Test/Photo: OA Isdahl
Soon we can start using the efficient and fun commuter tools
The date of February 28 is probably still within the definition of winter driving, for my part I have never experienced such an early start and probably think that we are still talking about winter driving. But with a charming and practical Yamaha XSR 125, I’m willing to try anything. But I have to admit that driving on two wheels is still pretty scary.
I drive on a studless tire called Anlas Winter Grip Pluss. It hasn’t been a winter tire for changing conditions with a lot of ice, but the tires have a nice and soft rubber compound that works very well for a low snow or early spring. On Friday, February 28, I drove in minus 2 degrees, dense fog, wet and partially icy road surface and then the tires worked very well.
The XSR 125 is light, powerful and fun to ride, even on shady days. The XSR 125 is a fun classic that can be used for many things and almost everywhere. And, in fact, only at the price of a medium-priced electric pedal bike.
With 15 hp at 140 kg (wet weight), this is a very fun everyday companion or driving machine you can experience a lot with. If you pack a thermos, a packed lunch and a telescopic pole in your backpack, you can reach the most remote fishing waters and drive almost anywhere. And if you’re struggling with depression after parking your heavy bike for the winter, this is definitely an enjoyable and useful alternative that makes it possible to ride long after the heavyweights are parked.
Temperatures of up to 15 degrees are forecast for next week, which will hopefully also break the frost on the ground. When the thaw comes, any snowfall has less effect and often ends up as short-lived mini-winters that disappear as quickly as they came. Now we’re almost there, so it’s just a matter of getting out the equipment. On Sunday, it’s forecast to be around 10 degrees in eastern Norway, so at least the XSR and I will be out swinging, and next week the forecast is for temperatures between 8 and 13 degrees, so we can really enjoy ourselves.
Remember that slippery and dried road dust or gravel can cause both front and rear wheels to slip.
