Yamaha launched the much-anticipated XSR155 this year. While we had earlier compared it with its rival, the Hunter 350, to see how it fares on paper, we now pit it against another neo-retro rival—the Ronin—to see how the two stack up, on paper.
Yamaha XSR155 vs TVS Ronin: Engine and output
| Yamaha XSR155 | TVS Ronin | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled | 225cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder |
| Output | 18.2hp at 10,000rpm | 20.4hp at 7,750rpm |
| Torque | 14.4Nm at 7,500rpm | 19.9Nm at 3,750rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 132.8hp/tonne | 127.5hp/tonne |
The XSR produces lower power but has a better power-to-weight ratio
The Ronin produces more power and significantly more torque from its larger engine, that is delivered much earlier, which should translate into a great city bike. The XSR155, on the other hand, benefits from an additional cog, which results in taller gearing and allows it to achieve a higher top speed. Despite the XSR’s lower power output, its power-to-weight ratio is marginally better due to its much lower kerb weight. The XSR also features a more sophisticated cooling system, as opposed to oil cooling on the Ronin, enabling the Yamaha to extract more power from a comparatively smaller engine.
Yamaha XSR155 vs TVS Ronin: Weight and dimensions
| Yamaha XSR155 | TVS Ronin | |
|---|---|---|
Kerb weight | 137kg | 160kg |
Fuel capacity | 10-litres | 14-litres |
Wheelbase | 1325mm | 1357mm |
Ground clearance | 170mm | 181mm |
Seat height | 810mm | 795mm |
The Ronin has a higher kerb weight
As mentioned, the XSR benefits from a lower kerb weight, but it also has a smaller fuel tank. The XSR155 has a ground clearance similar to the MT-15; however, Yamaha had earlier disclosed a 120mm figure, which raised some concerns as it later emerged that this was the laden ground clearance, with the unladen figure matching that of the MT-15. The Ronin, meanwhile, has a marginally lower seat height, which should help riders better manage the heavier motorcycle.
Yamaha XSR155 vs TVS Ronin: Suspension, Tyres and brakes
| Yamaha XSR155 | TVS Ronin | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | USD fork / monoshock | USD fork / monoshock |
| Tyres | 100/80-17 / 140/70R-17 | 110/70 -17 / 130/70 - 17
|
| Brakes | 282mm disc / 220mm disc | 300mm disc / 240mm disc |
The XSR155 gets a radial rear tyre
The Ronin and the XSR feature a similar suspension setup, although the former gets a chunkier 41mm front fork and, in its top variants, also benefits from gold-finished fork tubes. The XSR runs smaller brake discs, but this is in line with its lower kerb weight and should provide adequate stopping power. The XSR has a narrower front tyre but benefits with a wider, radial rear tyre.
Yamaha XSR155 vs TVS Ronin: Features
TVS Ronin gets two ABS modes
Both motorcycles follow a neo-retro theme and feature a round-pod LCD instrument cluster. Phone connectivity with app support is offered on both models, as is all-LED lighting. The Ronin stands out with a ‘T’-motif DRL integrated into the headlight, while the XSR features a semi-circular DRL occupying the lower half of the headlamp. The Ronin gets dual-channel ABS with two modes—Urban and Road—while the XSR155 also comes equipped with dual-channel ABS. Both motorcycles additionally feature a traction control system.
Yamaha XSR155 vs TVS Ronin: Price
| Yamaha XSR155 | TVS Ronin | |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 1.50 lakh | Rs 1.26 - 1.60 lakh |
The Ronin has a lower starting price
The XSR155 is available in a single variant, with Yamaha offering it at an introductory price. The Ronin, on the other hand, starts at a significantly lower price and is offered in three variants. The base variant comes with a black USD fork, while TVS also offers the Agonda edition, which features cosmetic differences although it's based on the base variant. The top two variants get gold-finished USD forks, and the range-topping model additionally adds a short flyscreen. This top variant is priced at around Rs 10,000 more and primarily adds dual-tone colour options among other differences, while the overall mechanicals remain unchanged.
