u/Alternative_Jump_169

Hey all!

Atom got an update! Added the official radiator guard as well as the knee pads.

Now, a well wisher wanted to hang a guardian bell. Currently attached it at the side, where the wires go through.

Technically, it's not supposed to be seen and be at the lowest point of the bike. However, I'd like to attach it where it won't get lost, stolen and somewhat easily removable when I give it for servicing.

Do you happen to know any places on the XSR where I can attach it safely and help me out with this regard?

TLDR: The journey of how I ended up buying my first bike, the Yamaha XSR 155. What was going through my mind, the confusion, the struggles, test rides, second-hand hunting, and finally getting the bike. Reddit genuinely helped me a lot through this process, so I just wanted to share my story with the community!

Story time!

Hello everyone! I’m 21 years old, just finished my 3rd year in college, and around September 2025, I decided I needed a bike soon. I had just gotten my license and started discussing it with my parents since I’d need one for internships, and also because I genuinely wanted to learn riding properly while I’m young. Obviously, my parents were financing it (I can’t afford one myself yet).

I’ll be honest, I did feel a bit guilty about spending my parents’ money on a bike. But my dad understands me really well. Even if I had asked for a 3–4 lakh bike, he probably would’ve agreed. He just wants me to learn properly and ride safely. Still, as a son, I wanted to be sensible with the budget and get something practical for my needs. ( Tbh, the final decision might not be the most sensible to some with the cost paid , but it felt sensible to me.) 

In my head, I wanted a “one-bike garage” bike. My needs were:

• Good in the city primarily
• Looks amazing
• Can handle occasional long rides
• Easy maintenance
• Good mileage
• Retro/neo-retro styling

My budget was around 2 lakhs on-road (Bangalore btw). Basically, I wanted a bang for the buck first bike. Didn’t want something too expensive or too powerful since I knew I’d probably upgrade later in life.

Naturally, the RE Hunter 350 and TVS Ronin became my main options. I didn’t really consider the Honda CB350RS initially because it was stretching the budget. But then around October, news came that the XSR 155 was launching.

I checked it out, and it felt like the perfect bike for me. It's beginner-friendly (155cc engine), decent mileage, amazing looks, and good for city as well as long rides. There was also a nostalgic factor. My dad’s first bike was a Yamaha Crux R, bought just before I was born, and it STILL runs today. Lot of memories sitting on it. I actually recently rode it too. Loved the feeling, but old bikes without ABS honestly scare me a little. Additionally, people had been waiting for this bike for years, and it launched right when I was searching for my first motorcycle. It seemed like it was meant for me! It had all the great safety features and enough power to satisfy a new rider while not being over the top. However, I decided to wait after the hype dies down.

Once reviews came out, reality hit. Most people felt it was overpriced for a 155cc bike. The international version looked much better, in my opinion. And honestly, I agreed with a lot of the criticism. At that price, I could either get the value-for-money Ronin or spend slightly more for the Hunter.

So I made a proper pros and cons list based on my needs as mentioned before.

At that point:
Ronin > XSR > Hunter. (Till now, I haven't actually taken a test ride btw)

The Ronin felt like the logical choice. Comfortable, practical, good mileage, good for both city and highway rides, and I actually liked the design, unlike many others online. A bang for the buck vehicle, basically.

Regarding the Hunter, I absolutely loved the look. Still think it has the best retro styling among the three. But mileage was a concern, but understandable considering the 350 cc. I also realised this sub sometimes dislikes the Hunter mainly because it’s too popular and because the CB350RS exists in that price bracket. Fair enough. But I also realised the Hunter is targeted toward a very specific kind of rider, and I probably fit that target audience perfectly.

I should also mention that around this time, I decided I’d probably buy second-hand.

Why? Mainly to avoid Karnataka taxes and save some money for riding gear and future modifications. I was specifically looking for 2025+ models with low usage so I could still get the newer colours and avoid most early ownership issues. Was really annoyed by the high taxes. Going second-hand was a safe choice in my head as it reduces my stress a bit, and helps me learn to ride well.

Then by March 2026, confusion hit again. New 350cc bikes were launching, Triumph 400s started tempting me, the CB350RS entered my head again, and I also started worrying about my height. I’m 5’4” (163 cm), so I genuinely wasn’t sure what would suit me.

For months, I kept scrolling through OLX trying to find the perfect deal in all such bikes.

This was also when I started asking Reddit a lot of questions, about bikes, second-hand purchases, registration transfer, everything. During this time, I spoke to u/Dazzling-Inside4078 after reading his XSR review. And honestly, the conversations helped me massively. He basically told me that all the bikes on my list were good bikes, and that I’d enjoy whichever one I chose. He explained the differences properly, reassured me about my height, and most importantly, told me to stop overthinking spec sheets and just test ride the bikes as that's where I'll find out what suits me.

So I finally started test riding them. First was the Ronin, the most logical bike for me on paper. But the moment I sat on it, it felt weird. Despite it having a lower seat, it felt too wide, the bike felt bulkier than expected, and didn't feel right. I was able to ride it well, and I know that the GTT helped from not stalling, but just didn’t feel right for me.

Then came the Hunter. And wow. IT was my first time riding a 350cc, and I instantly connected with it. It felt powerful, and I didn't feel scared, but confident. I literally couldn’t stop smiling for two days after that test ride. The hunter was the best test-ride experience I've had till now. Ironically, it was the bike lowest on my list initially.  But after longer rides, I got used to the power and then it felt normal.

Then I rented the XSR for a day. IT was good too. Didn't have the Hunter experience, but it felt right, too. It was comfortable, gave me confidence, light, forgiving, sporty, and practical at the same time. and I knew it had power, just didn't test it out then.

With this, I realised it was between the Hunter and the XSR. Now, i need to purchase it. By God's grace, I found an XSR on OLX. The owner had added useful accessories, maintained it really well, and clearly knew what he was talking about. While researching further, I realised I had actually seen this exact bike on YouTube; the seller was a YouTuber. He initially quoted 1.80L, and after discussions, we settled at 1.70L. Considering a new one would’ve cost around 2.10L, I felt it was a pretty solid deal.

And with that, I finally got my bike. My Yamaha XSR 155. And honestly? It fits everything I originally wanted. It gives me decent mileage, manageable power, low maintenance, sporty character, and still has that neo-retro styling I wanted. The nostalgic Yamaha connection was there too. IT has decent looks, not as much as the Hunter though.

This bike made me realise I actually enjoy revving bikes hard. I love hearing the VVA kick in, and now I genuinely want to improve my riding skills properly and maybe even try track riding someday. To be a proper rider eventually.

Besides, I got it at a great price. And avoided the whole break-in period, allowing me to enjoy the bike well. It’s also been incredibly forgiving while I learn. Initially, I've stalled multiple times, scratched it here and there and was scared crossing certain speeds. But now I’m getting more confident. I’ve started learning rev-matching, engine braking, slow-speed control, and braking techniques properly.

The posture issues people mention were solved thanks to the handlebar riser already installed on the bike, and honestly, the suspension doesn’t bother me much since I,m young and most of my riding is in the city anyway. I still haven’t gone on a proper long ride yet because I want to first buy good riding gear and improve my skills a little more.

I’m just genuinely happy with this bike. It's my first and she is lovely. I do make a lot of mistakes, but she is forgiving and takes care of me. She feels right.

So Reddit, meet my Yamaha XSR 155, Atom!

Apologies for such a long post and thank you to all those people who have posted and answered a lot of my queries. I knew Reddit was the reason I was able to get a good user experience and solid advice.

Would love to hear your thoughts, riding tips, or suggestions!