Yamaha XSR 155 First Ride Review: Too Late or Still Worth Buying in 2026?

Yamaha’s long-awaited XSR 155 has finally arrived, and while the motorcycle enters a market that has evolved rapidly, it also brings with it a unique blend of retro charm and modern engineering. motormitra.in The question most riders are asking is simple: has Yamaha arrived too late, or does the XSR 155 still have enough substance to justify the wait?

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After spending time riding the XSR 155, the answer turns out to be more layered than expected. times.motormitra.in

Design – Retro Done the Yamaha Way

The Yamaha XSR 155 stays true to the brand’s Sport Heritage philosophy. It takes inspiration from classic motorcycles but avoids going full vintage. Auto.MotorMitra The round LED headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank and minimalistic tail section immediately set it apart from aggressive streetfighters.

Fit and finish are excellent, as expected from Yamaha. The brushed metal accents, neatly routed wiring and solid paint quality give the bike a premium feel. Unlike some retro motorcycles that feel styled for the sake of nostalgia, the XSR 155 manages to look clean and contemporary. times.motormitra.in

This is a motorcycle that will age gracefully rather than feel dated quickly.

Yamaha XSR 155 First Ride Review: Too Late or Still Worth Buying in 2026?

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Rider Ergonomics – Easy and Approachable

Swing a leg over the XSR 155 and the first thing you notice is how neutral the riding position feels. The seat height is accessible, the handlebar is wide and upright, and the footpeg positioning strikes a good balance between sporty and relaxed. Auto.MotorMitra

For city riding, this setup works brilliantly. There is no excessive wrist pressure, and slow-speed manoeuvring feels natural. Taller riders may wish for slightly more seat padding over longer rides, but for daily use, comfort levels are perfectly acceptable.

The XSR 155 feels friendly from the moment you sit on it. motormitra.in

Engine Performance – Familiar, Yet Effective

Powering the XSR 155 is Yamaha’s proven 155cc liquid-cooled engine, shared with the R15 and MT-15. It produces smooth, linear power with a strong mid-range and a willingness to rev when pushed. times.motormitra.in

In city conditions, the engine feels refined and responsive. Throttle inputs are clean, and the bike pulls smoothly without needing constant gear changes. On open roads, the motor retains its sporty DNA, encouraging riders to explore higher revs.

Is it class-leading in outright performance? No. But it is polished, predictable and enjoyable. Auto.MotorMitra

Gearbox and Clutch – Light and Precise

Yamaha’s six-speed gearbox remains one of the best in the segment. Gear shifts are slick and precise, with no false neutrals encountered during the ride. Auto.MotorMitra

The clutch action is light, making stop-go traffic less tiring. Even newer riders will find the XSR 155 easy to live with on a daily basis.

This mechanical smoothness is one of Yamaha’s strongest assets. times.motormitra.in

Ride Quality – Balanced for Real Roads

The suspension setup on the XSR 155 is tuned more for comfort than aggression. Over broken city roads, the bike absorbs bumps well without feeling floaty. Auto.MotorMitra Speed breakers and rough patches are handled confidently, making it suitable for Indian road conditions.

At higher speeds, stability remains reassuring, though enthusiastic riders may wish for slightly firmer damping during aggressive cornering. That said, the bike never feels nervous or unpredictable. times.motormitra.in

It is clearly designed for real-world usability rather than track-focused riding.

Handling – Lightweight Confidence

Weighing on the lighter side, the XSR 155 feels agile and easy to handle. Quick direction changes come naturally, and the bike feels planted through sweeping corners.

The wide handlebar provides excellent leverage, making low-speed turns and U-turns effortless. Even in traffic, filtering through gaps feels stress-free. times.motormitra.in

This is a motorcycle that rewards smooth riding rather than aggressive inputs.

Braking – Adequate, Not Exceptional

Braking performance is adequate for the segment. The front disc offers good bite, while the rear brake provides predictable stopping power. Dual-channel ABS adds an important layer of safety. Auto.MotorMitra

While braking does not feel overly sharp, it remains confidence-inspiring under normal riding conditions.

For everyday riding, the setup works well, though enthusiasts may desire slightly stronger initial bite. motormitra.in

Features and Equipment

The XSR 155 keeps things relatively simple. It offers LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster and essential electronics. There are no unnecessary gimmicks or flashy features.

Yamaha XSR 155 First Ride Review: Too Late or Still Worth Buying in 2026?

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This minimalism aligns well with the bike’s character. Riders looking for connected tech or ride modes may feel underwhelmed, but purists will appreciate the clean approach. times.motormitra.in

It feels intentional rather than cost-cutting.

Is It Too Late?

This is where the conversation gets interesting. The XSR 155 arrives in a market now crowded with retro-styled motorcycles across multiple price points. Some rivals offer more torque, while others deliver stronger visual drama. Auto.MotorMitra

However, Yamaha’s strength lies in refinement, reliability and balance. The XSR 155 does not try to dominate the spec sheet; it focuses on being well-rounded.

Too late? Maybe. Too little? Definitely not. times.motormitra.in

Who Should Buy the Yamaha XSR 155

The XSR 155 is ideal for riders who want a stylish, everyday motorcycle that feels premium and easy to live with. It suits city commuters who occasionally enjoy spirited weekend rides but do not want an aggressive riding posture. Auto.MotorMitra

It is also well-suited for riders upgrading from smaller displacement motorcycles who value brand trust and refinement.

This is not a bike for spec chasers. It is for riders who appreciate subtle quality. times.motormitra.in

Verdict – A Thoughtful Late Entry

The Yamaha XSR 155 may not rewrite segment rules, but it delivers a cohesive riding experience. It feels polished, approachable and versatile, even if it lacks headline-grabbing performance figures. Auto.MotorMitra

In a market obsessed with numbers, Yamaha has chosen character and balance. motormitra.in

Too late? Perhaps. But not too little.

Official source references:
https://www.yamaha-motor-india.com
https://global.yamaha-motor.com

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