Another retro-styled bike from the brand is the Yamaha FZ-X, designed specifically for the Indian market. Here's a comparison between the Hybrid variant of the FZ-X and the newly-launched XSR155, highlighting the top 5 differences:

Styling

The XSR155 has a retro-styled teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a round LED headlamp, a flat single-piece bench seat and slightly rear-set footpegs for a sporty riding position. Interestingly, the FZ-X's silhouette also looks somewhat similar, with the round headlight, simple fuel tank and side panels.

However, a closer look reveals the headlight is projector LED (as opposed to a regular LED in the XSR), the fuel tank also comes with sleek extensions down the sides, and the side panels are a bit boxier. It also has a more upright and commuter-ish riding position.

The XSR is available in four colour schemes: Metallic Blue, Greyish Green Metallic, Vivid Red, and Metallic Grey. The Hybrid variant of the FZ-X, on the other hand, is only available in a single Matte Titan colour scheme.

Performance

The Yamaha XSR155 is powered by the same 155cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine borrowed from the Yamaha R15 and the Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0. It makes 18.4PS at 10,000rpm and 14.2Nm at 7,500rpm. The bike also gets a slipper clutch for smoother and safer downshifts as it prevents the rear wheel from locking-up when downshifting aggressively. Liquid-cooling ensures the engine can produce more power and torque while also staying cool. It also gets Variable Valve Actuation technology that brings out a balance between low-end grunt and top-end power. But other than the same engine, there are a lot of differences between the XSR, the MT-15 and the Yamaha R15 V4.

The Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid, on the other hand, is powered by a relatively less complex air-cooled 149cc single-cylinder engine that produces 12.4PS at 7,250rpm and 13.3Nm at 5,500rpm. While it may not be all about performance, it gets a Smart Motor Generator (SMG). This is essentially an electric starter that also doubles up as a regular electric motor that provides the engine a small boost while accelerating. This should be useful on stop-go traffic.

Summing up, the XSR155 retains the performance-oriented genes of the R15/MT-15, whereas the FZ-X is more about efficient commuting.

Underpinnings

The XSR155 is built on Yamaha's DeltaBox frame, with an inverted fork and a monoshock. The FZ-X uses a more conventional hardware with a telescopic fork and a 7-step adjustable monoshock. Both of these bikes get a 282mm front and a 220mm rear disc brake, but the XSR comes with a dual-channel ABS as standard, as opposed to the single-channel system on the FZ-X.

Both bikes get similar-sized 100-section front and 140-section rear tyres, with the rear one being a radial rubber (has more flexible sidewalls than conventional tyres for better cornering).

The Yamaha XSR155 is built for enthusiasts, so the slightly premium underpinnings are justifiable. The FZ-X goes for simpler and cost-effective components that are suitable for commuting.

Features

The XSR155 comes with a circular LCD instrument console, while the FZ-X Hybrid, despite being priced lower, gets a 4.2-inch TFT display. Both bikes also get smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth with call and SMS alerts, but the Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid has an additional turn-by-turn navigation.

Both bikes get a traction control system that prevents the bike from skidding when riding on slippery surfaces or bad roads by limiting the power going to the rear wheel. Also, these bikes get an all-LED lighting setup, but as mentioned earlier, the FZ-X gets a projector headlight.

Price

The Yamaha XSR155 is priced at Rs 1,49,990, while the Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid is priced at Rs 1,37,533 (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). With the XSR's introductory pricing, the premium isn't all that much compared to the Hybrid variant of the FZ-X.

The choice for enthusiasts is obvious: the XSR is an easy pick, while also looking absolutely gorgeous. But if you want a retro bike that's high on mileage, then the FZ-X is a better choice. That said, it is a bit on the pricier side considering it's still an air-cooled 150cc bike at the end of the day.

Our Ultimate Buying Guide for the XSR will help you make your choice easier.