Back in 2021, Yamaha announced that it would launch a neoretro motorcycle in the 150160cc category. Everybody in the media was quick to anticipate that it will be the XSR 155, a neoretro motorcycle based on the same platform as R15 and MT15. Instead, what we got was the FZX, an ordinary rehash of the FZ and FZS.
At that time, Yamaha believed that the XSR didn’t make business sense and the FZX 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’s last new launch in India was the MT03 and R3, both fullyimported CBUs, back in December 2023. The neoretro 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 singlepiece 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 goldencoloured front forks and alloy wheels which were missing in this testing prototype.
The XSR 155 is expected to offer the same set of features as the R15 and MT15 including a digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and turnbyturn navigation, USB charging, and full LED lighting. In terms of hardware, suspension duties of the XSR 155 will be carried out by upsidedown front forks and a rear monoshock while braking hardware will comprise disc brakes at both ends aided by dualchannel ABS. The images suggest 18inch wheels at both ends.
Powering the Yamaha XSR 155 is a familiar 155cc singlecylinder, liquidcooled engine with variable valve actuation (VVA). This motor kicks out 18.1 bhp and 14 Nm of peak torque in R15 and MT15. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a sixspeed gearbox with the help of a slip and assist clutch.
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 twowheeler giant. If and when launched, expect Yamaha XSR 155 to be priced at around Rs 1.80185 lakh (exshowroom). This will put it in the same bracket as the recentlylaunched KTM Duke 160.
