2025 Yamaha XSR 155 : I’ve always been a sucker for retro-styled bikes, but my wallet usually disagrees with my taste. That changed last week when I got my hands on Yamaha’s updated 2025 XSR 155. After three days of thrashing it through city streets and mountain twisties, I’m convinced this might be the perfect entry into the neo-retro scene without selling a kidney.
2025 Yamaha XSR 155 Refined Aesthetics That Punch Above Its Weight Class
The XSR 155 has always been a looker, but the 2025 iteration takes things up several notches. Yamaha’s designers have nailed the vintage-modern fusion with a more sculpted fuel tank featuring brushed aluminum side panels that catch the sunlight just right. The new circular LED headlamp houses a projector unit surrounded by a halo DRL that looks properly premium. My test unit came in the new “Racing Green” colorway with gold wheels and tan seat – a combination that had strangers stopping me for photos at every coffee shop I visited. The attention to detail is ridiculous for this price point – from the exposed aluminum bracket holding the LCD display to the hand-stitched saddle that looks straight off a bike twice its price.
Punchy Powerplant Gets Even Better
Under that gorgeous exterior lies the familiar 155cc VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) engine, but it’s been retuned for 2025. Power is up slightly to 19.3 horsepower, while torque sees a more significant bump to 15.1 Nm. The difference is immediately noticeable in the mid-range – exactly where you need it for urban riding. The 6-speed gearbox remains buttery smooth, with a newly designed assist-and-slipper clutch that makes stop-and-go traffic significantly less of a wrist workout. During my mountain road testing, I consistently saw 110 km/h without the engine feeling stressed, and fuel economy hovered around 42 km/l despite my heavy right hand.
Tech Features That Don’t Compromise the Vintage Vibe
Yamaha has walked a delicate line, adding modern conveniences without diluting the XSR’s retro appeal. The round LCD instrument pod still looks appropriately vintage, but now incorporates Bluetooth connectivity that pairs with Yamaha’s Y-Connect app for notifications and ride tracking. USB-C charging below the seat kept my phone juiced during all-day rides. ABS comes standard now (thank goodness), and the LED lighting all around means never having to worry about bulb replacements. My favorite addition? The subtle but effective traction control system that saved my bacon when I hit an unexpected patch of gravel mid-corner.
Handling That Makes Every Commute Feel Special
The chassis remains largely unchanged, which is no bad thing – the XSR has always been a sweet-handling machine. The 41mm upside-down forks are now adjustable for preload, while the rear monoshock gets rebound damping adjustment. The result is a bike that feels planted in fast sweepers yet nimble enough for threading through rush-hour traffic. At 135kg wet, it’s light enough to flick around with just your fingertips. During a particularly spirited mountain run, I found myself keeping pace with riders on much larger machines simply because the XSR is so confidence-inspiring when the road gets twisty.
Customization Options Straight From the Factory
Recognizing that personalization is central to the neo-retro scene, Yamaha now offers a range of factory accessory packs. The Café Pack adds clip-on handlebars, a bikini fairing, and rear seat cowl that transforms the bike’s silhouette dramatically. The Scrambler Pack includes high-mounted exhaust, wider handlebars, and bash plate for light off-road excursions. Most parts can be dealer-installed without affecting warranty – a huge plus for newer riders intimidated by custom work. The factory quick-release luggage system is particularly clever, letting you switch between weekend toy and daily commuter in seconds.
2025 Yamaha XSR 155 Pricing That Makes Premium Accessible
Perhaps most impressive is how Yamaha has packaged all this goodness at a price point that won’t induce panic attacks. The base model starts at $4,699, with the premium colorways adding just $200. The accessory packs range from $599 to $899 depending on components – significantly cheaper than sourcing aftermarket parts individually. When you consider the build quality, performance, and style on offer, the value proposition becomes almost ridiculous. Yamaha’s 2-year warranty with roadside assistance sweetens the deal further.