The XSR125, developed under the concept of "Arouse One's Freedom," was released in Japan in December 2023. The engine and main frame are shared with the supersport YZF-R125 and the sports naked MT-125. However, the body is designed with a neo-retro style that is characteristic of the XSR series.
Article: Hiroyasu Ogawa Photo: Yuko Koizumi
With its retro style and sporty ride, the XSR125 is packed with the XSR spirit!
The intake camshaft is equipped with a variable valve (Variable Valve Actuation) that switches from low to medium-high speed at 7000-7400 rpm, and the water-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve single-cylinder engine is mounted in a delta box frame that balances rigidity and lightness. This engine and frame are shared with the YZF-R125 and MT-125, but the XSR125 adopts a neo-retro design that is typical of the XSR series, with round headlights, taillights, and meters, and round hollowing out of the molding side covers and muffler protector. At the same time, it is equipped with the latest mechanisms such as front and rear ABS, inverted front forks, and assist & slipper clutch.
The combination of the up-handlebar and tuck roll seat realizes a riding position with a high degree of freedom, and the vehicle weight is 137 kg, the lightest of the three models, the YZF-R125 and the MT-125. It is a lightweight and easy-to-handle body.
The lights and meters are separate from the body, making it easy to customize. In fact, the XSR125 is also popular as a base for customization, with many parts manufacturers, including Y's Gear, releasing a variety of custom parts.
It inherits the neo-retro design common to the XSR series, such as round headlamps and round hollowing out. In addition to the Dull Blue Solid B shown in the image, there are four colors in total: Vivid Yellowish Red Metallic 3, White Metallic B, and Black Metallic 12.
The round headlights, which emphasize the XSR series character, are LED, while the front and rear turn signals are bulbs.
The round tail lamps and brake lamps, which give off an XSR vibe, are also LED. They are small but highly visible.
A round LCD meter that displays speed, engine rpm, gear position, fuel gauge, etc.
The up handlebar has a grip section pulled slightly forward, allowing for greater flexibility.
The tuck-roll seat has plenty of room in both front and rear, allowing for a flexible position.
The fuel tank is shaped to provide an easy knee grip and has a capacity of 10L.
Check out the footing of XSR125
The rider is 172 cm tall, and the seat height is 810 mm, with the rider's feet firmly planted. The rider is in a relaxed position with his upper body upright, but in actual riding, he is leaning forward a little.
The seat height is the same as the MT-125, but the suspension sinks in a little more, so the soles of both feet can be firmly planted on the ground. The handlebar width also feels a little wider than the MT-125.
The rider is 156cm tall and stands on her toes. "You end up leaning forward more than you'd expect, but it's a comfortable riding position because it's easy to put weight on the front."
Although you have to stand on one foot, "there is more freedom in position than with the YZF-R125 or MT-125, and it's easier to handle. The motorcycle is also light, so I have no worries about being able to reach the ground with my feet."
The style is retro, but the equipment and riding are modern.
The XSR125 is equipped with a lightweight, compact, and easy-to-handle body and a smooth engine even at high revolutions. It has precise handling and high sports performance.
The XSR125 has a neo-retro design with a simple round meter and a round headlight typical of the XSR series. The body has a nostalgic and cute feel, but the engine equipped with a variable valve mechanism (VVA) complies with the latest exhaust noise regulations and also provides acceleration that can lead the flow of traffic.
The assist and slipper clutch allows for light clutch lever operation, and the torque starts up from around 3000 rpm, making it a ride that is less likely to cause operational mistakes when starting. In addition, thanks to the light body of 137 kg, it also provides sharp acceleration from 4000 rpm. The ride is agile even at low revolutions where the VVA does not activate, and if you rev it up to 5000 rpm, you won't feel any stress when riding on fast-moving main roads. In fact, in urban areas, there were almost no opportunities to rev it up to 7000-7400 rpm.
The front and rear brakes are easy to control, and the stopping power is satisfactory. I tried to lock the rear brake, but the ABS intervention was slow and not abrupt, which left a good impression. The front and rear suspensions have a comfortable ride with a clear stroke, but on rough roads, I sometimes felt a shock in my hands. Also, the round meter is arranged so that the necessary information is easy to see, but it can be a little difficult to see due to backlighting. That said, the XSR125's engine is easy to handle even at low revolutions, and the body is lightweight and easy to handle, making it a modern machine that stands out from the 4-stroke 125s that were once said to be "not fast."
It has good throttle response and tenacious torque throughout the entire range. Combines practicality and sportiness. Under guards are standard equipment.
The front disc is smaller in diameter (φ267mm) than the other two models, but provides sufficient braking power.
The front and rear tires are IRC TRAIL WINNER GP-211. No traction control is equipped.
The ride is sporty. Versatile!
The YZF-R125 has separate handlebars, the MT-125 has bar handlebars, and the XSR125 has up-type handlebars. Each has a different style, but the XSR125, which combines a retro style with up-handlebars, personally thought that it would have an upright riding position like a scrambler. If you sit upright, you can take such a relaxed riding form, but when you decide your seating position according to the handlebar grip position, you end up leaning forward more than expected. However, it is not as forward leaning as the YZF-R125, and it doesn't feel as tight as the MT-125, and it is a forward leaning position that allows you to naturally put weight on the front.
This forward leaning position makes it easy to see the grip of the front wheel and makes it easy to handle accurately. The clutch lever is light to operate, the throttle response is quick, and the torque is sticky across the entire range, so the XSR125 has a light ride feel and you can enjoy machine control as you wish. And yet, if you sit upright, you can ride in a relaxed manner. Its versatility, allowing you to enjoy both relaxed cruising and exhilarating sports riding, makes it one of the top models in the 50cc class. As you'd expect from the XSR series, it can be enjoyed in a wide range of ways, but I think the ease of use that makes it suitable for any rider is something that only the XSR125 can offer.
The φ37mm inner tube inverted fork is set up to give you a good sense of contact with the ground.
The link-type Monocross suspension felt a little stiff considering tandem riding.
2024 Yamaha XSR125 Main Specifications
Overall Length x Width x Height: 2030 x 805 x 1075 mm
Wheelbase: 1325mm
Dry Weight: 137kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve single cylinder 124cc
Maximum output: 15 PS/10000rpm
Max. Torque: 1.2kgf-m/8000rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10L
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tire: F=110/70-17, R=140/70-17
Price: $3406.04
