Yamaha XSR 155: Yamaha Motor India has finally introduced the much-awaited XSR 155 to cater to the burgeoning segment of affordable retro motorcycles.
Powered by Rival’s new liquid cooled, counter-balance 400 cc single, the Roadster is a classical looking motorcycle with a combination of new technology that is a perfect bike for newer riders looking for a unique bike with a ton of character.
Yamaha XSR 155 Design Philosophy- Where Timeless Aesthetics Meet Modern Engineering
The XSR 155 follows Yamaha’s Faster Sons design theme that celebrates the company’s timeless models of yester-years and blends it with contemporary design themes.
The circular LED headlamp up front would immediately inform on the bike’s retro genesis, backed up by a teardrop fuel tank topped with brushed aluminum interchangeable side panels, all designed to be customer changed, to allow easy personalization.
Unlike other manufacturers that offer retro-styled models but only emulate the look and feel of vintage bikes, our XSR 155 uses genuine materials and fittings.
Hard not to notice is the detailed attention given to the brush textured fenders and sculpted fuel tank with authentic paint that only be found on a Star Motorcycle.
The round shaped LCD display unit adds a classic touch and also provides all the necessary information in a contemporary digital format.
Presented in three unique color schemes – Garage Metal (silver tank with black body), Racing Blue (Yamaha’s corporate blue with silver tank), and Historic Black (matte black with gold accents) – the XSR 155 bring in a choice of finishes to suit a more subdued all the way up to a celebration of its sporting heritage.
Performance History: More Heart than Wholestackpath in 9.5secs.
Underneath the funky skin, the XSR 155 is based on the Yamaha R15 / MT-15 platform. And, as a great all-round machine, 155cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC single-cylinder engine uses innovative Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology to deliver easy-to-use power with strong low and mid-range torque while also being ideal for high-rpm performance at higher speeds, ideal for everything, from city riding through to longer rides out of town.
Developing 18.6 bhp at 10,000 rpm and peak torque of 14.7 Nm at 8,500 rpm, the refined engine is mated to a slickshifting 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch.
‘On paper these power and torque numbers might look butch, but for further context, consider the fact that the bike weighs only 127.5kg!
A Yamaha tradition: The Deltabox frame delivers a high level of chassis rigidity, giving a great connection to the road and providing fantastic manoeuvrability, tame steering and braking capabilities.
Courtesy of adjustable telescopic forks up front and a link-type monocross suspension at the back – with each end calibrated for comfort and sporty performance.
Braking is by way of a 282mm front disc with a two-piston caliper and a 220mm rear disc (no, you’re not driving a Mercedes AMG), which is underpinned by a dual-channel ABS system that clutch in true grip regardless of road surface.
The 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped around 110/70 front and 140/70 rear tyres, which perform well in terms of grip, handling precision as well as ride comfort.
Features: Thoughtfully Modern
While it looks vintage, the XSR 155 is equipped with modern versatility and convenience. The entire lighting of the bike is LED which includes round shaped headlamp, tail lamp and the indicators at the back which illuminates well while maintains the classic theme.
Filled with large information, the fully digital negative LCD instrument cluster includes a speedometer, tachometer, gear-position indicator, fuel gauge, odometer, two trip meters and an average fuel consumption display.
Bluetooth connectivity – accessed via Yamaha’s Y-Connect app – allows another layer of functionality, which includes call and message alerts, maintenance reminders, and trip information tracking.
In the more mundane realm, there’s a USB-C charging port conveniently placed underneath seat that can be used to keep your mobile devices powered up on longer rides.
BMW’s efficiency in terms of fuel consumption allows for a range of around 450 kilometers on a full tank of gasoline, which is a very convenient feature for the urban commuter as well as weekend warriors.
Personalisation: Defining Individual Style
Both being a part of the neo-retro motorcycle trend, Yamaha has also made available a whole load of official accessories for the XSR 155 as it has done with the XSR 155.
These range from alternate tank panels in different finishes through to other seat options – which include a single-seat café racer type with rear cowl – small flyscreens, protection elements and luggage solutions.
This concept of factory-supported customisation recognises that many XSR owners see their motorcycle as an open canvass when it comes to personal expression, in this case riders now have the ability to own the machine of their dreams without destroying what’s so good about their motorcycle in terms of upright ergonomics, an engine tune that is perfectly matched for the model and a reliable rolling chassis that’s provided with a warranty.
Marketing Positioning and Pricing
The XSR 155 is priced between ₹1.65 lakh to ₹1.72 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on colourway The XSR 155 is the premium motorcycle at the 150-160cc category.
The pricing also positions it at a premium of around ₹10,000, compared to the MT-15 naked streetfighter while it is priced at a discount of around ₹15,000 over the fully faired R15 V4 in Yamaha’s stable.
This seems like a well-place positioning and proves that the XSR 155 is not for those seeking outright sportiness from their R15 (with which the XSR has plenty in common) and not for those seeking the urban aggression of the MT-15.
The cost premium versus a traditional 150-160cc motorcycle is there, but it comes with a very sophisticated piece of engineering, top-notch quality materials and a unique, sexy design that stands out in the increasingly crowded field.
Audience: Outside of the Segments We Know so Well
The XSR 155 captures the attention of riders that fall into various classifications beyond traditional market segmentation.
It will attract a younger demographic of urban riders who are looking for an attractive but practical commuter everyday bike that can also serve as a fun weekend toy.
It’s an easily manageable ride that’s convenient and practical for zipping around heavily trafficked city streets during the workweek and capable enough for pleasure riding out on the open road on weekends when time allows.
It’s also reminiscent of the vintage motorcycles belonged by older riders who no longer want the headache and hassle of maintaining their old bikes, yet still want to ride something that takes them back to the “good old days.
Furthermore, the XSR 155 has great appeal with riders wanting a foundation with which to personalize and make their own, as that’s becoming one of the most influential factors in today’s bike culture where standing out, is a directly correlating to social standing out and about on the road.
Yamaha XSR 155 Conclusion: A well considered addition to the Indian motorcycle scene.
With the Yamaha XSR 155, come to think of it, makes for a well-judged addition to India’s competitive motorcycle market in that segment, even if a shade off the conventional commuter or the in-your-face sporty.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: Engine: 155cc, fuel-injected single cylinder Transmission: 6-speed manual Max power: 19bhp Torque: 15Nm.
By incorporating decades of design experience and refinement, this is probably Yamaha’s most closely approach to a ‘true’ retro.
From a riders perspective wishing to be different yet practical and not to forget reliable, the XSR 155 will be an interesting option in a market place dominated by the commuter and sports bikes.