Yamaha XSR 155 Problems You Need To Know
The Yamaha XSR 155 has finally launched in India, and everyone is talking about its R15 engine and retro looks. But before you spend your hard-earned money, you need to see the other side of the coin.
While it is a great machine mechanically, there are some serious Yamaha XSR 155 Problems that might make you regret your purchase. Based on a detailed expert review, here are the 4 biggest issues with this bike.
1. The Price is Too High (Vs. 250cc Rivals)
This is the biggest issue. The XSR 155 is launched at ₹1.50 lakh (ex-showroom). By the time you put it on the road, it will cost between ₹1.80 lakh to ₹1.90 lakh.
Why is this a problem? For this price, you are only getting a 155cc bike. In the same price range (or even lower), you can buy powerful 250cc motorcycles like the Hero Xtreme 250R or the Bajaj Pulsar N250. These bikes offer much more torque and power. Yamaha is charging a premium just for the style.
Also Read –Yamaha’s XSR 155 Just Attacked the Hunter 350’s Throne!
2. The “Messy” Exposed Chassis Design
Yamaha has used the same “Deltabox” frame from the R15 and MT-15. While this frame is great for handling, it looks weird on a naked retro bike.
The chassis is very wide under the petrol tank. Because it is a liquid-cooled bike, you can see the radiator, the coolant box, and a lot of wires and pipes exposed. Unlike the clean, air-cooled engine of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, the XSR 155 looks a bit “messy” and cluttered. It feels like they just took the plastic off an R15 without tidying it up.
3. It Lacks the True “Retro Feel”
People buy retro bikes for a specific feeling—the heavy metal body, the relaxed ride, and the “thump” sound (like a Bullet or Hunter).
The XSR 155 is basically a racing bike in a costume. It has a high-revving engine that sounds like a sports bike, not a classic cruiser. If you are an “old-school” lover wearing bell-bottoms who wants a chill ride with a nice sound, this bike will feel too frantic and plastic for you.
4. Single-Channel ABS? (The Safety Miss)
While the engine is premium, reports suggest the bike might come with Single-Channel ABS in some variants. At an on-road price touching ₹2 lakh, Dual-Channel ABS should be mandatory. This is a significant safety cost-cutting measure.
Our Expert Verdict
The Yamaha XSR 155 Problems boil down to value and feel.
It is a fantastic bike if you want R15 performance with a comfortable family seat (which is its biggest pro). But if you want a true retro experience or the best value for your money, the heavy price tag and modern “messy” looks make it a tough sell against the 250cc competition.
What do you think? Is the style worth the extra money? Share your thoughts below.
