A straight from the gut comparison of the Honda CB150R and Yamaha XSR 155 with real world riding feel personal experiences and a no filter prediction of who actually wins in India’s growing retro segment.
✨ AI Overview
Honda CB150R: Too Late to Challenge Yamaha XSR 155?
Summary generated by AI · Reviewed by Gear Choice Team
Honda is often criticized for its delayed market entries in India.
The article questions if a potential Honda CB150R can effectively challenge the Yamaha XSR 155.
Specification comparison reveals the XSR 155 generally outperforms the CB150R in power and fuel capacity.
Let me be straight Honda’s timing in India has always been hmm let’s call it “fashionably late.” When the market heats up, Honda either keeps thinking forever or drops something half hearted. And that’s where this whole question popped in my head If the Honda CB150R does come to India, can it actually challenge the XSR 155
Specification
Yamaha XSR 155
Honda CB150R
Engine
155 cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder
149 cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder
Transmission
6 speed
6 speed
Power
18.1 bhp
15.8 bhp
Torque
14.2 Nm
13.6 Nm
Brakes
Disc brakes front and rear
Disc brakes front and rear
Front and rear suspension
USD fork and monoshock
USD fork and monoshock
Fuel tank
10 litre
8.5 litre
Wheel size
17 inch alloy
17 inch alloy
What’s the real scene with the CB150R
The CB150R is a gorgeous machine, no doubt. Compact, muscular, stylish the perfect neo retro vibe. But Honda India rarely commits to such niche enthusiast segments. I still remember a moment from 2019. I was having tea inside a Honda dealership office, and the guy casually said “Sir, retro bikes aren’t India’s mood yet.” I looked at him thinking bro, with Royal Enfield exploding like fireworks, you still don’t see the mood Anyway, things have flipped since then. Retro plus modern is the trend now, and Yamaha XSR 155 hit the sweet spot.
The charm of the XSR 155 is simple lightweight, sharp handling, and that typical Yamaha “rev it and grin” feel. I rode the XSR for the first time on the ghats of Goa. In the middle of a long curve, a Swift driver slammed his brakes out of nowhere. That’s when I really felt the agility of the XSR. The bike practically sat in my hand just a slight nudge and boom, line changed. And hey, forget what brochures say Yamaha’s real world tuning hits different.
So who wins the comparison
If the Honda CB150R comes to India, it’ll instantly grab eyeballs. No debate there. But in the retro scene, looks alone don’t win the game. You need brand trust, spare support, tuning magic, and especially that “alive” riding feel. And XSR 155 already has a loyal fanbase in place. Sure, the CB150R engine will be smooth, refined typical Honda. But if Honda repeats its old mistakes again cut features, overpricing, or slow execution the XSR will just smile and say “Thanks Honda, I’ll handle this segment myself.”
Photo : Retro styled streetfighter look.
Honda’s biggest weakness pricing
For some reason, Honda loves premium pricing. They don’t say it openly, but the vibe is “We are Honda.” But Indian buyers look for value, too. The XSR 155 sits at a sweet spot. If the CB150R enters around 18 to 19 lakh ex showroom game over.
Real world winner
If you ask me and I tend to be brutally honest here the Yamaha XSR 155 won’t be easy to dethrone. If Honda launches it seriously, prices it right, and rebuilds enthusiast trust fine, then the story might twist. But right now, XSR 155 already owns the vibe.
My personal prediction
Will Honda CB150R come to India Honestly very low chances. And even if it does winner My gut says Yamaha XSR 155 still takes the lead.
Gaurav Jha is a seasoned automotive journalist and digital media expert with a passion for new technology, electric vehicles, and unbiased product reviews. As the founder of GearChoice.in, he aims to empower readers with transparent, well-researched information about the latest cars, gadgets, and mobility trends.