Yamaha's Bike for Emerging Markets is the All-New 2014 R25
V.Rossi Grinning After the Yamaha R25 Test Ride
"A superbike you can ride every day [...]" is how the test rider and MotoGP racer Valentino Rossi described the Yamaha R25 motorcycle launched at the 43rd Tokyo Motorshow.
The R25 is a 250cc sport bike evidently aimed at the bountiful small displacement motorcycle segment. It has an in-line 2 cylinder engine that revs high is easy to handle and provides a powerful feeling ride in within its capability.
2014 Yamaha R25 Profile
I don't like the wave of small displacement motorcycles that have been launched by nearly every manufacturer in the past few years. They look too lean to me. From the blaring gap between the seat and the swingarm and the width of the bike it is clear that the engine is small. Appropriate for some but not for me. Perhaps it is the North American mentality in me that identifies with the bigger-is-better mentality. I like the 600s and of course we all love and fear the litre bikes. Now I'm not worthy of disagreeing with Rossi, the racing legend and I don't know of anyone personally who is but I can't get down with the "everyday superbike" phrase. But then again I don't have to. I'm not an entry level rider, I've ridden litre bikes but I'm a 600 level rider and if I wanted a pretty young thang to throw around I'd go with a KTM 390 Duke or the Kawasaki Ninja 400 for something of the pure sport variety. Yamaha's R25 is designed to make an impact in emerging markets (countries in Asia, Oceana and South America) and Europe where smaller displacement motorcycles are more than enough and no one cares that its a not a 600 and I think that is a good thing for the industry.
3-4 Rear View of Yamaha R25 @ Tokyo Show
This doesn't mean I don't like the Yamaha R25. It's a motorcycle so I like it. I actually really like the design, it really does look like the M1 -which everyone should love - it has the distinctive Yamaha high tail end and it revs high. The inline two is new and the constant mesh 6 speed transmission is something I don't even know about so it is definitely one to watch.
Yamaha unveiled the Tricity scooter at EICMA in Milan earlier this year but this is Yamaha's first small displacement motorcycle so it is good to see the level of sophistication in the R25 isn't akin to the engine's size. They had to produce something globally appealing since they are the second last of the big marques to reveal a ‟beginner bike” in North America, let's hope that Yamaha inherits the luck of the second mouse and gets the cheese.
All photos courtesy of YamahaMotor Corp.
3-4 View of Yamaha R25 @ Tokyo Show
Brand New Yamaha R25 Profile @ Tokyo Show
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123 months ago
@devon and @alex if you want a "spirited ride" (because racing would be "WRONG" - nudge nudge wink wink say no mowah)please give me a 30 min head start on a straight road - then it will be fair lol
123 months ago
@Devon - I gotta say, the R25 looks pretty sharp. I'd prefer to see proper clip-ons, but otherwise, I really do quite like it. the best of the breed, I'd say
123 months ago
@alex you're not bragging at all. I've swung a leg over the Kawi 250 and yes in the straights I'm left behind but the lil wee ones do cut up the twisties and flicking the 600 after a stint on the 250 felt tiresome right away. Perhaps I was too unnecessarily bitter in my piece. I should have stressed my dislike with their appearance only. The small displacement bikes area a blast but I'm speaking as a rider that has only one choice in picking a bike. Give me more options and I'd get the Duke. @slyck255 I too am happy the R25 is a twin. @alex lets get one so we can race @slyck255 on his Virago
123 months ago
I have to agree with @Slyck255 - these are not made for North America, at least to seasoned riders. However, I'd suggest you try one before you decry it. Most people want a big bike as they fast requires horsepower. However, all that horsepower does crap-all in terms of teaching you about gear selection and corner entry/exit. Having raced a 250 a couple of years ago (yes, the CBR250), I can tell you they are plenty fast enough. I also hate to brag, but I dare say that given a decent twisty road, I'd beat you everywhere but the straights. I'll see if we can get one from Yamaha to test that theory...
123 months ago
It's about time this arrived - It's been mooted for a while.
123 months ago
Looking at the pics again - it looks strictly solo - no extra pegs. I thought there was a single seat option/cowling at first. Cheers!
123 months ago
I do have to agree with "what's up with the butt end all up in the air like that?" It might be good for showing off the gf's booty but this is not a bike you'll be hauling er.. butt on. Extra butt I mean.
123 months ago
Hi re: "I don't like the wave of small displacement motorcycles that have been launched by nearly every manufacturer in the past few years." Of course you don't - you aren't the target market. In North America under 500cc are considered "entry level bikes". In Europe and other "emerging markets" (i.e. India and China) where 150 is substantial the R25 would be a rocket. You have to have roads to start with, and paved ones ideally,to go fast. (I can hear all you adventure/tourer and motocrossers - but this is a mini-sportbike - not designed for off-road, so be quiet). I will say the R25 is trying to out-sport the Ninja 300 (if that is available overseas). Another aspect to consider is that in England for e.g. there is a "graduated bike system" - your beginner bike can't be more than 500cc I think. So for those young teenage whippersnappers who want something sporty flashy but still affordable and under the 500cc threshold they now have another option. I'm glad to hear the R25 is a twin - I always thought Honda should have gone to a twin for their CBR250. Which raises another point. Honda's announced they're moving up to 300cc (still a single) - so now how long will Yamaha keep to R25 before it becomes the R30? or does the R25 have enough performance out of the box to complete with a 300? Competing with the Ninja 300 will take some doing. I like to see the smaller bikes be more UJM and less intimidating to new riders. I may not like the CBR125 for me - but it's a hoot-and-a-half for a lot of people.