Neo-retro motorcycles are a rage in the entry-level premium segment, with Royal Enfield leading the way, but Yamaha has now added a potent weapon to its arsenal — XSR155.
Yamaha just dropped four bombs but the loudest one to explode was the XSR155. The Yamaha fan base had been demanding the XSR155 in India for some time now, given the growing demand of neo-retro bikes in India. In fact, Yamaha launched the very ordinary FZ-X a few years ago, to satisfy this demand.
The Royal EnfieldHunter 350 feels the most apt rival for the Yamaha XSR for multiple reasons. Here’s how the Yamaha XSR155 fares against the Royal Enfield Hunter 350.
Dimension | Yamaha XSR155 | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 |
Overall length | 2005 mm | 2055 mm |
Overall width | 805 mm | 810 mm (without mirrors). |
Overall height | 1,080 mm | 1,070 mm (without mirrors). |
Wheelbase | 1,330 mm | 1,370 mm |
Seat height | 810 mm | 790 mm |
Ground clearance (min) | 170 mm | 160 mm |
Kerb / curb weight | 137 kg | 181 kg (with 90% fuel & oil). |
Fuel tank capacity | 10 L | 13 L |
Dimensionally, the Hunter 350 is longer, wider, taller, and heavier than the XSR 155. At 137 kg (kerb), the XSR155 is a massive44 kg lighter than the entry-level Enfield bike and if you wanted a lightweight bike, the Yamaha has the advantage. The Hunter 350 can also hold more fuel with a larger tank capacity of 13-litres. Another advantage the Hunter 350 has the lower seat height which makes it more accessible for shorter riders.
Specs | Yamaha XSR155 | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 |
Engine | 155cc, Single-cylinder, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, Variable Valve Actuation | 349cc, Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-oil cooled |
Maximum power | 18.4 bhp at 10,000 rpm | 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm |
Maximum torque | 14.2 Nm at 7,500 rpm | 27 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed gearbox with assist & slipper clutch | 5-speed with assist & slip clutch |
The engine specs of XSR155 and Hunter 350 are like chalk and cheese. Both motorcycles have engines with completely different construction, displacement, and cooling system. The displacement on the XSR is significantly smaller than the Hunter but the former makes it with its liquid-cooling and VVA setup. Yet, the Hunter 350 develops out a higher power and torque output. Also, the Yamaha gets a 6-speed gearbox as opposed to the 5-speed unit offered in the Hunter. With respect to performance, the Hunter 350 has a torque-heavy engine while the XSR155 is a high-revving and power-focused engine.
Specs | Yamaha XSR155 | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 |
Frame / chassis | Perimeter / “Deltabox” frame | Twin downtube spine frame |
Front suspension | Upside-down (USD) front fork | Telescopic 41 mm fork |
Rear suspension | Monoshock (linked-type) with aluminium swingarm | Twin tube emulsion shock absorbers, 6-step adjustable preload |
Wheels | 17-inch wheels (front & rear) | 17-inch wheels (front & rear) |
Tyres | Front: 100/80-17M/C 52P; Rear: 140/70R-17M/C 66H | Front: 110/70-17; Rear: 140/70-17 |
Front brake | 282mm Disc | 300 mm disc |
Rear brake | 220mm Disc | 270 mm disc |
Safety / electronics | Traction control + dual-channel ABS standard | Dual-channel ABS standard |
The underpinnings of both neo-retro roadsters are also completely different from each other. While the XSR155 is underpinned by a perimeter frame, the Hunter 350 is based on a twin downtube frame. The Yamaha also gets a more premium suspension setup featuring upside down fork and a monoshock as opposed to telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers seen in the Hunter.
The Hunter 350 gets larger disc brakes at front and rear while both offer dual-channel ABS as standard. The XSR155, however, gets the additional safety net of traction control.
Also READ: Triumph 350 cc Engine Under Development For India
While the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is available in three trim levels, the Yamaha XSR155 is available in a single variant. Interestingly, the base Retro variant of Hunter is more affordable than the XSR155, however the base variant isn’t very popular as it loses out on a rear disc brake and the spoke wheels aren’t tubeless. While the Hunter 350 offers you the old-school charm of a Royal Enfield bike in a modern avatar, the Yamaha XSR155 is a proper modern offering in retro clothing.
| Yamaha XSR155 | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | |
| Ex-showroom price | ₹ 1,49,990 | ₹ 1,37,648 — 1,66,893 |
