Yamaha has revealed the XSR 155 in Thailand. This retro-looking bike is the third addition to the company’s XSR line-up, which consists of the XSR700 and XSR900 in international markets. The XSR 155 shares its underpinnings with the YZF-R15 V3.0 and MT-15, both of which are available in India, and this is what makes it really interesting.
The XSR 155 joins Yamaha’s Sport Heritage line-up globally as the most affordable model. Moreover, in Thailand, it has been priced lower, at 91,500 Thai baht (around Rs 2.12 lakh), than the R15 and MT-15, which retail for around 98,500 Thai baht (around Rs 2.29 lakh). Now, while these prices translate to a lot more than their Indian prices, the bikes we get here miss out on some premium components, like the USD fork.
In Thailand, the XSR features the USD fork, comprehensive swingarm and the VVA-equipped 155cc powerplant from the R15. This motor makes 19.3hp and 14.7Nm of torque, and comes paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch, just like in the MT-15. However, what separates it from its siblings is its unique styling. It features an old-school-looking tank and flat seat with a ribbed pattern on it. Additionally, both the headlight and tail-light are round and draw inspiration from Yamaha’s motorcycles from the 70s and 80s.
Keeping with the retro theme is the circular instrumentation pod that is shaped like it belongs to that era, but features a fully-digital screen. It also features a different handlebar that is slightly more raised than the one on the MT-15. The Thai-spec model has a kerb weight of 134kg (1kg more than the Thai-spec MT-15).
While there is no official word from Yamaha about the XSR 155 making its way to India, we do not see a reason why the company wouldn’t bring it here. Going by the prices in Thailand, we can expect the India-spec XSR to be marginally cheaper or about the same as the R15 (Rs 1.41 lakh) and the MT-15 (Rs 1.36 lakh); that is if Yamaha lowers the equipment levels like they did for the R15 and MT-15 in India.
All prices, ex-showroom, Delhi
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
