Ignition

Based on the YZF-R15, the Yamaha turns on the retro-cool charm

THIS NEW, COMPACT AND OLD-SCHOOL BIKE HAS CAUGHT OUR attention. The Yamaha XSR155 is essentially based on the popular YZF-R15 and MT-15 range of bikes, neatly packaged in a retro avatar. The XSR155 was recently launched in Thailand and, more interestingly, has been priced less than its 155-cc siblings. This makes it a very tempting proposition and we sincerely hope that Yamaha bring it to India soon.

Don’t be surprised if you spot familiar cycle parts such as the Deltabox frame, die-cast aluminium swingarm, 17-inch alloy wheels, and identical braking system. The power-plant has not been altered either, and the 155-cc single continues to churn out 19.3 hp and 14.7 Nm of torque, and is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch.

The changes include a neo-retro round LED headlamp, circular and all-digital instrument cluster, tear-drop fuel tank, a flat seat and a tiny LED tail-light. We would have loved to see round indicators and rear-view mirrors to complement the old-school styling, though we really dig the trendy exhaust with the punched effect on the heat shield. Also new is a wider handlebar, slightly shorter wheelbase reduced by five mm while ground clearance has gone up to 155 mm and it also weighs just a kilo more than the MT-15. And, if the XSR155 does make it to India, like its India-spec siblings, the neo-retro bike won’t sport the USD fork at the front to make it more affordable. Let’s hope that Yamaha bring this cool retro motorcycle to India at the Auto Expo 2020.