Customised Urban Scrambler Yamaha XSR125s Look Ready For Mucking About

Japanese aftermarket specialists Kijima and Active show off their takes on a scrambler motorcycle by using the humble little Yamaha XSR125 as a base. These rugged-looking motorcycles have that meaty vibe about them, giving us Indian enthusiasts some serious FOMO surrounding the bike’s absence from the Indian market.

Kijima's Urban Scrambler

Kijima's vision for the Yamaha XSR125 leans towards a practical urban scrambler. It is a motorcycle equally at home navigating city streets or venturing onto light gravel paths. The company has prioritised real-world functionality with a suite of bolt-on upgrades that enhance the bike's rough road capability without sacrificing its urban comfort.

A high fender provides essential protection from debris kicked up by the front wheel, while a sturdy skid plate safeguards the undercarriage from potential hazards encountered on rough terrain.  Kijima hasn't forgotten about the rider, adding a flyscreen which has a splash of body colour for the retro feel. The bike gets sleek LED turn signals and an LED headlamp. There is a helmet lock and a chrome passenger grab handle adds a touch of classic scrambler style and functionality for two-up riding.  Kijima's clever side bag supports take the attention away from the stubby exhaust which has been left untouched. 

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Kijima's colour choices further solidify the XSR125's transformation into a retro-inspired urban scrambler. The company likely kept the bike's original paint scheme intact, allowing the new parts to take centre stage to create a vintage vibe. The chrome accents on the passenger grab handle and headlight bezel echo classic motorcycles, while the sleek black LED turn signals provide a modern touch that complements the overall aesthetic. 

Active's Premium Scrambler

Active's 153 Garage has taken a different route, crafting a more premium and aggressive interpretation of the Yamaha XSR125 as a scrambler. The first thing to grab your attention is the Akrapovic exhaust system, which primarily is focused on just delivering a nice exhaust note. And, the visual impact is just as impressive. Active's 153 Garage went beyond bolt-on parts, giving the XSR125 a complete colour makeover with a paint scheme inspired by the legendary Yamaha Minitre GT50/80 of the 1970s. 

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This distinctive colour combination, with its bold lines and contrasting tones, perfectly complements the aggressive scrambler aesthetic. Upping the rider's ergonomics is a wider and taller handlebars, finished in black for a no-nonsense look. Active's 153 Garage didn't neglect off-road preparedness. A high black fender,  a sleek tail tidy kit with integrated LED taillight, and a headlight guard all add to the mean persona. 

Yet, Active’s 153 Garage hasn't forgotten about safeguarding the bike's undercarriage.  A subtle yet purposeful aluminium skid plate ensures the engine and other vital components are shielded from rocks and other hazards encountered on off-road excursions. The overall impression is one of a machine transformed, ready to conquer both city streets and unpaved adventures, all wrapped in a colour scheme that pays homage to scrambler heritage.

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Interestingly, both builders left the XSR125's engine untouched. This means the proven 125cc liquid-cooled Euro 5-compliant engine continues to deliver its maximum output of 14.5 bhp and 14.5 Nm. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Both Kijima and Active wisely opted to keep the lightweight Deltabox frame and suspension untouched. This focus on bolt-on modifications ensures that the transformation to a scrambler is accessible and preserves the XSR's signature sporty performance.

As for the Indian buyer dying to get their hands on the XSR family, there’s not much good news ahead. Yamaha was toying around with the idea of reviving the RX100 in some form but, in our books, it doesn’t seem like a good idea. Head here to read our take on it.