Lexmoto LXS 125 vs Yamaha YZF-R15 V3: Image Comparison

India’s best entry-level sportbike takes on UK’s highest selling 125cc 

Over the past couple of years, manufacturers have been beefing up their small-capacity entry-level offerings to target a broader audience. After all, new riders equal more money. The YZF R15 V3 has been the pinnacle of success for Yamaha here in India. In the UK, though, the LXS 125 seems to be doing wonders for Lexmoto. But how do these bikes compare against one another?

The styling of the LXS 125 is just as aggressive as the R15 V3. However, overall, the bike feels a little bulkier than the Yammie. 

Both bikes feature a split-LED headlight and an LED tail light.

The R15’s feature list includes an all-digital instrument console with readouts like real-time and average fuel efficiency, service indicator, distance-to-empty gauge, gear indicator, a clock, and a shift indicator. The newest update brought with it a side-stand engine cut-off switch. 

The LXS 125, too, gets a full-digital console, although a pretty basic one. 

That said, it is the only 125cc motorcycle that features an underseat exhaust. The R15 gets a side-mounted unit.

In terms of performance, the LX 125 packs a Euro-5 compliant liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor that can generate 14PS of peak power at 8,750rpm. The larger 155cc engine on the R15 puts out 18.6PS at 10,000rpm and 14.1Nm at 8500rpm. Plus, it benefits from Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), which offers better bottom-end grunt and top-end performance. 

Both bikes get a 6-speed transmission, but the R15 benefits from a slip and assist clutch.

The duo shares similar hardware -- a telescopic fork, monoshock, a cast swingarm, and some grippy tyres. The LXS 125’s braking setup helps it stand apart. However, we think it might be overkill. It gets two disc brakes up front and a single rear disc. The R15, on the other hand, uses a single disc at both ends, paired with dual-channel ABS. 

Despite being billed as an entry-level sportbike, the riding posture on the LXS 125 seems pretty comfortable with raised clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs. The R15 is a lot more aggressive, thanks to its handlebars which are set a lot lower. 

With a seat height of 790mm, the LXS 125 is fairly accessible too. At 815mm, the seat on the R15 is more suitable for slightly taller riders.

Finally, at Rs 1,53,200, the R15 V3 is a lot more affordable than the Lexmoto LXS 125, which retails at £2,499.99 (Rs 2.62 lakh). While the LXS comes in two colours (Matt Grey/Fluro Yellow and Black/Blue), the R15 gets four (red, blue, grey, and black).