Yamaha XSR 250 Spied, Based On Yamaha FZ25

The bike was spotted testing close to the Yamaha factory in NCR

• Features an oil cooler, just like the Yamaha FZ25.
• Underpinnings look similar to the quarter-litre streetfighter.
• Fuel tank too looks quite like the Yamaha XSR 155.
• Expect Yamaha to launch the motorcycle by late-2021.

Yamaha seems to have something quite interesting brewing in its backyard. A retro motorcycle based on the Yamaha FZ25 was recently spotted on the Yamuna Expressway in the National Capital Region. It could be called the Yamaha XSR 250 as its fuel tank is distinctly similar to that of the Yamaha XSR 155. The test mule was also sporting fork gaiters.

That being said, the rest of the motorcycle looks rather different. Its upright ergonomics with easy-to-reach handlebars, thick single-piece seat, and mid-set footpegs almost make it look a bit commuter-like. While the headlamp is heavily shrouded, it is likely to be an all-LED unit. The LED tail lamp and the boxy pillion grab rail are reminiscent of its primary rival, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250. The instrument cluster looks like a full-LCD unit.

A closer look at the powertrain reveals the fins, indicating that it could be the same 249cc air-cooled engine that does duty on the Yamaha FZ25. You can also see the fat shrouds protecting the small radiator for the oil, just below the fuel tank. But unlike the stubby exhaust in the FZ25, this motorcycle gets a slightly longer, upswept unit. If we’re lucky, Yamaha could tune the 20.8PS/20.1Nm 5-speed powertrain differently to suit this motorcycle’s character. 

The underpinnings seem to be the same as the existing quarter-litre naked, including the front telescopic fork, rear monoshock, alloy wheels, 282mm front, and 220mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. For a more rugged look, the bike also gets an engine cowl.

Instead of offering a retro bike in the 150cc segment, it looks like Yamaha is going a step ahead and exploring the fast-developing 250cc space. Yamaha seems to have taken a smart decision by basing it on the already-existing FZ25 so it can save up quite a bit in terms of costs. That said, it will still command a premium over the Yamaha FZ-S 25’s Rs 1.58 lakh price tag (ex-showroom Delhi). 

• EXCLUSIVE: Yamaha R15 Red Colour Launch Soon
• Yamaha FZ 25 BS6: Road Test Review
• Yezdi Roadking To Return In A Scrambler Avatar

Yamaha could price this motorcycle at around Rs 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a worthy Japanese alternative to the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 and Bajaj Dominar 250. In terms of pricing, it will also go up against classic bikes such as the Jawa Forty Two, Royal Enfield Classic 350, and the upcoming Yezdi Roadking Scrambler. Expect Yamaha to launch the bike around late-2021. By then, we reckon Royal Enfield would’ve already launched the next-generation Royal Enfield Classic 350. Even the Yezdi Roadking Scrambler is likely to be launched by then.

Source