XSR155 Test Ride Review: Just the Right Size for a Neo-classic Style, and Fun to Ride with a VVA!

XSR155 | Details and Test Ride Review

The XSR155 is released by Thai Yamaha, but it is not yet available in Japan. Not only does it have a classical atmosphere, but it also has many points of interest such as its amazing fuel efficiency figures, so please read on!

The common design of the XSR series is classic and cool!

The body is small for its 155cc displacement. However, the aura created by the styling is comparable to that of the XSR700 and 900, and is not inferior to that of mid-sized displacement motorcycles. A true neo-classic. It's good looking.

The motorcycle size and weight are shown below. For comparison, let's compare it to the Suzuki Gixxer, which has almost the same displacement.

Overall length/Overall width/Overall height

XSR155: 2,000mm/805mm/1,080mm
Gixxer: 2,005mm/785mm/1,030mm

Vehicle weight

XSR155: 134kg
Gixxer: 135kg

Numerically, they're almost identical. It's the perfect size, smaller than 250cc but larger than 125cc.

The "YAMAHA" tank emblem is simple.

The word XSR on top of the tank is a luxurious emblem.

I can't read the caution sticker.

The exhaust system looks pretty good too, with a classic look to match the vehicle!

The foot grounding can be pretty tough...

Seat Height

810mm

The seat height is a little high. There is quite a difference between the two, since the Gixxer that I just compared in terms of motorcycle size is 785mm. If you're 155cm tall, you can't land both feet on the ground, but you can land on one foot. The motorcycle itself is light, so this should be fine!

If you are about 165-170cm tall, you can straddle it without any worries.

Solidly equipped with LED lights

Both the head and tail lights are equipped with LEDs, which are bright enough. The blinkers are bulbs, but they are clear lenses, so they match the overall atmosphere of the motorcycle.

Headlights

With low beam, only the lower part of the light is on, and with high beam, both the upper and lower part are on. The brightness is unquestionable.

Low beam

High beam

Taillight

The taillight is a small, round shape, with the outside of the circle illuminated as a position light, and the center light comes on when the brake is depressed. This one is bright enough, too, so bright that it's dazzling when you look directly at it.

Position lights

Brake lights on

Also, the bases of the blinkers are very high quality. It's a great example of attention to detail.

Good visibility and informative meters

The meter is good and easy to read both during the day and at night. That's enough information to see gear indicators, fuel gauge, odometer, tripmeter, average mileage, instantaneous mileage, the range available, etc.

The brightness of the backlight can be changed in three levels, but the photo doesn't really show it.

The brightness order is bL-01 → bL-02 → bL-03.

Handlebar and Footpeg

The handlebar are up-handed, but it was only a little uncomfortable to feel the arms spread out, perhaps because of the shape.

The switches are standard equipment, but it's a cell switch with an integrated kill, which is very much like a modern motorcycle. Also, the indicator switch behaved so softly that sometimes I would push to turn off the blinker, but it would shift to the side and give me the opposite blinker.

The footpeg is made of aluminum for a tighter footing. The hold on your feet is quite strong when you have your feet on it.

The undercarriage supports agile driving.

The inverted front forks are equipped as a matter of course. Even with a single caliper, it had plenty of braking power and was stable enough for everyday driving.

The rear suspension seemed to be a bit too much of a stretch for Asian specifications, but it's not a problem for STD use.

Seat

The seat looks good, of course, but I thought the cushioning was a little difficult. After about an hour of riding, my buttocks were quite sore, so if you are going to be riding for a certain amount of time, a seat cushion might be a good idea.

Also, the seat is wider, so when you sit down, you have to open your legs, which affects your footing. However, it looks very cool.

This is what it looks like under the seat. There's almost no room for things.

An engine that makes for a powerful and entertaining ride!

The engine is a liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder that is based on the MT-15. This engine features a VVA (variable valve mechanism), which changes character all at once from 7,000rpm. When the VVA is activated, it will appear next to the gear indicator on the meter.

The engine itself can launch powerfully from low speeds and has plenty of room to go with the flow of public roads. Personally, I found it to be just fine, riding at about 6,000rpm in 6th gear. As a displacement, it can be driven on the highway, so of course, it has enough power to flow there. And yet, I liked the fact that I could accelerate without being overwhelmed.

(VVA is showing!)

Curiously shaped keys

The shape of the key was something I hadn't seen very often before. This seems to be quite difficult to duplicate and helps to prevent theft.

A week of hard commuting on the XSR155! What about fuel consumption?

I put my beloved Z900 away in the company parking lot and used the XSR155 as a commuter every day. My commute to work is mainly on the national highway, which is 40km round trip. It's a great stage for a route for commuter use, with lots of traffic lights and congestion (lol).

First of all, I was able to get into the flow without difficulty on roads with a relatively high-speed range. I'm glad to say that this area was stress-free for a commuter motorcycle.

Next, I experienced driving at very low speeds in traffic. The clutch is light, so I won't feel the fatigue of repeatedly squeezing and releasing the shift lever. It wasn't particularly hard to get stuck in traffic.

To be honest, I wasn't expecting much in the way of fuel economy, since I was basically doing a lot of stop-and-go (roughly 17km/L on my regular Z900).

As a result, I got 43.4km/L after a week of use! The mileage was a little over 200km. This is too good to be true!

I didn't expect such low fuel consumption. I felt that it was as good as a scooter, and would be a very good commuter vehicle.

I had a feeling that if I drove on roads with less stop-and-go traffic, the numbers would be even better, and I was immediately drawn to this vehicle.

Price

It is sold for 429,000 yen (including tax). It is difficult to compare because there are few vehicles with the same displacement that are available in Japan, but my first review is that it is a bit expensive. However, considering the equipment and performance I've described so far, I think you'll be highly satisfied!

Summary

XSR155 is a very well-made motorcycle with good looks, good riding performance, and good fuel economy. It can be used not only for commuting but also for touring as it can be ridden on highways, making it an all-rounder. As a motorcycle, it's one that will serve you well!

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