha XSR 155 starts at approximately ₹ 1.50 Lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi, as of late 2025). While this price places it above some traditional commuter bikes, the inclusion of VVA, Dual-Channel ABS, Traction Control, and premium hardware (like the Deltabox frame) makes it a truly irresistible value proposition for the price.
Ready to Ride the Neo-Retro Wave?
The Yamaha XSR 155 successfully blends the best of both worlds: the evocative style of a classic motorcycle and the refined, exhilarating performance of a modern street machine. It’s the perfect choice if you want a bike that is fun and frugal for the city commute on weekdays and a head-turning style statement for weekend rides.
If you are a style-conscious, budget-smart rider, the XSR 155 is built for you. Stop dreaming about the past and start riding the future of retro—take a test ride today!
