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Yamaha's 150cc (now 155cc) is a gem and that is fact evident from R15's crazy success in the Indian market, right from V1, V2 and the current V3. Usually, an engine of that calibre shall serve as a platform for motorcycles in other categories. Yamaha has been a tad bit slow in doing that. But then, we got the MT-15 based on it which is a rather capable motorcycle in its own regard. And now, we have come across of something much, much more interesting! A Yamaha XSR 155, a retro-style roadster with a 155cc heart borrowed from the R15 V3.
Retro is the rage nowadays and many manufacturers have turned to this particular theme for their naked motorcycles. Case in point, the CB300R, Suzuki SV650, Z900RS and such. And Yamaha already has bigger XSRs (XSR700 and XSR900) on sale around the world. So, a smaller capacity motorcycle in the same family makes a lot of sense. And what better engine to use than the 155cc on duty in the R15 V3 and MT-15.
The Yamaha XSR 155 is a perfect fit in Yamaha's XSR family as you can see from the looks. The classic-contoured fuel tank, round headlamps, the retro-themed seat and so on. But more than anything, we'd say that it's the taillight and the exhaust that really make the Yamaha XSR 155 stand out. And since the retro/cafe-racer fever is running high at the moment, this might just be the perfect product for the Indian market. But as of now, it is available in Thailand.
Now, if one takes a really close look, the Yamaha XSR 155 is mostly an MT-15 designed with a retro theme. If the Yamaha XSR 155 and MT-15 were compared side by side, the fuel tank, the seat unit, the handlebars, the tyres, the exhaust and the headlight are the only major differentiating factors. And as most of you know, the above are majorly cosmetic items.
Coming to the engine, as we mentioned before, it is powered by the same engine that propels the MT-15 and the R15 V3 so the expected numbers will the same as the above. The inclusion of VVA will go a long way in ensuring that the Yamaha XSR 155 goes far in doing justice to the character of the type of motorcycle that it is. A different gearing might also help matters. But as it stands, right now most of it may just be a pipe dream for us motorcyclists in India but if Yamaha is listening, the XSR 155 makes a lot of sense for the Indian market, if priced right, of course!
Here's a review of the MT-15 and the R15 V3 if you'd like to know more about those bikes!
Retro is the rage nowadays and many manufacturers have turned to this particular theme for their naked motorcycles. Case in point, the CB300R, Suzuki SV650, Z900RS and such. And Yamaha already has bigger XSRs (XSR700 and XSR900) on sale around the world. So, a smaller capacity motorcycle in the same family makes a lot of sense. And what better engine to use than the 155cc on duty in the R15 V3 and MT-15.
The Yamaha XSR 155 is a perfect fit in Yamaha's XSR family as you can see from the looks. The classic-contoured fuel tank, round headlamps, the retro-themed seat and so on. But more than anything, we'd say that it's the taillight and the exhaust that really make the Yamaha XSR 155 stand out. And since the retro/cafe-racer fever is running high at the moment, this might just be the perfect product for the Indian market. But as of now, it is available in Thailand.
Now, if one takes a really close look, the Yamaha XSR 155 is mostly an MT-15 designed with a retro theme. If the Yamaha XSR 155 and MT-15 were compared side by side, the fuel tank, the seat unit, the handlebars, the tyres, the exhaust and the headlight are the only major differentiating factors. And as most of you know, the above are majorly cosmetic items.
Coming to the engine, as we mentioned before, it is powered by the same engine that propels the MT-15 and the R15 V3 so the expected numbers will the same as the above. The inclusion of VVA will go a long way in ensuring that the Yamaha XSR 155 goes far in doing justice to the character of the type of motorcycle that it is. A different gearing might also help matters. But as it stands, right now most of it may just be a pipe dream for us motorcyclists in India but if Yamaha is listening, the XSR 155 makes a lot of sense for the Indian market, if priced right, of course!
Here's a review of the MT-15 and the R15 V3 if you'd like to know more about those bikes!
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