Text/Photo: Ole-Andreas Isdahl If you’re tired of queues and public transport that either doesn’t exist or doesn’t work, you can follow my little winter project with the Yamaha XSR 125. It’s been a long time since the big motorcycles have been parked and we’re approaching sub-zero temperatures, usually too cold for most people with the exception of the tough guys who grease their bikes with animal fat and slog through the winter on two wheels. I’m not one of those tough guys, but I love the freedom and mobility that motorcycles provide and now, together with Yamaha, I’m going to show that it’s perfectly possible to extend the season with a lighter motorcycle and different tire combinations. I’ve started my winning project with Metzeler Karoo Street and I’ll be riding these for as long as I can before we fit studded tires.

The Yamaha XSR 125 is a great alternative for those who want a commuter tool with a reliable and strong 15 hp engine, a low wet weight and a nice seat height (815 mm). The seating position is ergonomically very good and the model simply looks good with upside down dampers and gold anodized rims and details in brushed steel.

With a good winter coat and a little slower speed, I can still enjoy the motorcycle that has a fun steering geometry, a great gearbox, articulated lighting and a cool instrument. Riding the XSR 125 simply makes me happy. A lightweight motorcycle like the XSR 125 is a lightweight and frustration-free option that makes everyday life both practical and a lot of fun.

Stay tuned and I’ll share my experiences as a beginner using the XSR 125. This coming Sunday we are going on a long ride on both asphalt and gravel and I’m really looking forward to it. Yamaha will be running a promotion on the bike which will be sold at a very competitive price.