Spec Comparison: Yamaha XSR 155 vs TVS Ronin vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350 vs KTM 160 Duke vs Yamaha MT-15
The under-200cc motorcycle segment in India is heating up with a mix of retro charm and streetfighter aggression. With the arrival of the Yamaha XSR 155, riders now have another neo-retro option joining the existing lineup of the TVS Ronin, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, KTM 160 Duke, and Yamaha MT-15. Let's break down how these five contenders compare on paper.
Displacement
At the top of the capacity chart sits the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, boasting a 349cc air-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine. The TVS Ronin comes next with its 225.9cc oil-cooled unit, offering a sweet spot between classic and commuter performance.
The KTM 160 Duke features a 164.2cc liquid-cooled engine, while the Yamaha MT-15 and XSR 155 share the same 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled VVA engine, known for its refinement and high-rev performance.
Transmission
Both the Yamaha XSR 155 and MT-15 feature a 6-speed gearbox paired with a slip-and-assist clutch, ideal for spirited riding. The KTM 160 Duke also uses a 6-speed transmission, ensuring crisp gear shifts. On the other hand, the TVS Ronin and Hunter 350 come with 5-speed gearboxes, prioritising relaxed cruising over outright speed.
Power
The TVS Ronin leads slightly with 20.4 PS @ 7750 rpm, followed closely by the Hunter 350 with 20.2 PS @ 6100 rpm. The KTM 160 Duke produces 19 PS @ 9500 rpm, while the Yamaha MT-15 and XSR 155 deliver 18.4 PS @ 10,000 rpm.
Despite being the smallest in displacement, both Yamahas offer crisp throttle response and excellent top-end thanks to their Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) tech.
TorqueÂ
Torque is where the Hunter 350 dominates, churning out 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm. The TVS Ronin follows with 19.93 Nm @ 3750 rpm, offering plenty of low-end grunt for city riding. The KTM 160 Duke generates 15.5 Nm @ 7500 rpm, while the Yamaha MT-15 and XSR 155 produce around 14.1 and 14.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm, respectively, making them adequate for their lightweight frames and rev-happy nature.
BrakesÂ
In terms of control and comfort, all bikes come with disc brakes at both ends, but setups differ slightly. The TVS Ronin, KTM Duke, and both Yamaha models, MT-15 and XSR 155, offer dual-channel ABS for confident braking, while the Hunter 350 gets either single or dual-channel ABS depending on the variant.
Suspension
On the suspension front, the XSR 155, MT-15, and KTM Duke feature USD front forks and monoshock rears, ensuring sharp handling and superior ride stability. The TVS Ronin uses Showa USD forks and a 7-step adjustable monoshock, delivering one of the smoothest rides in this category. The Hunter 350, meanwhile, opts for a telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers, tuned for comfort and classic roadster feel.
Seat Height and Ground Clearance
Both the Yamaha XSR 155 and MT-15 stand at 810 mm, providing a sporty yet comfortable riding position. The TVS Ronin (795 mm) and Hunter 350 (790 mm) are more accessible for shorter riders, while the KTM 160 Duke, at 815 mm, offers a taller stance for a commanding street view.
On the ground clearance bit, the TVS Ronin once again stands tall, with 181 mm of ground clearance, making it the best suited for Indian roads and mild trails. The KTM 160 Duke offers 174 mm, the Yamaha MT-15 170 mm, and the Hunter 350 sits lowest at 160 mm. The XSR 155 shares a similar clearance to the MT-15, ensuring a balanced ride between city comfort and sporty handling.
Fuel Tank
Long rides are best handled by the TVS Ronin's 14-litre tank, followed by the Hunter 350's 13-litre capacity. The KTM Duke carries 10.1 litres, while the MT-15 and XSR 155 both offer 10 litres.
Tyres
All five bikes roll on 17-inch alloy wheels, but each has a unique tyre setup suited to its character. The Yamaha XSR 155 and MT-15 come equipped with 100/80-17 front and 140/70-17 rear radial tyres, offering excellent grip and stability during aggressive cornering. The KTM 160 Duke also uses 110/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear tyres, emphasising sporty performance and precise handling. The TVS Ronin features 110/70-17 front and 130/70-17 rear block-pattern tyres, providing versatility for mixed road conditions and light off-roading. Meanwhile, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 wears 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear tyres, tuned for a balanced and comfortable urban riding experience.
PricingÂ
In terms of pricing, the TVS Ronin remains the most value-friendly, ranging from ?1.24–?1.59 lakh. The Hunter 350 follows at ?1.37–?1.66 lakh, while the Yamaha MT-15 sits around ?1.55 lakh. The KTM 160 Duke is the most premium at ?1.70 lakh, and the Yamaha XSR 155 is expected to be priced close to ?1.6–?1.7 lakh when officially launched in India.
Conclusion
The addition of the Yamaha XSR 155 makes this category even more exciting. It combines the performance DNA of the MT-15 with retro styling, sitting perfectly between the TVS Ronin's versatility and the Hunter 350's charm.
For pure city comfort and affordability, the Ronin reigns. The Hunter appeals to those who love Royal Enfield's signature thump. The MT-15 and Duke remain top picks for enthusiasts, while the XSR 155 now bridges performance and nostalgia.