Yamaha XSR155: All You Need To Know

Recently, Yamaha launched the XSR155 in Thailand. The new retro offering is one of the smaller bikes in Yamaha's heritage range and is based on the Yamaha MT-15. Heres all you need to know about Yamaha's entry-level retro bike

It is part of Yamaha’s heritage lineup:
Yamaha offers bikes under its heritage range in various global markets and the company's XSR line of bikes come under this range. The XSR range comprises of naked bikes with neo-retro bodywork. Some fine examples are the MT09-based XSR900 and XSR700 that's based on the MT-07. Similarly, the Yamaha XSR155 is based on the MT-15 that is sold in Thailand.

It gets modern features:
The XSR155 might look old-school but it is quite modern underneath. While the round headlamp and tail lamp may look retro, they pack full-LED units. The bike also features a circular instrument console that has a modern and comprehensive digital instrument console that includes a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and gear position indicator. Even the motor gets high-tech features like liquid cooling and Variable Valve Actuation (VVA).

It shares its motor with MT-15:
The XSR155 shares its 155cc liquid-cooled motor with the Yamaha MT-15 and R15 V3.0. This motor features Variable Valve Actuation that makes it extremely tractable at low engine rpm without sacrificing top-end power. Its power output of 19.3PS and 14.7Nm makes the XSR155 one of the most powerful 150cc bikes out there. Besides VVA, the XSR155 also gets a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch. 

Underpinnings are similar to the MT-15:
Like the MT-15 and R15 V3.0, the XSR155 gets a deltabox frame. It also gets an upside-down fork, a monoshock and a cast aluminium swingarm similar to the Thai-spec MT-15. In fact, the XSR155 also shares its front and rear disc brakes and alloy wheels with the MT-15. However, Yamaha has chosen to opt for dual-purpose tyres for the retro offering. 

Could be launched in India:
The Yamaha XSR155 seems quite viable for India. In Thailand, the XSR155 is significantly more affordable than the MT-15 and R15 V3.0 sold there. Yamaha offers both the R15 V3.0 and MT-15 in India and if it brings the XSR155 here, it could be priced lower than both. But expect the XSR155 to undergo the same cost-cutting measures as the MT-15, including a conventional fork and a box-section swingarm. Given Yamaha's penchant for launching a new motorcycle at every Auto Expo, the XSR155 seems like a viable candidate for next year's show. However, it will have the be a BS6-compliant bike and that could mean the XSR155 could be priced around Rs 1.4 lakh (ex-showroom).