Yamaha XSR 250: What To Expect?

This will be Yamaha’s first proper retro-modern motorcycle for the Indian market

A new retro-modern motorcycle based on the Yamaha FZ25, likely to be called the Yamaha XSR 250, has been spied testing in the country for the first time. Looks like instead of offering the Yamaha XSR 155, the Japanese brand is going a step ahead and exploring the more lucrative 250cc segment with the XSR 250. From pricing to features, here’s what we can expect from this upcoming XSR:

Price and Launch Timeline

The Yamaha XSR 250 will certainly command a considerable premium over the Yamaha FZ-S 25. The latter retails at Rs 1,58,600 (ex-showroom Delhi), so expect the XSR 250 to cost around Rs 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom).

The test mule spotted didn’t look too far off from the production version, so we reckon Yamaha may launch the bike late this year, perhaps November. 

Powertrain Details

The air-cooled engine is clearly visible in the test mule. It will be the same 249cc unit with an oil cooler as the Yamaha FZ25. In the modern streetfighter, this motor churns out 20.8PS at 8000rpm and 20.1Nm at 6000rpm, paired to a 5-speed transmission. If we’re lucky, this engine will be tuned slightly differently to match the Yamaha XSR 250’s demeanour. Retro bikes are all about laidback riding, so the XSR 250’s engine may be tweaked to offer torque-biased performance, with a better low-end grunt. 

Shared Underpinnings

It is evident from the test bike that it will share its underpinnings with the Yamaha FZ25. So expect the upcoming motorcycle to be equipped with a telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock. That said, the front fork is gaitered for a more classic look. The gaiters will also prevent dust from entering the fork seals. Even the 17-inch alloy wheels appear to be similar and could be wrapped with the same 100-section front and 140-section rear tyres as the FZ25. The bike will use the same 282mm front and 220mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS as standard.

Retro-roadster Design with Modern Features

One aspect that really stands out in the Yamaha XSR 250 is its fuel tank. It looks quite similar to the XSR 155. However, the rest of the bodywork appears to be all-new. Knowing Yamaha, the heavily shrouded headlamp is likely to be an all-LED unit. The tail lamp is LED too but the indicators are bulbs. Interestingly, the shape of the tail lamp and the boxy pillion grab rail is reminiscent of the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250. 

The ergonomics is properly upright thanks to the easy-to-reach handlebars, mid-set footpegs, and a single-piece seat. The bike also comes with an engine cowl (likely to be plastic) and a rear tyre hugger for an added dose of sportiness. The bike may be equipped with a full-LCD instrument cluster, presumably with smartphone connectivity like the one on the Yamaha FZ-S FI. 

The Competition

The Yamaha XSR 250 will directly go against the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 and the Bajaj Dominar 250, which is a modern performance-oriented cruiser. That said, at its expected price point, the XSR 250 will also be an alternative to other classic motorcycles such as the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa Forty Two, and the upcoming Yezdi Roadking Scrambler. By the time Yamaha launches the XSR 250, the Yezdi Roadking Scrambler would have also hit the market. Which one would you go for? Let us know in the comments below.

Images used are for representation.