Back in 2021, Yamaha announced that it would launch a neo-retro motorcycle in the 150-160cc category. Everybody in the media was quick to anticipate that it will be the XSR 155, a neo-retro motorcycle based on the same platform as R15 and MT-15. Instead, what we got was the FZ-X, an ordinary rehash of the FZ and FZ-S.Â
At that time, Yamaha believed that the XSR didn’t make business sense and the FZ-X was more suited for the Indian market. It now seems that the Japanese bikemaker has had a change of heart. A test mule of the XSR 155 was reportedly spotted testing on Indian roads.
Yamaha XSR 155 in India: Details spotted
Yamaha’s last new launch in India was the MT-03 and R3, both fully-imported CBUs, back in December 2023. The neo-retro roadster has been caught on camera hinting at its imminent launch soon. The test mule seen in the latest spy images is wrapped underneath a black foliage. The identity of the motorcycle is revealed by the teardrop shape of its fuel tank and its round headlamp.
Other visual details that can be made out of the latest spy shots are a single-piece bench seat with ribbed pattern. The rear circular brake light is uniquely integrated within the flat pillion back rest flanked by LED turn indicators. Selected variants of the XSR 155 also get a golden-coloured front forks and alloy wheels which were missing in this testing prototype.
Yamaha XSR 155: Expected features & specs
The XSR 155 is expected to offer the same set of features as the R15 and MT-15 including a digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, USB charging, and full LED lighting. In terms of hardware, suspension duties of the XSR 155 will be carried out by upside-down front forks and a rear mono-shock while braking hardware will comprise disc brakes at both ends aided by dual-channel ABS. The images suggest 18-inch wheels at both ends.
Powering the Yamaha XSR 155 is a familiar 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with variable valve actuation (VVA). This motor kicks out 18.1 bhp and 14 Nm of peak torque in R15 and MT-15. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox with the help of a slip and assist clutch.
Yamaha XSR 155: Expected launch timeline & price
Reports suggest that Yamaha is gearing up to launch a new product on 11 November 2025. It was earlier believed to be the NMax 155 but it now seems the XSR 155 is a strong prospect for the Japanese two-wheeler giant. If and when launched, expect Yamaha XSR 155 to be priced at around Rs 1.80-185 lakh (ex-showroom). This will put it in the same bracket as the recently-launched KTM Duke 160.
