Yamaha MT 15 vs Yamaha XSR 155: What’s different?

The Yamaha XSR 155 is based on the Yamaha MT 15, although with a different flavour altogether. It is sold in South-East Asian markets and should be an interesting proposition if launched in India. In this spec comparison, we list out the differences and similarities between the two motorcycles.

Styling 

The most conspicuous difference between the MT 15 and the XSR 155 is the styling. The MT 15 is a true-blue streetfighter styled motorcycle. It sports an alien head-like full-LED headlamp unit which contributes to the majority of its looks. Then there is the muscular fuel tank and the petite tail section.

On the other, the XSR 155 incorporates a modern-retro design language thanks to the round, full-LED headlamp and tail lamp. Yamaha has also added details like the ribbed-seat, aluminum brackets, and porous design of the exhaust shield that add to its retro appeal. 

Lest we forget, the XSR 155 is offered in a choice of three matte colours- black, green, and grey. Yamaha also offers it in a special, Sport Heritage colour that comes with gold-finished fork bottles. Meanwhile, the MT 15 is available in three colour schemes in India. There is a full black paint and the matte blue paint along with a loud, white and orange colour that suits the MT 15’s character.

Features 

The MT 15 and the XSR 155 get LCD layouts. However, the layouts of both units are completely different. Let’s begin with the XSR 155 unit which is a unique, pod-like cluster. It shows information like speed, fuel level, odometer, trip, gear position, and clock as well as a distinctive, semi-circular tachometer layout. The MT-15 gets a rectangular unit that complements its sporty character and throws up the same info as the XSR 155 although with additional shift light.

Engine 

The engine on the two motorcycles are the same. They both use the same 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 18.7bhp at 10,000rpm and 14.7Nm at 8500rpm. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch and uses the famed VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) technology.

Cycle Parts

Internationally, the MT 15 and XSR 155 are identical when it comes to cycle parts. The motorcycles ride on inverted forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. However, the Indian-spec MT 15 comes with telescopic forks to keep costs in check. We can expect the XSR 155 to follow suit if it is launched in India. Braking hardware consists of disc brakes at both ends for both motorcycles with ABS as standard.  

The two motorcycles also ride on 17-inch wheels. Nevertheless, the XSR 155’s wheels come shod with dual-purpose tyres while the MT 15 sports road-biased tyres.

Pricing 

Now, the MT 15 is priced at Rs 1.36 lakh(ex-showroom). If the XSR 155 is launched in India, it will be priced around the same bracket, under the YZF R15 V3. Apart from its sibling, the XSR 155 will not have any other direct rival.