To bring some competition to Honda and their CB125R, Yamaha launched their all-new XSR125. Yamaha has perfected the art of building a brilliant new motorcycle frame and engine, then creating multiple spin-offs around it. Of course, I’m talking about the MT/FZ and XSR line of motorcycles that share almost everything besides the final stylings of the tank, bars, and wheels. Now the XSR125 appears alongside the MT-125 and R125 in a similar show of sibling strengths. Like its XSR700 twin cylinder and XSR900 triple brothers the single cylinder 125 version features a rounded tank, long flat seat and circular headlight to give it a bold and unique look that underlines its retro DNA while not straying too far from the family’s looks.

The new Yamaha XSR125 uses the same four-valve, liquid-cooled, Euro5-friendly engine as seen in the Yamaha’s sporty R125 and MT-125 roadster. The 15bhp motor uses Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system and produces plenty of torque at lower engine speeds together with decent performance (for a 125) at higher speeds. The chassis is very similar to the R125 andMT-125 frame, with a steel ‘diamond’ frame and aluminium swingarm, plus upside down forks. While the XSR’s wheelbase is a whole 5mm shorter than the MT’s, the 810mm seat height is identical. However, unlike the R125, the steering geometry is slightly relaxed and uses slimmer 37mm USD forks (R125 uses 41mm USD forks) and the motorcycle weighs in at just 140kgs or 308lbs. A single disc at each end deals with the braking, backed by dual-channel ABS. The XSR125 also has lightweight 10-spoke alloy wheels and chunky block-pattern tyres.

Two official accessory kits will also be available. The Race kit includes a headlight cover, front number board, and side number plates. While the Urban Kit features a flyscreen, aluminium engine side cover, and radiator side cover. No prices have yet been set for these kits, but if specced at the time of ordering, they can be fitted by the dealer before collection. While there is no indication of if Yamaha will be bringing the XSR125 to the USA, it will be hitting showroom floors this summer for £4450 or $6,200 USD. Which feels quite expensive for such a small motorcycle. While I’m a big proponent of new riders learning on a small motorcycle and wishing more motorcycle brands would bring these bikes into the market, I feel like 125cc might not be enough for anything more than leisure rides through the city. Don’t even think about jumping onto a highway.

With that being said, is this a great bike? Well, it’s a bit expensive for what you are getting in terms of performance but just because it’s a small horse-power machine and does not mean it’s going to take less parts to get you down the road. I will say, it’s a pretty good-looking little bike. I think the after-market community is going to have a field day with the proportion of this bike and I hope we see a street scrambler build sooner than later.

2021 Yamaha XSR125 Image Gallery

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