The Yamaha XSR family consists of retro looking motorcycles based on modern platforms. Current models available overseas include the XSR900, XSR 700, XSR 155 and now, the XSR 125.
-
Based on Yamaha MT-125 and R125 platform
-
Launched in Europe
-
Could compete with the KTM Duke 125 in India
Yamaha XSR 125 design
The Yamaha XSR 125 is the Japanese company’s latest 125cc motorcycle for European markets. This bike is based on the same platform as the R125 and MT-125 and it carries a similar design philosophy to its bigger siblings. This includes circular LED head and tail lamps, a rounded fuel tank and a thin and long seat unit.
Touches like aluminium brackets and a tuck and rolled seat cushion add to the premium feel. The bike also gets a circular LCD instrument console. Further interesting details are visible in the block pattern tyres and the exhaust heat shield with numerous circular holes.
Yamaha XSR 125 chassis
Underneath the retro skin is a chassis that’s very similar to the one on the R125, but with changes to make for a more relaxed steering geometry. That means the bike gets Yamaha’s ‘Deltabox’ frame with two spars that run from the steering head all the way down the swingarm pivot point. The aluminium swingarm appears similar as well, and the XSR gets a 37mm USD fork, whereas the R125 gets a 41mm USD fork. Kerb weight stands at 140kg.
Yamaha XSR 125 engine
The XSR 125 runs a liquid cooled, four-valve 124cc single cylinder engine that is pretty much identical to the one in the Yamaha R125. It produces 15hp at 10,000rpm and 11.5Nm of torque at 8,000rpm. The bike gets a six-speed gearbox.
Yamaha XSR India launch
Enthusiasts in India have long been calling for the Yamaha XSR 155 which is sold in Asian markets. However, Yamaha India appears to have different plans and has developed a new retro-modern bike for sale in our market instead. This bike will be called the Yamaha FZ-X and it's based on the FZ FI platform. While the FZ-X is expected to launch quite soon, we believe there is still space for a product like the XSR 155, and even the XSR 125 in our market.
If Yamaha decides to manufacture the XSR 125 in India, they could price it lower than the KTM 125 Duke - a bike that has proved to be quite successful and is the second best seller in the KTM lineup. However, as of now, there are no signs that Yamaha intends to bring the XSR 125 or the XSR 155 to India.
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
Dinshaw Magol
