The Indian neo-retro motorcycle segment has exploded over the last few years, with a wide range of bikes offering retro styling blended with modern engineering. Standing tall in the category is the Yamaha XSR 155, a lightweight yet premium retro machine built on Yamaha’s iconic Deltabox frame and VVA-equipped 155cc engine.
But India is full of strong competition. The XSR 155 doesn’t just fight other 150–160cc bikes — enthusiasts frequently compare it with bikes from higher segments, including the:
- Honda CB300R (lightweight premium neo-retro)
- Bajaj Pulsar NS200 (aggressive streetfighter with retro influence)
- TVS Ronin 225 (modern-neo cruiser designed for daily and weekend riding)
This post dives deep into how the Yamaha XSR 155 stacks up against these rivals in terms of design, performance, comfort, features, mileage, pricing, ownership costs, and real-world value.
1. Engine, Power & Performance Comparison
Even though the XSR 155 has the smallest displacement here, Yamaha’s VVA-equipped engine delivers surprising real-world performance. Let’s begin with a detailed engine comparison.
Engine Specs Table: XSR 155 vs Rivals
| Bike Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Cooling | Gearbox | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha XSR 155 | 155cc SOHC VVA | 18.4 PS | 14.1 Nm | Liquid-cooled | 6-speed | 139 kg |
| Honda CB300R | 286cc DOHC | 31.1 PS | 27.5 Nm | Liquid-cooled | 6-speed | 146 kg |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS200 | 199.5cc DOHC | 24.5 PS | 18.7 Nm | Liquid-cooled | 6-speed | 158 kg |
| TVS Ronin | 225.9cc SOHC | 20.4 PS | 19.9 Nm | Oil-cooled | 5-speed | 159 kg |
Performance Summary
Yamaha XSR 155
Despite its smaller engine, the XSR impresses with a strong mid-range, sharp throttle response, and excellent high-rpm pull thanks to VVA. Lighter weight gives it a very energetic feel and faster real-world acceleration in city riding.
Honda CB300R
The most powerful and lightest-feeling bike in this comparison. Explosive acceleration, brilliant refinement, and premium ride quality. However, extremely expensive.
Bajaj Pulsar NS200
Delivers punchy top-end performance, fast acceleration, and sporty character. However, vibrations and a heavier feel reduce refinement.
TVS Ronin
More torque-focused and relaxed. Great low-end power, effortless city rideability, but lacks high-end excitement compared to XSR or NS200.
Verdict on Performance
- Best outright performance: Honda CB300R
- Best real-world city performance per cc: Yamaha XSR 155
- Best high-speed touring performance: NS200
- Best low-end torque and calm ride: TVS Ronin 225
2. Design, Styling & Road Presence Comparison
Each bike follows a different design philosophy, but all aim at retro or neo-retro appeal.
Design Comparison Table
| Bike | Design Theme | Key Elements | Road Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha XSR 155 | Neo-retro minimalist | Round LED headlamp, teardrop tank, sleek tail | Classy & premium |
| Honda CB300R | Modern cafe-retro | Upswept exhaust, chunky tank, sculpted frame | Sharp & upscale |
| NS200 | Streetfighter | Aggressive tank, split seats, edgy panels | Sporty & youthful |
| TVS Ronin | Modern-retro cruiser | Round headlight, relaxed stance, wide seat | Urban retro appeal |
Design Insights
XSR 155 is the purest neo-retro bike here. Its design is premium, well-balanced, and globally appealing.
CB300R looks the most expensive and refined.
NS200 is aggressive and sporty, not retro.
Ronin tries to blend cruiser and retro, making it comfortable but not classic.
Verdict on Design
- Pure retro premium feel: Yamaha XSR 155
- Most modern-retro premium: Honda CB300R
- Best streetfighter look: NS200
- Most comfortable retro-cruiser design: TVS Ronin
3. Features, Technology & Equipment Comparison
Yamaha’s XSR 155 is simple but has quality components; others bring additional features.
Features Table
| Feature | XSR 155 | CB300R | NS200 | Ronin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED Headlamp | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Console | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | No (global has, India might add) | No | No | Yes |
| Ride Modes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Assist & Slipper Clutch | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| USD Forks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Single-channel | Dual-channel | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |
Verdict on Features
- Most feature-loaded: TVS Ronin
- Best premium equipment: Honda CB300R
- Best performance-essential features: Yamaha XSR 155
- NS200 feels dated in features but strong in performance.
4. Ride Quality, Handling & Comfort Comparison
Here’s where riders feel the difference on the road.
Yamaha XSR 155
- Lightest of all, extremely flickable
- Deltabox frame = beautiful handling
- Excellent cornering stability
- Slightly firm seat for long rides but great for city use
Honda CB300R
- Premium suspension feel
- Very refined and stable
- Sharp handling at both low and high speeds
- Stiffer rear suspension
Bajaj NS200
- Best high-speed stability
- Heavier and takes effort in slow traffic
- Slight vibrations on the handlebar
TVS Ronin
- Extremely comfortable
- Soft suspension perfect for bad roads
- Relaxed posture
Handling & Comfort Comparison Table
| Parameter | XSR 155 | CB300R | NS200 | Ronin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handling | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Comfort | Good | Good | Average | Excellent |
| Suspension Feel | Firm-precise | Premium-stiff | Stiff | Soft |
| City Riding | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Excellent |
| Touring Comfort | Good | Very Good | Very Good | Very Good |
Verdict on Ride Quality
- Best city bike: XSR 155
- Best overall riding package: CB300R
- Best high-speed stability: NS200
- Best comfort: TVS Ronin
5. Mileage Comparison — The Deciding Factor for Many Buyers
The biggest strength of the XSR 155 here is its superior mileage.
Mileage Comparison Table
| Bike | Real-World City Mileage | Highway Mileage | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| XSR 155 | 42–46 km/l | 48–52 km/l | 44–49 km/l |
| CB300R | 28–32 km/l | 32–35 km/l | 30–33 km/l |
| NS200 | 32–36 km/l | 36–40 km/l | 34–38 km/l |
| Ronin | 36–42 km/l | 40–45 km/l | 38–43 km/l |
Verdict on Mileage
- Best mileage: Yamaha XSR 155
- Second best: TVS Ronin
- NS200 is average
- CB300R has the worst fuel efficiency due to the 300cc engine
6. Price Comparison — Which Bike Is Worth Your Money?
Price Table (Ex-Showroom)
| Bike | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Yamaha XSR 155 | ₹1.68–1.72 lakh (expected) |
| Honda CB300R | ₹2.40 lakh+ |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS200 | ₹1.55 lakh |
| TVS Ronin | ₹1.50–1.70 lakh |
Pricing Verdict
- Best value-for-money: TVS Ronin
- Best price-to-performance: NS200
- Best premium experience: CB300R
- Best overall balance: XSR 155
7. Ownership Cost, Service, and Spares Comparison
Ownership Cost Table (Yearly Estimate)
| Bike | Annual Maintenance Cost | Spare Parts Cost | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| XSR 155 | ₹5,000–7,000 | Affordable | Excellent |
| CB300R | ₹10,000–15,000 | Expensive | Excellent |
| NS200 | ₹8,000–10,000 | Medium | Good |
| Ronin | ₹6,000–8,000 | Very Affordable | Very Good |
Ownership Verdict
- Cheapest to own: XSR 155 / Ronin
- Most expensive: CB300R
- NS200 moderate but vibrations increase wear over time
8. Final Verdict — Which Bike Suits Which Rider?
Choose Yamaha XSR 155 if you want:
- Retro bike with modern performance
- Best mileage in the segment
- Light weight and excellent city handling
- Low running cost
- Neo-retro styling with Yamaha refinement
Choose Honda CB300R if you want:
- Premium neo-retro with high-end performance
- Lightweight 300cc motorcycle
- Superior refinement and top-tier quality
- You’re okay with high pricing
Choose Bajaj Pulsar NS200 if you want:
- Fast performance on a budget
- Good touring ability
- Strong 200cc power
- Aggressive, sporty feel
Choose TVS Ronin if you want:
- Maximum comfort
- Easy city riding
- Feature-packed cruiser-ish styling
- Best value-for-money retro option
**Overall Winner (Value + Performance + Mileage + Daily Usability):
Yamaha XSR 155
It may not be the most powerful, but it is the best-balanced package in India’s neo-retro segment.
FAQs — Yamaha XSR 155 vs Rivals
Q1. Is the Yamaha XSR 155 better than the Honda CB300R?
The CB300R is more powerful and premium, but the XSR 155 wins with better mileage, lower maintenance, and affordable pricing.
Q2. Which bike has the best mileage among these?
The Yamaha XSR 155 delivers the highest real-world mileage, followed by the TVS Ronin.
Q3. Is the XSR 155 good for long rides compared to NS200 and Ronin?
Yes, the XSR 155 is stable and efficient on highways, but the NS200 is faster and the Ronin is more comfortable.
Q4. Which bike has the lowest maintenance cost?
The Yamaha XSR 155 and TVS Ronin have the lowest ownership costs.
Q5. Which bike is best for daily commuting?
The Yamaha XSR 155 is the best all-rounder for city rides due to its light weight, excellent mileage, and agile handling.
