The 125cc single-cylinder screamer with 15 PS and 11.5 Nm of torque is the common powertrain between Yamaha XSR125, R125 & MT125
Despite the advent of premium 125cc motorcycles in India, the segment hasn’t caught on like one would have liked. No matter what tech they come equipped with, the smaller displacement figure is what is off-putting for many. That said, smaller engines weigh less and are very lively on a racetrack.
For enthusiasts and novice racers, the 125cc motorcycle segment caters most of their needs. Hence sporty 125cc products exist. At Yamaha’s booth in Osaka International Motor Show, there were three 125cc motorcycles showcased. These are XSR125 Cafe Racer style motorcycle, YZF-R125 and MT-125.
2023 Yamaha XSR125 Showcased – New features
We have similar styled products as YZF-R125 and MT-125 vehicles in the form of YZF-R15 V4 and MT-15 respectively. Hence, the XSR125 comes off as the most interesting product among this trio. Underneath its new Cafe Racer styled bodywork, it appears to be underpinned by the same frame as that of MT-125. Albeit, with a different subframe.
We have a fairly handsome cowl around its headlight which neatly flows into its handlebars. There are minimal body panels below a teardrop-shaped old-school fuel tank. It is less aggressive than R125 and MT-125 and gets scrambler-ish appeal. This is reflected in matte-black chunky exhaust can with a perforated heat guard.
There is a stitched single-seat, an underbelly bash plate, and block pattern tyres that round off its scrambler appeal. Headlight and tail lights are round, giving it a neo-retro vibe. It gets USD front forks finished in Black, while a mono-shock unit suspends rear.
2023 Yamaha YZF-R125, MT-125 Get exciting new updates
Where design is concerned, 2023 Yamaha R125 and MT125 are similar to the R15 and MT15 that are on sale in India. Pound-to-pound, these are identical to their 150cc counterparts, except for their powertrains. They get the same frame, body panels, and everything. In India, Yamaha only offered USD front forks with MT-15 with Ver 2.0 and with R15, on V4.
Both YZF-R125 and MT-125 showcased at Yamaha’s pavilion at Osaka Motor Show, get USD front forks finished in gold, unlike XSR125. Also special to these is an aftermarket full-system Akrapovic exhaust system, which is not offered in India even as an option. These particular motorcycles were also showcased with adjustable clutch and brake levers too.
The Osaka Auto Messe is an annual automotive show since 1997, held at Intex Osaka in Osaka, Japan. All three Yamaha motorcycles are powered by the same 125cc single-cylinder engine with a 4V head that kicks out 15 PS of power and 11.5 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. They are donning a steel delta box suspended by 41mm USD front forks and a rear mono-shock. At the rear, we get a 140-section fat tyre as well.
In India, the sporty and premium 125cc segment is not very hot. In fact, this segment currently favours budget commuter motorcycles with a ton of features, perfectly represented by something like TVS Raider 125. Yamaha is not likely to launch any of these in India and the only sporty 125cc offerings are RC125 and 125 Duke from KTM.
