- Yamaha offers the XTZ 125 in markets like South Africa and Philippines
- The motorcycle employs a carburetted 124cc single-cylinder SOHC air-cooled motor
- It produces 12.5PS at 8000rpm and 11.6Nm at 6500rpm
- The test mule isn’t camouflaged, suggesting that it might not come to India
Yamaha’s small-capacity dual-purpose motorcycle, the XTZ 125, has been spotted testing in India for the first time. The bike was spied in Chakan, Pune The XTZ 125 is on sale in the Philippines and South Africa. In the Philippines, the motorcycle is priced at PHP 84,900 (suggested retail price). This translates to approximately Rs 1.15 lakh.
Powering the XTZ 125 is a 124cc single-cylinder, 2-valve, counterbalanced, air-cooled engine. It produces 12.5PS at 8000rpm and 11.6Nm at 6500rpm. A carburettor is clearly visible and it seems unlikely that the motorcycle is compliant with future emission norms, or at least India’s BSVI regulations. The bike gets 35mm front forks and a 5-step preload adjustable rear monoshock. Both of them offer a massive 180mm of wheel travel. For braking, this dual-purpose bike employs a disc brake at the front and a drum unit at the rear. For better off-road performance, the bike is equipped with a 21-inch spoke wheel at the front and an 18-inch wheel at the rear.
The XTZ 125 appears to be pretty spartan as far as features are concerned. There’s a utilitarian rear luggage rack and an underseat exhaust, which should result in superior water-wading capability. Even the motocross-like front fender looks rugged, and gaiters on the forks ensure adequate protection from dirt.
Interestingly, the test mule doesn’t have any camouflage. It could be possible that Yamaha is simply testing it in Indian conditions and may sell the motorcycle in some other foreign market. Its launch in India seems to be improbable as the 125cc segment in our market is extremely price-sensitive and is filled only with commuters. The only exception to this case is the recently-launched KTM 125 Duke.
Currently, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is the most affordable off-road-friendly motorcycle in the country. However, that crown will soon belong to the Hero XPulse 200 when it goes on sale early next year. We can’t help but think about the prospect of a dual-purpose motorcycle equipped Yamaha’s 250cc engine from the FZ25. That should give a proper competition to the XPulse, if Yamaha chooses to launch the bike.
Image credit: Manigandan Rajesh
Source: zigwheels.com
