Yamaha XSR 155 Launched In The Philippines

Will this Yamaha MT-15-based retro motorcycle come to India?

• It is part of Yamaha’s heritage lineup.
• Shares powertrain and underpinnings with the Thai-spec MT-15. 
• Gets a 155cc liquid-cooled motor. 
• Cost less than the R15 V3 and MT-15 in Thailand. 

Yamaha has launched the XSR 155 in the Philippines. The 155cc retro motorcycle, currently sold in a few Asian countries as well, is based on the MT-15 naked motorcycle. In the Philippines, it is priced at PHP160,000 (Rs 2.43 lakh). The retro XSR 155 undercuts the Yamaha R15 V3 and even the MT-15. 

The XSR 155 might be based on the MT-15 but looks vastly different from the naked motorcycle. It gets a retro-looking round headlamp and a round tail lamp that sits on an extended fender. It gets modern features such as an LED headlamp and LED tail lamp. Even the retro-looking circular instrument console is all-digital. 

The XSR 155 is powered by a 155cc liquid-cooled and fuel-injected motor. It gets Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) that offers better performance across a wider powerband. It makes 19.3PS and 14.7Nm. The retro bike has a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. 

Underpinnings shared with the MT-15 include a perimeter frame with upside down forks and a monoshock. Braking is via disc brakes on both wheels. The only difference is that the XSR 155 gets dual-purpose tyres instead of road-biased tyres. 

Given that Yamaha already sells the R15 V3 and MT-15 in India, we expect the XSR 155 to be launched here soon. Like both the India-spec bikes, it could use conventional forks and a box-type swingarm. It would get the updated BS6-compliant motor as well. We expect the XSR 155 to be priced around Rs 1.4 lakh (ex-showroom). Given the retro looks and fantastic performance from the 155cc motor, the Yamaha XSR 155 could be a fantastic VFM product for India.