The retro-roadster's attractive pricing and the overall package will give stiff competition to its rivals in the sub-160cc retro segment. But it can also face competition from the Honda CB150R if the Japanese brand ever decides to launch it here.

Price & Variants

• The Yamaha 's pricing is absolutely bang on in terms of its positioning in the market and its target customers. The bike is aptly priced for customers who are looking for a 150-200cc retro roadster with a budget of about Rs 1.5 lakh.

• The Honda is not available for sale in India. But if it does arrive here (we really hope it does), expect the bike to have a more premium price as compared to its rivals

Dimensions & Design

• With a shorter wheelbase, the CB150R should be more agile around the corners and easy to move in and out of tight traffic in the city.

• The XSR 155's higher ground clearance should make it better able to handle potholes and speed breakers. We can expect the ground clearance of the CB150 to be improved to suit roads.

• The XSR has a larger fuel tank, which means you should be able to cover longer distances without frequent petrol stops.

• The lower seat height of the CB150R should make the bike more accessible for shorter riders.

• The lower kerb weight of the Honda should make it easier to flick the bike from one side to another.

• From a design perspective, the Yamaha XSR is the more retro-looking bike in this comparison with the round headlight, round instrument console, teardrop-shaped tank and the ribbed seat.

• The Honda CB150R has a modern retro look with sleeker design lines, more compact proportions and an overall streetfighter vibe to the whole design.

Underpinnings

• Both bikes have similar underpinnings and since the XSR shares its platform with the Yamaha R15 V4, we can expect the suspension to be pliant enough to handle bad patches of roads easily. The ride quality should be sporty but comfortable.

• The brakes offer a great initial bite with a progressive feel as you press harder.

• The 17-inch tyre setup makes the Yamaha agile to handle, making quick direction changes effortless.

Features

• The XSR is the winner here with its round LCD instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity

• The CB also get an LCD instrument console, but rectangular. It shows all the necessary information but misses out on Bluetooth connectivity.

• But bikes get LED lighting all around

Performance

• The Yamaha 155cc engine makes more power and torque, which should make it more fun to ride in a sporty manner.

• The Yamaha's engine is also very refined and the power delivery is linear. The acceleration is very smooth till the redline and the engine is quite tractable, making it easy to ride it in the city at low speeds in 3rd or 4th gear.

• Past the 6,000rpm mark, the engine feels more energetic because of the VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) tech. The smooth gearbox and the slipper clutch makes shifting through the gears an engaging affair.

Verdict

The Yamaha XSR 155 is for someone who wants a retro roadster with an affordable price tag. With its retrolooks, agile handling, engaging engine, and a more than decent features list - it should be perfect for you if that's what you are looking for.

The Honda CB150R, on the other hand, has a more modern than retro look,, decent features list, and it should have that characteristic smooth Honda engine. If that's what you are looking for, you should wait and see if the bike comes to India anytime soon. We genuinely wish Honda does bring the bike to our shores.