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Cute, but Unattainable (for Americans, anyway): New Yamaha XSR125 Legacy


advrider

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If you’re looking for a hip new learner-legal naked bike, Yamaha’s got your back … if you live in the EU or the UK. Yamaha just announced the new XSR125 Legacy model, but sadly, it seems North America will once again get the shaft, instead of getting this cool little machine.

Remember, we saw our first glance of the base-model XSR125 when Yamaha debuted it a year ago. Back then, we told you:

The XSR125 is based around a liquid-cooled four-valve single-cylinder engine, with Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). This variable valve timing system improves low-end tractability, while still allowing high-end revs. The engine is rated for 15 horsepower at the crank, at 10,000 rpm. Max torque output is 8.5 pound-feet at 8,000 rpm.

The Legacy model isn’t changed much, mechanically speaking. It’s still the same engine and frame (which Yamaha also uses in the MT125 naked bike and R125 sportbike). Instead of doing an expensive hot-rod job, Yamaha has decided to glam up the chassis with a retro makeover that brings it even closer to the old-school RD series and other classic small-displacement Yammies.

For instance: Check out those spoked 17-inch rims. The standard model comes with cast rims, but this bike gets a retro look with gold-painted wire wheels. Yamaha adds a set of Metzeler Karoo tires which are supposed to also give an old-school look.

YAMAHA-XSR125-LEGACY-1-750x500.jpeg

Photo: Yamaha

The XSR125 Legacy also comes with a vintage paint job with silver and gold trim that is supposed to make you happily remember the days of old, even if you weren’t actually born in those times. Add in an aluminum muffler cover (cheaper than an all-new exhaust system) and some other aluminum trim (and more available as options), and you’ve got Yamaha’s kinda-neo-retro styling taken to the max on the smallest machine in the XSR lineup.

YAMAHA-XSR125-LEGACY-2-750x422.jpeg

Photo: Yamaha

Pricing in the UK is £4,950, which works out to almost $6,500 USD and $8,100  CAD. Admittedly, the XSR125 Legacy would be a hard sell in North America at those prices, no matter how cool it looks. Nevertheless, it is somewhat disappointing to see these machines at the smallest end of the spectrum available elsewhere, but not here. KTM has paved the way with the Duke 200, Honda has followed with the Navi—why won’t Yamaha join in?

Vezi sursa

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