There’s a fourth member of Yamaha’s neo-retro XSR family—the 2023 Yamaha XSR125 Legacy. It features the same motor as the MT-125 though there are chassis differences. So, it’s not simply a styling exercise. The XSR125 Legacy is its own motorcycle. Let’s take a closer look at the so-far Euro-only retro-modern Yamaha.
The VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) motor is restricted to 11 kW of power. The maximum power output helps make the 125 Euro 5 compliant and accessible to beginner motorcyclists with a limited license. The SOHC single produces its maximum of 14.8 horsepower at 10,000 rpm, so you can enjoy revving the little motor up as you flit around town.
We see the typical XSR styling cues, with wire-spoked wheels upping the ante. Yamaha steps a bit farther back in time by going with the traditional wheels. Also, compared to the MT, the front tire is lower profile, though they are 17-inch hoops at both ends.
The XSR125 gets scrambler-style Michelin Karoo Street tires. Even though it’s a street-only motorcycle, the Karoo Street tires with some off-road capability.
Yamaha sticks with modern-styled suspension. The 2023 Yamaha XSR125 Legacy gets an inverted fork—though smaller diameter than the similar for on the MT—and linkage single-shock. One old-school attribute of the suspension is its lack of damping adjustability. The frame is a modern twin-spar design.
We recognize the family resemblance to the larger XSRs. You get a stepped bench seat and a uniquely shaped fuel tank. Round is always big with XSR designers, and the 125 has a round headlight, taillight, and speedo. Although they’re round, the headlight and taillight are LEDs, and the speed is LCD. Don’t miss the triangular steel plates with three round holes below the seat—another XSR signature.
The XSR125 is part of the world of apps. You can check out accessories on the free MyGarage app, and keep track of your rides on the MyRide app. Both are available for iOS and Android operating systems.
Don’t miss the metal flake accent stickers on the tank. It’s back to the 1970s!
Yamaha has a lifestyle video for the XSR125 Legacy, if you like image over info.
We don’t have a price for the 2023 Yamaha XSR125 Legacy yet. We can tell you that they’ll start showing up on showroom floors in Europe in June. There’s only one color—Historic Black.
Location photography by Alessio Barbanti2023 Yamaha XSR125 Legacy SpecsENGINE
Engine: Single cylinder
Displacement: 125cc
Bore x stroke: 52.0 x 58.6mm
Maximum power: 14.8 horsepower @ 10,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 8.5 ft-lbs @ 8000 rpm Compression ratio: 11.2:1
Valvetrain: SOHC; 4 valves
Fuel delivery: EFI
Transmission: 6-speed
Clutch: Wet multiplate
Final drive: ChainCHASSIS
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable inverted 37mm forks; 5.1 inches
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This week, in the first segment Editor Don Williams talks to us about the new Kawasaki Versys 650 LT. It’s the middleweight ADV style machine that uses the same 650 parallel twin motor as the Ninja 650, so it’s an excellent performer in a user-friendly, good looking package.
In the second segment, I chat with one of my dearest industry friends—now retired Honda PR executive, Jon Seidel. Jon’s fascinating career spans some 30 years with Big Red, and gave him some great experiences with some incredible machines. I was fortunate enough to be invited on many of the press launches that he organized. His new project is documenting and saving many of the old archives from years gone by—and incidentally, if you have anything that may be of value to the project, please contact us by email at producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com and we’ll pass it all on to Jon.
So on that note, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!
