Yamaha XSR125: Young Love on Two Wheels

There are motorcycles you ride, and then there are motorcycles you feel something for. In the heart of the Leh-Ladakh range, where the road feels like it was carved by the gods, and the wind whispers stories of centuries past, my daughter Klara found that something. And it wasn’t in a powerhouse sportbike or an adventure giant. It was in a 125cc neo-retro dream with golden rims and Yamaha-blue paintwork.

The Yamaha XSR125 isn’t just a starter motorcycle, it’s a starter love. And as we rode through the bare, lunar beauty of the Ladakh highlands, it was clear that this wasn’t just her first ride. It was a story beginning. This is her machine. And frankly? I get it.

Golden rims and then this blue!

Golden wheels shimmer under the Himalayan sun, as if Yamaha designed the XSR125 specifically for Ladakh’s surreal light. The color, deep, vivid Yamaha blue, is bold without being flashy. It’s the kind of blue that feels rooted in the past but ready for the future. That perfect retro-modern balance.

Klara was hooked the moment she saw it online. “Golden rims? I’m going crazy,” she exclaimed, eyes locked onto the screen. Out in the wild, those same rims roll confidently over gravel-strewn trails and narrow mountain passes, catching glints of light like jewelry in motion.

From afar, the bike looks almost too elegant to be practical. Up close, it holds its own with sharp lines, a sculpted tank, and that old-school round headlamp, all elements that lend it an almost custom-built appeal. “It looks like something from a movie,” Klara whispered as we geared up in Leh. And when you’re seventeen and riding your first motorcycle in the Himalayas, that’s exactly what you want to feel like: the main character.

“According to the speedometer, 130 top speed”

Let’s be honest, on paper, 15 horsepower doesn’t sound like much. But the XSR125 makes every one of those ponies count. The liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine revs enthusiastically to its 10,000 rpm redline, and there’s a lightness to the bike that makes it feel more responsive than you’d expect.

Officially, Yamaha pegs the top speed at 116 km/h. Unofficially, Klara swears it hits 130 km/h “according to the speedo,” and she looked me dead in the eye when she said it. “Don’t tell Mom.”

We tested this claim on the straight between Upshi and Karu, a rare patch of good tarmac in this high-altitude region. Tucked behind the minimal wind protection, she coaxed the XSR into its upper range. Was it 130? Probably not. Was it enough to make her heart race and her smile widen? Absolutely.

Compared to her training bike,the more sluggish Brixton Cromwell, the XSR125 felt like a rocket. And yet, it’s completely controllable. Predictable. Friendly. You can wring its neck and never feel like you’re in over your head. A perfect platform for a beginner, with just enough thrill to keep even seasoned riders grinning.

Many kilometers on one tank of fuel

We learned quickly that the XSR125 doesn’t just sip fuel,it nibbles it.

With a 10-liter tank and official fuel consumption of just 2.1 liters per 100 km, the little Yamaha theoretically offers close to 500 kilometers of range. Even with Klara’s spirited throttle use,often outpacing other schoolmates at traffic lights, she averaged around 2.7 liters per 100 km. That’s still a solid 370+ kilometers between fuel stops, and in a region like Ladakh where fuel stations are rare, this is a serious advantage.

During our ride from Leh to Pangong Tso and back, we didn’t even need to top up until returning. That’s the kind of real-world performance that builds trust between rider and machine. No range anxiety, no planning fuel stops like a chess game. Just ride.

The seat height, at 815 mm, was ideal for her 170 cm frame. Confidence at a stoplight is underrated, and with both feet easily touching down, Klara felt in control from day one. The XSR’s 140 kg weight (ready to ride) was manageable, even on gravel trails. No low-speed tip-overs. No panic on uneven surfaces. That’s a big deal when you’re still learning.

Shoes are important, golden rims too

Let’s talk wheels.

The 17-inch cast aluminum rims are finished in, you guessed it, gold. It might seem cosmetic, but style matters when you’re seventeen. Klara likened them to a good pair of sneakers: “You notice them first, and you remember them last.” Fair enough.

The tires (110/70 front, 140/70 rear) provided a good compromise between grip and comfort on mixed surfaces. During our ride to Khardung La, we hit wet patches, dust, and broken pavement, yet the XSR felt planted. Not adventure-bike stable, of course, but good enough to earn its keep on these unpredictable roads.

The single 267 mm front disc and 220 mm rear brake do a respectable job. The ABS is a bit late to intervene, but reliable once it does. And while the brake and clutch levers aren’t adjustable from the factory, aftermarket options are available (and Klara already has them bookmarked).

LED headlights and plenty of accessories

Yamaha didn’t skimp on the details. The round LED headlight, with its stylish DRL ring, punches well above its weight in both brightness and design. Riding through early morning fog above Nubra Valley, we had no complaints about visibility.

The LED tail light is another standout, a minimalistic, round unit that evokes old-school charm but feels entirely modern. It’s small touches like this that elevate the XSR125 from a typical beginner bike to a stylish companion you actually want to be seen on.

While the LCD instrument cluster isn’t TFT or app-connected, it’s clear and easy to read. Klara doesn’t mind. “I just need to know how fast I’m going and if I’m low on fuel,” she says. For those wanting more, Yamaha-compatible accessories include a tire pressure monitoring system, smaller LED indicators, a full Akrapovič system, and even full bodywork kits.

Luggage or passenger – both are not possible

Here’s the catch.

The XSR125 wasn’t designed for touring or two-up riding. There’s no luggage rack, not even as an accessory. Your best bet is a stylish rear seat bag, or Klara’s preferred solution: a rugged, old-school luggage roll. It fits the retro aesthetic and carries the essentials.

As for passengers, the small pillion seat and simple strap aren’t exactly inviting. “If I ever take someone, they’re wearing a big backpack,” Klara shrugs. She’s not wrong. Comfort-wise, it’s best for solo rides. But for the solo rider who doesn’t mind packing light, it’s just fine.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Details
Engine Type	124cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder
Power	15 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque	11.5 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
Top Speed	116 km/h (claimed), ~130 km/h (speedo)
Fuel Consumption	2.1 L/100 km (WMTC)
Fuel Tank Capacity	10 liters
Transmission	6-speed manual
Chassis	Bridge-type steel frame
Front Suspension	37 mm upside-down fork
Rear Suspension	Swingarm with mono-shock
Brakes (F/R)	267 mm disc / 220 mm disc, ABS
Wheels	17” cast aluminum
Tires (F/R)	110/70-17 / 140/70-17
Seat Height	815 mm
Weight	140 kg (ready to ride)
Lighting	Full LED (headlight, taillight)
Price (Germany)	From €5,399 incl. costs
Other Features	ABS, optional tire pressure system

Conclusion

The Yamaha XSR125 may not have the size or grunt of a big bike, but it has the one thing that matters most: character. It’s not just a motorcycle, it’s an invitation into the world of riding. A timeless design paired with modern engineering. A nimble, frugal machine that’s fun whether you’re dodging city traffic or carving through mountain passes.

For my daughter Klara, it’s not just her first bike. It’s her first love. And that’s something no spec sheet or dyno test can measure.

We all remember our first. For Klara, it will forever be a Yamaha-blue machine with golden rims, a Himalayan backdrop, and the open road calling her name.