If you have been scrolling through Instagram drooling over custom retro bikes, you’ve probably seen the Yamaha XSR 155. For nearly five years, Indian fans have been asking Yamaha for one thing: a bike that has the soul of the legendary but the technology of a modern machine.
Well, in late 2025, Yamaha finally listened. Priced at an introductory Rs 1.49 Lakh, the XSR 155 is here to shake up the market currently dominated by Royal Enfield and TVS.
Here is everything you need to know about this “Sport Heritage” machine, broken down simply.
1. Looks That Kill: Retro Meets Modern
The first thing you will notice is the design. It follows Yamaha’s “Faster Sons” philosophy—timeless vintage looks mixed with modern tech.
- The Vibe: It features a teardrop fuel tank, a ribbed “tuck-and-roll” seat, and a classic round LED headlamp.
- The Build: Unlike the plastic-heavy feel of some commuters, the XSR 155 flaunts premium touches like aluminium brackets and a rigid Deltabox frame.
The Hook: It doesn’t look like a “lazy” cruiser; it looks like a Scrambler-Roadster hybrid ready for action.
2. It’s a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Don’t let the classic looks fool you. Underneath that retro skin beats the heart of a sportbike.
- The Engine: It uses the same 155cc liquid-cooled engine found in the R15 V4 and MT-15.
- The Power: Producing 18.4 PS, it is significantly punchier than most retro bikes in its class.
- The Secret Weapon: It features VVA (Variable Valve Actuation). This means the bike is calm and easy to ride in city traffic, but once you cross 7,000 RPM, it pulls aggressively like a sportbike.
3. “Kitna Deti Hai?” (The Mileage Surprise)
Usually, performance bikes guzzle fuel, but the XSR 155 is a rare exception. Thanks to its lightweight body (only 137 kg) and efficient engine, owners are reporting fantastic numbers.
- City Rides: Expect around 48-52 km/l in traffic.
- Highway: Cruising at 80-90 km/h can get you up to 55 km/l.
This makes it nearly 30-40% more fuel-efficient than rivals like the Royal Enfield Hunter 350.
4. Build Your Own Bike: Official Custom Kits
One of the coolest features of the XSR 155 is how easy it is to modify. Yamaha isn’t just selling a bike; they are selling a canvas. You can buy official kits directly from the showroom to change its personality.
- The Cafe Racer Kit (Approx. Rs 11,915): Transforms the bike into a sleek racer with a headlight cowl, lowered handlebars (clip-ons/clubmans style), and a single-seat cowl.
- The Scrambler Kit (Approx. Rs 12,330): Adds a rugged look with a headlight guard, fly screen, and heavy-duty tank pads for urban exploring.
5. The Reality Check: Is It Perfect?
No bike is perfect, and the XSR 155 has a few quirks you should know before booking:
- Pillion Comfort: The seat is stylish but small. If you plan to carry a passenger often, they might find it cramped and lacking a proper grab rail.
- Stiff Ride: Because it is based on a sportbike frame, the suspension is tuned for handling, not plush comfort. You might feel the bumps on bad roads more than you would on a cruiser.
- Tech: While it has a cool round LCD meter with Bluetooth (Y-Connect), it misses out on turn-by-turn navigation, which would have been great for touring.
Verdict:
You want a stylish, lightweight bike that is fast, fuel-efficient, and stands out from the crowd of Enfields on the road. You need a soft, cushioned ride for back problems or carry a pillion passenger every single day.The Yamaha XSR 155 proves that “size isn’t everything.” It might be a small 155cc engine, but it offers big thrills and even bigger style.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes