Discussions and Questions - Yamaha XSR Yamaha XSR
Is the Yamaha XSR125 suitable for beginners?
17 April 2025 17:30
The Yamaha XSR125 is highly suitable for beginners due to its several key features. It boasts a comfortable upright riding position, mid-controls, and a relatively light weight of 302 pounds, making it easy to handle. The bike has a seat height of just over 32 inches, which is accessible for newer riders, and there is also an optional accessory package with a lowering link and lower seat for those with shorter inseams. The engine is a 124cc liquid-cooled single cylinder, producing 14.8 horsepower, which is purposefully unintimidating and fuel-efficient. Additionally, the bike features a six-speed gearbox, slim KYB forks, and a steel deltabox frame, all contributing to its nimbleness and stability. These characteristics, along with its stylish retro design and affordable price point , make the XSR125 an excellent choice for new riders.
Will the XSR300 be good for a beginner?
27 January 2025 10:16
I believe it will make a nice beginner bike. A newb should find the upright riding position just fine and the 300cc engine will be manageable. Also, it’ll be cool enough that you won’t feel like you’re riding a ‘learner’ bike.
Will the XSR300 be good for a beginner?
27 January 2025 10:16
Absolute beginners will likely find it too much. Just remember that it is based on the R3, that is quite sporty. For new riders, they might be better off with something a little tamer to begin with.
Will the XSR300 be good for a beginner?
27 January 2025 10:16
Depends on the beginner, honestly. If you're a mature rider who can keep from going too fast, it should be ok. If you’re young and excitable, perhaps look at something with less power.
Will the XSR300 be good for a beginner?
27 January 2025 10:16
The question is if beginners can afford it. It might be a bit pricey for a first bike if it’s priced like other XSR models. It would be heartbreaking (and expensive) to drop your shiny new Yamaha.
Will the XSR300 be good for a beginner?
27 January 2025 10:16
I think it will be a good 'long term' beginner bike. It’s something you can learn on, but won’t outgrow in six months. It's that retro style where you're not going to look like a newbie even when you're one.
Will the XSR300 be good for a beginner?
27 January 2025 10:16
Actually, the tech features could make it great for beginners. I know things like ABS and traction control can be really reassuring when you’re still building confidence.
Will the XSR300 be good for a beginner?
27 January 2025 10:16
Why not? In the day, the original RD350 was many riders first 'big' bike. If the XSR300 has some of that spirit, it could be an amazing way to get into riding.
Will the XSR300 carry the torch of the RD350?
27 January 2025 10:16
There's no way it'll live up to the RD350. That bike was lightning in a bottle, something special made at a special time, and it can’t be done today with all the modern restrictions. The RD350 will never have that raw, wild character, but the XSR300 might be good.
Will the XSR300 carry the torch of the RD350?
27 January 2025 10:16
I think it does but differently. For its time, the RD350 was all about performance. If it can deliver class leading performance with modern safety features, the XSR300 will deliver the RD350 spirit to a new generation.
Will the XSR300 carry the torch of the RD350?
27 January 2025 10:16
You can’t compare them directly. The XSR300 should be judged for what it is. Does it matter if a bike doesn’t live up to a decades-old legend, so long as it's a great bike that's fun to ride?
Will the XSR300 carry the torch of the RD350?
27 January 2025 10:16
In many ways the XSR300 could be better than the RD350 - more reliable, safer, more efficient. It will never have that two stroke sound and smell that made the RD350 so iconic though.
Will the XSR300 carry the torch of the RD350?
27 January 2025 10:16
I'm optimistic. The RD350 legacy is important to Yamaha. If they weren’t confident the XSR300 could deliver something special, they wouldn’t dare make those comparisons.
Will the XSR300 carry the torch of the RD350?
27 January 2025 10:16
Whether it happens or not, it’s going to disappoint some die hard RD350 fans. For newer riders who never had the original, the XSR300 could be its own legend.
Will the XSR300 carry the torch of the RD350?
27 January 2025 10:16
That’s really where the real test will come: the emotional connection. Technically, the XSR300 is a completely different bike, but if it can get riders to feel the same excitement and passion that the RD350 did, it will have succeeded.
How customizable will the XSR300 be?
27 January 2025 10:16
It should be super customizable if it follows the trend of other XSR models. One of the best things about the XSR line is that they’re blank canvases for builders and customizers.
How customizable will the XSR300 be?
27 January 2025 10:16
Hopefully it's customizable, but I fear that rising electronics and emissions standards will restrict our ability to do so. It may actually be more cosmetics mods, than performance upgrades.
How customizable will the XSR300 be?
27 January 2025 10:16
I’m sure knowing Yamaha, they’ll be releasing their own line of accessories for it. The real fun, however, will begin when aftermarket companies get their hands on it. After a year, there will be plenty.
How customizable will the XSR300 be?
27 January 2025 10:16
I'm betting it'll be a mix. Things like seats and handlebars and body panels are easy to swap out, but I’d imagine the core components will be locked down pretty tight because of regulations.
How customizable will the XSR300 be?
27 January 2025 10:16
Half the fun of owning a retro style bike is the amount of customization it allows for! The XSR300 will be designed accordingly and I’m sure that Yamaha knows this. I can't wait to see what people will do with it.
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