Road test of YamahaXSR 125 2024 A pocket roadster with big dreams?
Our tester's opinion on the XSR 125 from 2024
With its neo-retro styling and elegant lines, the Yamaha XSR 125 is a motorcycle that leaves no one indifferent. But how does it perform on the road? After a test ride on a variety of roads, from Rennes to Sarzeau, via La Gacilly and Rochefort-en-Terre, and spared from the rain forecast for that day, here are my impressions.
Simplicity for pleasure?
Right from the outset, the XSR 125's light weight - 140 kg on the scales - is evident. This gives it appreciable agility, especially in tight bends and on small country roads, making it an excellent tourer. For a small rider (1.70 m and 68 kg in my case), the riding position is comfortable, keeping the back almost straight, so I felt at ease without any constraints.
It has to be said that for larger riders, the Yamaha XSR 125 could present a few challenges in terms of comfort and riding position, although this doesn't seem to apply to everyone. The posture would seem less natural and a little more tiring for taller riders or those with a more imposing build.
For beginners and more experienced riders alike, the XSR 125 looks like a good toy, offering intuitive handling... Although, as an inexperienced rider, I have to admit that I didn't try to push the bike to its limits, and the famous fear stripe on the tires is still clearly visible! But that's also where the charm of this bike lies: it invites you to go for a ride, rather than for extreme performance.
The XSR 125's neo-retro credentials
The aesthetics of the XSR 125 are successful, with a neo-retro look that will appeal to those who attach importance to design. Despite this, some might criticize it for looking a little "junk", but we'll get to that later. LED lights add a modern touch to this vintage ensemble. On the downside, the speedometer is dark and reflections in bright sunlight sometimes make it illegible. It's not impossible that it has several backlight modes, but I haven't had the chance to try them out.
So, after a four-hour ride spaced by a lunch break, I can say that the saddle does the job perfectly.
The beating heart of the XSR 125
Beneath its retro looks, the XSR 125 hides a 15 hp engine, which is plenty for a 125cc. However, to get the most out of it, you need to rev it up, as it only really reveals its potential from 7,000 rpm upwards. The VVA (Variable Valve Actuation), which activates at 7,400 rpm, offers a (very) slight second wind, sufficient to maintain a cruising speed of around 105-110 km/h, no more. This is ideal for small roads, let's say. The bike quickly climbs to 90 km/h and starts to stall above 100 km/h, but that's no problem, as it's clearly not designed for high top speeds.
Oh yes, and you can feel the road... Vibrations are noticeable at high revs, especially in the footwell, but nothing too disturbing. This doesn't prevent you from keeping a good feeling, even (especially!) in curves.
The ideal companion for exploring.
alongside the Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid...
So, there you have it: the XSR 125 offers good looks and a certain class, true to Yamaha's image. However, the finish leaves something to be desired, with elements such as exposed cables spoiling the overall impression. At €5,000, the XSR 125 is positioned at the top end of the 125cc range, a price partly justified by Yamaha's reliability, but nonetheless high - too high. Especially when compared with other models such as the MT 125, which doesn't differ greatly in terms of performance.
In town and on small roads, the XSR 125 is particularly at ease. Thanks to its lightness and agility, it weaves its way through city traffic with ease, while offering a definite pleasure to ride on country roads.
In short, the Yamaha XSR 125 is an excellent choice for young adults or those taking their 125 license. For a tester accustomed to big cubes, this bike won't disappoint either. It's not just a 125, but an invitation to ride, a good toy that combines style, riding pleasure and reliability. Nevertheless, its high price and certain shortcomings in terms of comfort and finish could hold some back. These aspects have not prevented the XSR 125 from quickly becoming one of the best-selling 125s, and for good reason: it has a lot to offer.
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I got it back yesterday, after 100 km
Accustomed to my unbridled DTR, I was a little worried about performance, but in the end I wasn't. The engine is very elastic and willing
The engine is very elastic and willing, with torque at all revs
The controls are smooth and it's a pleasure to ride it through one corner after another
The build quality is beyond reproach, and the riding position is very pleasant despite my 1.87m height, and with my wife behind me (1.70m) we're both very comfortable.
The only complaints are that the rear shock absorber is very (too) firm, and the speedometer lighting is weak, even at maximum
Ideal bike for beginners or experienced riders like me who don't want to take their driving test
and what a face ;) Rating : 5/5 Respond to Gil
In 2021, how can anyone come up with such colors when you see Asian models that are too classy and what's being done elsewhere
Huge disappointment: this is my first bike and the gray leather seat was a dream ... 0 for this choice! Rating : 5/5 Respond to Virg
I would have loved to find a gray one with a brown seat... then once in the dealership with the yellow one in front of me: it's just as beautiful. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Pek