Yamaha XSR125 has been unveiled for Europe, and although an India launch is unlikely, we believe that the manufacturer should consider it
Yamaha has revealed the XSR125 for the European marketplace, as a competitor to Honda CB125R, FB Mondial HPS 125, etc. Although the motorcycle is unlikely to launch in India, we believe it should. If it were to launch here, Yamaha XSR125 will likely have an extremely high price tag, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be successful in our market.
The market for small capacity motorcycles does exist in India, as proven by KTM 125 Duke and RC125. Also, Bajaj recently launched the Pulsar NS125 in our market, which is not as expensive as the KTM 125cc offerings, but it still is another entry into the premium small-capacity bike segment.
With a peak power and torque of 15 PS and 11.5 Nm, respectively, the XSR125 has slightly more power than the KTM 125 Duke, but with slightly less torque. The baby KTM streetfighter is priced at Rs. 1.62 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), and the little Yamaha would have a similar or higher price tag if it were to launch in India.
With its retro-inspired styling, the XSR125 would have a small advantage over the Duke. The demand for retro-themed motorcycles has always been strong in India. Royal Enfield has enjoyed the most success in this space, with Honda, Benelli, and Classic Legends competing to capture a chunk of that market.
Yamaha XSR125 would be the smallest contender in this market space, and it will be one of the most affordable models as well. That said, we have already confirmed that the Japanese manufacturer will be launching the FZ-X in India very soon, which will be based on the FZ Fi. The upcoming FZ-X will be powered by a 149cc engine, with 12.4 PS and 13.8 Nm on tap.
The FZ-X is expected to have a price tag of around Rs. 1.2 lakh (ex-showroom), which will undoubtedly make it the most affordable retro-inspired street bike in the Indian market. The XSR125 will be more expensive in comparison, but its high-revving, liquid-cooled engine will offer more performance as well. For thrill-seekers, the XSR would thus be a better choice than the FZ-X, which would be a more docile option, if the former ever comes to India.
