KATHMANDU: Riders looking for a motorcycle with classic cafe racer or cruiser styling combined with modern technology and performance have two interesting options in Nepal: the TVS Ronin and Yamaha XSR 155.
Both motorcycles feature retro-inspired designs, round headlamps and modern equipment. However, they differ in styling, engine capacity, power, torque and riding characteristics.
The TVS Ronin combines modern roadster and cruiser styling, while the Yamaha XSR 155 follows a neo-retro design inspired by classic cafe racers and sports motorcycles.
The Ronin stands out with its larger engine and higher torque. Meanwhile, the XSR 155 offers a lighter body, a 155cc VVA engine and sporty performance.
Here is a comparison of their key features and technical specifications.
Different design identities
The TVS Ronin combines retro roadster and cruiser styling. It features a round LED headlamp with a T-shaped signature position light, a muscular fuel tank, wide handlebars and a single-seat design. Its upright riding position is designed to offer comfort in both city traffic and longer rides.
The Yamaha XSR 155, on the other hand, gets a neo-retro design inspired by classic Yamaha motorcycles. Its key highlights include a round LED headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, round LCD instrument cluster and tuck-and-roll-style seat. Its design reflects a mix of cafe racer, cruiser and classic sports motorcycle styling.
Ronin leads in engine capacity and torque
The TVS Ronin is powered by a 225.9cc, single-cylinder, four-valve, oil-cooled, fuel-injected engine. It produces 20.4 PS of power at 7,750 rpm and 19.93 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm. The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
The Yamaha XSR 155 gets a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve, fuel-injected engine. It is compatible with E20 fuel and produces 18.4 PS of power at 10,000 rpm and 14.2 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. It comes with a 6-speed gearbox and Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology.
The Ronin has a 70.9cc advantage in engine capacity. It also produces around 2 PS more power and 5.73 Nm more torque than the XSR 155.
However, Yamaha’s VVA technology helps improve engine performance across different engine speeds. This allows the XSR 155 to achieve a slightly higher top speed than the Ronin.
Both offer modern features
The TVS Ronin comes with 41mm USD front forks and a 7-step adjustable rear monoshock. Other features include an assist and slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, rain and urban ABS modes, disc brakes and LED lighting.
It also gets Glide Through Technology (GTT), a fully digital LCD instrument cluster and TVS SmartXonnect connectivity.
The Yamaha XSR 155 features upside-down telescopic front forks and a linked-type Monocross rear suspension. Its equipment includes an assist and slipper clutch, disc brakes, dual-channel ABS and a traction control system.
The motorcycle also gets Yamaha Y-Connect smartphone connectivity, a digital LCD instrument cluster, call and SMS alerts and LED lighting.
In terms of safety, the XSR 155 offers traction control, while the Ronin gets rain and urban ABS modes along with GTT technology.
Dimensions and weight compared
The TVS Ronin has a curb weight of 160 kg. It gets a seat height of 795 mm, ground clearance of 181 mm and a wheelbase of 1,357 mm. Its fuel tank has a capacity of 14 liters.
The Yamaha XSR 155 weighs just 137 kg with a full fuel tank. It has a seat height of 810 mm, ground clearance of 170 mm and a wheelbase of 1,325 mm. Its fuel tank capacity is 10 liters.
The XSR 155 is 23 kg lighter than the Ronin. Its lower weight could make it easier to handle in traffic and narrow roads. However, the Ronin offers higher ground clearance and a larger fuel tank, while the XSR has a slightly higher seat height.
Price difference
Both motorcycles are available in Nepal in multiple variants, with prices varying by color and equipment. The Yamaha XSR 155 is available in four color variants, while the TVS Ronin comes in three variants.
MAW Rides, the official Yamaha distributor in Nepal, has set the price of the XSR 155 at Rs 534,900 for the Blue variant, Rs 544,900 for the Red variant, Rs 549,900 for the Gray variant and Rs 564,900 for the Black variant.
Similarly, Jagdamba Motors, the official TVS distributor in Nepal, has priced the Ronin at Rs 429,900 for the base variant, Rs 439,900 for the Agonda Edition and Rs 469,900 for the top variant.
The Yamaha XSR 155 is more expensive than the TVS Ronin across the available variants.
Conclusion
The TVS Ronin could be a suitable choice for riders looking for classic roadster and cruiser styling, higher torque and a comfortable upright riding position at a lower price.
Meanwhile, the Yamaha XSR 155 is an attractive option for those willing to spend more on sporty retro styling, a lighter motorcycle and modern engine technology.
