2021 Yamaha FZ-X vs Yamaha XSR155: Photo Comparison

Is the Yamaha FZ-X as good as the bike it takes inspiration from?

Yamaha has taken the wraps off the FZ-X, its neo-retro offering for India. In international markets, the Japanese giant already offers a lauded retro motorcycle, the XSR155, which is quite popular here too. So, how does the India-specific offering fare against the world-renowned one? Let’s find out:

When spy shots of the FZ-X had emerged, it was quite evident it takes inspiration from the XSR155. The circular headlamp, indented teardrop tank shape, tall handlebar, and flat seat were all reminiscent of the XSR155. While all of this still stands true, a closer look at the FZ-X reveals several things that make it stand out over the XSR155.

The headlamp here is circular, but it’s completely different from the XSR155. You get a projector surrounded by arced LED DRLs that look straight out of a Transformers movie while the XSR155 gets a conventional looking, horizontally split LED headlamp.

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Their teardrop tank designs may be similar but the FZ-X gets a thick panel in between with an off-set fuel lid, while the XSR’s fuel cap is centrally mounted just below the tank-mounted keyhole.  

Both bikes get a tuck and roll single-piece seat but the FZ-X’s seat seems broader and more well padded, in comparison to the slimmer seat of the XSR155.

Towards the rear, the FZ-X gets a rectangular LED tail lamp while the XSR155 keeps the retro touch intact with a circular LED light. 

The XSR misses out on shrouds on the sides, which make the FZ-X seem more muscular. 

As for colour options, the FZ-X is available in three shades: Metallic Blue, Matt Copper, and Matt Black. We are leaning more towards the first option. 

That said, none of these come close to the 80’s white/red colour scheme offered on the XSR155 in Thailand.

On the feature front, the FZ-X gets a new LCD instrument cluster featuring Bluetooth connectivity via the Yamaha Y-Connect app and a neatly integrated USB charging port. The XSR155 misses out on USB charging or connectivity features but its circular LCD has a cleaner layout and looks better thanks to the chrome lining. 

The key advantage for the XSR155 over the FZ-X is in the mechanical department. You see, the FZ-X borrows its 149cc single-cylinder engine from the FZ-S Fi that puts out 12.4PS and 13.3Nm, while the XSR155 borrows its 155cc single-cylinder motor from the YZF-R15, putting out 7PS and 1.5Nm more. Moreover, the XSR’s motor with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) is mated to a six-speed gearbox (FZ-X has a 5-speed one), giving it a further advantage. 

Both engines are housed in similar diamond chassis, but again, the XSR’s unit is sprung on a premium USD fork while the FZ-X gets conventional telescopic ones. The XSR155 is also lighter, at 134kg, 5kg less than the FZ-X’s kerb weight. 

The FZ-X is anchored by a 282mm disc up front and a 220mm rear disc, the same setup found on the XSR155. Both bikes also share dual-purpose block pattern tyres. The FZ-X gets a single-channel ABS as standard. 

Yamaha India has priced the FZ-X at Rs 1,19,800 for the Bluetooth variant (ex-showroom). Meanwhile, the XSR155 retails for around Rs 2.15 lakh in Thailand. All in all, we think the new FZ-X has a lot of potential as the only retro offering in the 150cc space and that too with a solid price-to-features ratio. However, enthusiasts like us would still prefer the XSR155 just because of its charming looks and enjoyable engine.