Yamaha India’s Nov 11 Launch: XSR 155 Neo-Retro Bike or First Electric Scooter?

yamaha electric scooter based on river indie

Yamaha Motor India has officially set the stage for a significant product debut, scheduling the unveiling of a new two-wheeler for November 11, 2025. The company has begun circulating “Block Your Date” invitations to the media, creating a buzz of anticipation while carefully keeping the specific model’s name under wraps.

Industry observers are primarily pointing towards two strong possibilities for this launch, each representing a strategic move for the brand in the competitive Indian market.

The Case for the Yamaha XSR 155

The most compelling evidence points to the introduction of the XSR 155, a motorcycle that has long been anticipated by enthusiasts. This speculation gained significant traction just last week when a heavily camouflaged test mule of the bike was spotted on Indian roads. The tell-tale red registration plate confirmed it was a production-ready model undergoing final evaluations.

The XSR 155 is built on Yamaha’s modern retro philosophy, blending classic styling with contemporary performance. Spy shots reveal signature elements like a circular LED headlamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and a muscular exhaust. It sits on the same proven platform as the sporty Yamaha R15 V4, which suggests it will share its advanced chassis and suspension components, including upside-down front forks. Power is expected to come from Yamaha’s reliable 155cc, liquid-cooled engine, known for producing around 18 bhp and 14 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox.

A Potential Electric Surprise

While the XSR 155 seems like a front-runner, Yamaha’s November surprise could also be its first electric scooter for the Indian market. The company has a collaboration with the electric vehicle startup River Mobility, and previous announcements indicated a launch target by the end of 2025, making the November date a perfect fit.

Codenamed YME RY01, this scooter has been spotted testing in Bengaluru and is known to be based on River’s Indie model. However, Yamaha’s version is expected to have its own distinct identity in terms of design and bodywork. While it may share some components like the 14-inch wheels and battery pack, Yamaha is likely to engineer a more conventional and potentially lighter scooter compared to the bulky “SUV of scooters” Indie. A 4 kWh battery pack could offer a practical range of over 100 kilometers on a single charge.

The November 11 launch will ultimately reveal which direction Yamaha is taking. Whether it’s the neo-retro charm of the XSR 155 or the eco-friendly innovation of an electric scooter, the new model is poised to make a significant impact on India’s two-wheeler landscape.

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