Yamaha XSR125 Legacy 2022 — Specifications

Do you want to ride with a style that isn’t from yesterday, but you are limited by an A1 license or a tight budget? The neo-retro 125 cm3 scene is a bit monotonous, often stuck between clones of café racers or scramblers that are a bit too playful. Yamaha, with its XSR family, has always known how to put its stamp on it, and this new XSR125 Legacy proves that you can still add a touch of originality without touching the mechanics.

The base is well known: this 124.7 cm3 single-cylinder engine, which is a benchmark in the category, notably thanks to its VVA variable valve timing. We find here the regulated 15 horsepower, which will carry you up to an honorable 110 km/h, but it is above all its torque of 11.5 Nm, more present in the mid-range, that gives a small advantage in urban agility compared to competitors like the Honda CB125R or the Suzuki GSX-S125. The Deltabox steel frame, the 37 mm inverted fork, and the dual-disc braking are technical arguments that place this machine a notch above a simple fashion accessory.

But the Legacy, precisely, plays almost exclusively on the aesthetic register. Its historic black, embellished with silver and gold accents on the tank, is understated and effective. The real stroke of genius – or marketing – comes from the gold-colored spoked rims. It’s a detail that changes the whole attitude, immediately evoking the trial bikes of the 70s or certain special finishes like the Kawasaki W800 SE. Paired with the Metzeler Karoo tires with a vaguely off-road tread pattern, they give this XSR125 the look of an elegant scrambler, ready to leave the tarmac for a gravel path without pretending to be a true adventure machine.

Is it justified to pay 5399 euros, or about 700 euros more than the standard version, for these rims and this color scheme? For the purist of looks, probably. This makes the Legacy the most distinguished neo-retro 125 on the market, a machine that clearly targets the aspiring motorcyclist who is concerned about their image as much as their mount. On the other hand, the weight of 140 kg fully fueled and the 815 mm seat remain the same, which makes it accessible without being excessively light.

Ultimately, the Yamaha XSR125 Legacy does not revolutionize performance, but it brilliantly answers the question: how to stand out in a very standardized segment? It offers a unique style, solid construction, and this Yamaha engine that remains a strong point. If you are looking for a 125 cm3 with a defined character and the power of the Yamaha XSR125 Legacy is not a constraint for your needs, this special version is worth a look. It is made for those who want to start riding with a story already written on the sides of their tank.