Yamaha Ray ZR 125 – All about the B6 model
It’s no hidden fact that every two-wheeler manufacturer wants a chunk of the ever-growing 125cc scooter segment. Yamaha ushers in two new offerings: the Fascino and the Ray ZR. With the competition getting larger, we’ve had the opportunity to ride some very nice 125cc scooters. This is a scooter that leads the 125cc segment for Yamaha. We tell you more about the new Ray ZR 125.
Edgy styling
What’s immediately apparent in the new Yamaha Ray ZR 125 is the design. It looks like a heavily reworked version of the model it replaces. The apron is split into matte plastic and gloss-paint panels and the faux air vents on both sides add some width to the front of the scooter. The design language on the new Yamaha Ray ZR 125 includes lots of angles and there’s a small windscreen with a nice LED DRL as well. Some may feel Yamaha Bikes have gone overboard with the styling of the scooter, but it will appeal to a young audience for sure. The rest of the bodywork matches the face; the side panels protrude outwards, giving it a masculine look. The up-swept design theme towards the backflows nicely into matte black portion that houses the tail lamp.
It is pretty obvious that the bulk of the scooter has added to the overall size, but Yamaha Bikes have managed to keep the weight down to 99kgs, making it the lightest 125cc scooter in the segment. It also comes with good under-seat storage of 21-litres. And while it does feature a USB charging socket, there is no under-seat storage light. In terms of features, it comes with a digital instrument cluster, but there is no Bluetooth connectivity.
ZR adds some oomph
The Yamaha Ray ZR 125 is powered by a fuel-injected 125cc engine, producing 8bhp and 9.7Nm of torque, which isn’t much to be honest, because other scooters make more power and torque in this category. However, the lightweight body also means it is the quickest scooter available in our market. The scooter performs impressively and thanks to good refinement, the engine is smooth. Again, the low kerb weight helps when it comes to fuel efficiency, with the scooter returning up to 50kpl in the city and 60kpl on highways. We can also thank the stop-start feature; it instantly cuts off at signals. Open the throttle, and the engine comes to life. The ride and handling characteristics are similar to that of the Fascino’s. At slow speeds, the ride is stiff, with most undulations being felt. The seat is not as comfy as its rivals. Up-front, the scooter gets equipped with a 12-inch wheel, while the rear gets a 10-inch rear wheel. The wheels do a decent job when it comes to stability and handling, but we think the TVS NTorq feels more planted. Even the brakes on the Ray ZR don’t impress.
A Ray of hope?
By and large, this is a scooter that has what it takes to be among the best in its class, but it misses out on modern features, and comfort levels could have been better. The design is perhaps the main USP of this scooter, and while it does perform well, it is also fuel-efficient. It has been very competitively priced, with the disc variant costing ₹ 73,530. Perhaps a 150cc variant could spice things up a little further.