Yamaha YZF-R25

Though YZF-R25 is just a quarter-liter bike, it has got big-motorcycle looks and style. Inspired by the R1 styling, the front fascia gets a dual headlight setup called "Predator Look" by the company, which looks almost friendly. The wide front end is merged with a narrower windshield, and there is also a triangular pilot light right below it. 

Also, there is a central air duct that adds a bit of more sportiness to the look. It is not there just for show; rather, it channels air towards the engine to maximize the cooling effect. The rear styling of the bike is inspired by the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP race machine. The tail lamp is a striking trapezoidal piece that uses LEDs. 

2020 YZF-R25 comes in two new attractive matte shades - matt silver and matt blue. The matt blue version features nardo grey accents, whereas the matt silver version gets red accents on the rims. The new graphics are sleeker and lend a more aggressive look. 

The split seat of the bike comes with an anti-slip feature. The pillion seat is there but will need someone really brave to use it. Dimensionally, the bike is 2090 mm long, 720 mm wide and 1135 mm high with a ground clearance of 160 mm. These largish proportions aid in the bike's handling. It rides on 17-inch cast aluminium alloy 10-spoke wheels shod with 110/70 tyres in the front and 140/70 tyres in the rear. 

The bike incorporates a digital analogue display with all the usual instruments, including two trip metres, a fuel consumption calculator, and a gear indicator. There is a large analogue tachometer that along with a gear shift lamp indicator, helps the rider move the transmission lever in the most optimum manner.

Undoubtedly, the bike is a brilliant handler. Yamaha bikes are known for good handling chassis, and YZF-R25 is no exception with its stiff diamond frame chassis. The suspension system houses nonadjustable conventional telescopic forks at the front and a monocross twin-tube unit adjustable for preload at the back. This setup handles all kinds of road conditions with ease. The rear should be set on a tighter setting for more spirited driving. The rider does ride with a forward lean but nothing too extreme. With a weight of 166 kg, the bike is comfortable to lean around corners. Moreover, the seat allows the rider to move around and really use the bike's grip. 

Powering the 2020 YZF-R25 is a 249-cc two-cylinder, 4-Stroke, 8-valve DOHC engine that delivers a maximum power of 36 PS at 12,000 rpm and a peak torque of 22.6 Nm at 10,500 rpm. The engine comes with Yamaha's Variable Valve Actuation, which helps the mill be in the higher rev range. However, the power delivery is not the fastest, which puts a big damper on the issue of spirited driving. Also, the lack of quick acceleration may trouble easy overtaking, but the bike is good enough for normal city driving. The high power band is also meant for the newer riders who can use the bike on a daily basis without endangering themselves. Perhaps it will also cause the rider to have an itch for more power earlier on this than on other bikes. Although the 6-speed transmission works really well with quick and smooth shifts. The mileage is a low 15-20 kmpl, which is normal for a bike with a 14000 rpm redline. 

Yamaha YZF-R25 gets hydraulic disc brakes at both front and rear ends, which allow the lightweight, supersport bike to stop in a dime. At the front, it comes with a dual-piston floating setup, while the rear gets a single-piston. Although the bike's braking performance is excellent, it could have been better with the anti-lock braking system.

At the given price-point, Yamaha YZF R25 is a good learner bike for young riders. It boasts a commuter like riding and its engine characteristics deliver spirited performance when pushed really hard. All these indicate that Yamaha actually knows what is needed in this increasingly competitive market.