The XSR series was launched by Yamaha in 2016 as the first neo-classic model. Many riders have been attracted by its unique style that combines retro and sporty features, but only the larger XSR 700 and 900 classes are officially sold in Japan. Many riders with regular or small driver's licenses must have shed tears of frustration.
Overseas, however, the light class "XSR125" has been on sale since 2021. While it is a 125cc model, the equivalent of a moped in Japan, its styling is the same as the large XSR series, making it a coveted model for riders with regular driver's licenses. The XSR125 is expected to go on sale in Japan in 2023!
The neo-classic 125 option
The 125cc class is popular for its high economic efficiency and unbeatable mobility, but as of 2022, Yamaha has not launched any 125cc models other than scooter-type models in Japan. However, the great demand for models with transmissions is evident in the huge popularity of the Honda Hunter Cub.
Honda has followed up its Cub with the DAX125, steadily capturing the market for this class. Of course, manufacturers other than Honda have not remained silent, and Suzuki has a full-cowl sport model, the GSX-R125, in its lineup. In such a situation, there was no way that Yamaha would not make inroads into this market!
What we expect Yamaha to introduce is the European model XSR125. The XSR125 is an attractive model with an extremely high degree of perfection that retains the styling of the XSR series, without any of the cheapness often associated with small-displacement models, and has a presence that is appropriate for punching into the 125cc class in Japan as a pure neo-classic. It will be a new choice for users.
The XSR125 was introduced in 2021 for the European market, featuring the classic styling common to the XSR series and a 124cc liquid-cooled OHC single-cylinder engine that delivers 11kW (15PS)/10,000rpm.
With its inverted forks and 6-speed transmission, this model was designed to be enjoyable to operate despite its small displacement. Photo shows the XSR125 Legacy with even more classic graphics and spoked wheels for 2022.
In Europe, the "A1" license category, which corresponds to the Japanese small motorcycle license, is also in place, and for this reason, demand for 125cc models is high. In Japan, many riders use 125cc models for commuting to work and school, and their position is similar in Europe. The catchphrase for the XSR125 at the time of its launch was "modern commuter," a concept that encourages riders to enjoy their daily commute in a stylish and sporty way.
Excellent sense of ownership with quality that exceeds the displacement.
The first thing that catches the eye is the design that follows the upper models in the XSR series. The straight tank, short seat, short silencer, and other parts recreate a stylish and distinctive silhouette. However, it is the quality of the detailed workmanship that is noteworthy. The seat has a tuck-roll style stitching line, and the twin-spar frame, which is hard to believe for a 125cc bike, is very racy. ABS is standard on the front and rear brakes, and the circular LCD meter has a blacked-out negative LCD display with a simple tachometer, fuel gauge, and indicators. Furthermore, the headlight and taillight are LED, and the front fork is inverted. It is filled with a sense of luxury with no corners cut.
It is not just a retro design, but a massively balanced, cohesive, and simple design that is very typical of the XSR series. The coloring was monochromatic and vivid in Europe, but for the legacy models, graphics inspired by heritage Yamaha models have been added.
The seats are stitched in a tuck-roll style. This differs from the upper XSR series, but the classic look does not ruin the style. It appears somewhat thin, but I am curious to see how comfortable it actually is.
The frame is a twin-spar delta box frame like the replica model. The material is steel. Will it be more rigid than its class as well as its style?
The gauges are negative-type LCDs with black backgrounds. The tachometer, fuel gauge, and various indicator lights are all grouped together in a design that does not destroy the clean atmosphere. It also fits well with the small, round headlights.
Both headlights and taillights are LED. This means that there is no sense of cheapness at all. The only regrettable point is that only the blinkers use common bulbs, but it is safe to assume that there is room for customization.
An inverted front fork is used. While this has become a common feature on high-level sports machines in recent years, the concept of not cutting corners even on a 125cc commuter is evident.
The engine is a simple liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 124cc engine that delivers 11 kW (15 PS) at 10,000 rpm. This output is the maximum that can be driven with an "A1" license, which is equivalent to a small motorcycle license in Europe. Its components are identical to those of the "YZF-R125" and "MT-125," both of which are sold overseas, as is the XSR125. It is powerful from top to bottom with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation), providing stable power output over a wide range of rpm from acceleration to cruising. In addition, the main concern for foreign models sold in Japan is the barrier posed by each country's own emission regulations, but the XSR125 meets the EURO-5 standard, which is almost equivalent to Japan's latest 2040 emission regulations. In other words, there are no particular problems in importing and selling the XSR125 in Japan, and its release in Japan is very feasible.
Liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 124cc engine. Output is 11 kW (15 PS)/10,000 rpm, which is equivalent to the current Suzuki GSX-R125 sports model, so power should not be a problem. The "VVA" adopted in the engine controls the optimum valve timing in various rpm ranges. This mechanism switches the cam, which determines the opening of the valves, to the optimum one depending on the rpm.
The silencer is a short style, and the driving video released by EU Yamaha shows a quiet but crisp exhaust.
You coming?! Time to choose a Yamaha 125!
The XSR125 has such attractive specifications and quality, but considering its launch in Japan, its possible rivals are the YZF-R125 and MT-125, which are also being marketed overseas. While both models are the youngest siblings of the YZF and MT series in Japan, they are full-cowl sports bikes that can be driven with a small motorcycle license, and the street-fighter category, like the neo-classics, does not exist in the current 125cc class. The basic engine components are the same as those of the XSR125, so it naturally meets emission regulations. There are no hurdles to Japan sales.
Whichever one comes, domestic users will be happy, but there is also no possibility that they will appear at the same time. If that were to happen, Yamaha would have an unlimited selection of attractive models to choose from, given the current situation of zero 125 manual transmissions. Keep your eyes peeled for Yamaha's move in 2023!
The YZF-R125 was released in 2008 but has yet to be sold in Japan. Equipped with aluminum swing arms and Brembo calipers, it became a hot topic as a full-spec sports machine. The Suzuki GSX-R125 is the only full-cowl sports machine currently available in the Japanese market, but if it were to become available in Japan, it would be a strong competitor.
