2023 Yamaha Ray ZR 125 – Yamaha’s razor-sharp take on the 125cc scooter category

With edgy looks, an efficient engine and Yamaha’s trademark quality and reliability, the Ray ZR 125 is one sporty 125cc scooter which ranks high in practicality.

• The Yamaha Ray ZR 125 is available in two variants – Front drum brake (Rs 82,730, ex-showroom, Delhi) and Front disc brake (Rs 89,530, ex-showroom, Delhi). 
• Powering the Ray ZR 125 is a single-cylinder 125cc engine, which makes 8.04 bhp and 10.3 Nm.
• The Ray ZR 125 gets features like a fully-digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and an all-LED headlamp.

In the niche space of sporty 125cc scooters, Yamaha enjoys a decent presence with the Ray ZR 125. A sporty-looking scooter with modern features and a smooth, reliable and efficient engine, the Yamaha Ray ZR 125 is a potent offering which is a right balance of all aspects. Available in two variants powered by a 125cc engine and differentiated by features, the Yamaha Ray ZR 125 is priced between Rs 82,730 and Rs 89,530, both prices ex-showroom, Delhi.

2023 Yamaha Ray ZR 125: Design & Features

Yamaha introduced the Ray ZR 125 as a more evolved and sportier iteration of the previous-generation 113cc Ray ZR. With an edgy design focusing more on younger minds, the Yamaha Ray ZR 125 has a sporty appeal in its presence, with the much-required touch of modernity.

The Yamaha Ray ZR 125 is one of those few scooters which come with an apron-mounted headlamp – in this case, it is a compact and modern all-LED unit. The handlebar cowl looks fairly large with a slanted tinted visor, the lower tips of which are flanked by clear lens motorcycle-like turn indicators. 

The Yamaha Ray ZR 125 looks fresh and appealing with sleek-looking graphics over the rear side body panels and triangular panels between the front apron and side panels of the floorboard. At the back, it has a conventional halogen tail lamp and motorcycle-like turn indicators on the sides of it, along with a black pillion grab rail above it. The scooter features a 21-litre under-seat storage space and multi-functional ignition keyhole, though its fuel tank needs to be accessed by the old-school way of lifting the seat. 

The base version of the Yamaha Ray ZR 125 has an all-analogue instrument console, but the more premium version gets a fully-digital instrument console with an additional tachometer. This full-LCD console is also compatible with the Bluetooth-enabled Yamaha Y-Connect system, which alerts the rider about calls, SMS, e-mails and phone battery status. 

Through a smartphone app, it also shows the fuel consumption tracker, last parking location, revs dashboard, maintenance recommendations and malfunctioning notifications. 

2023 Yamaha Ray ZR 125: Engine & Specs

Sharing its engine with the Yamaha Fascino, the Ray ZR 125 has a single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected, 125cc. This engine claims 8.04 bhp of maximum power and 10.3 Nm of maximum torque. While these are not segment-leading performance numbers, the Yamaha Ray ZR 125 feels zippy, considering its low kerb weight of 99 kg. Thanks to the idle start-stop system, it delivers an impressive fuel economy of 66 kmpl.

2023 Yamaha Ray ZR 125: Chassis

It’s not only the engine which the Yamaha Ray ZR 125 shares with the Fascino, as even the basic chassis is the same as in the other neo-retro scooter from Yamaha. With a conventional suspension combination of telescopic forks at the front and unit swing with a single-sided coil spring at the rear, the Ray ZR 125 rides on 90/90-12 front and 110/90-10 rear tyres. 

The Ray ZR 125 comes with 130mm drum brakes as standard on either end, though there is an option of a 190mm disc for the front wheel.

2023 Yamaha Ray ZR 125: Dimensions

With a kerb weight of 99 kg, the Yamaha Ray ZR 125 is currently the lightest 125cc scooter one can buy in India. 

2023 Yamaha Ray ZR 125: Variants & Price

There are two variants in which the Yamaha Ray ZR 125 is being offered in India. The base-spec version, which comes with a front drum brake, analogue instrument console and a halogen headlamp, is priced at Rs 82,730. There are three color options in which it is available – Metallic Black, Cyan Blue and Matte Red. 

The Ray ZR 125 is also available in a more premium higher-spec variant, which comes with a front disc brake, a fully-digital instrument console and an LED headlamp. While the Metallic Black, Cyan Blue and Matte Red color options are available for Rs 88,530, the Racing Blue and Dark Matte Blue with contrast-coloured wheels are priced at Rs 89,530.

Conclusion

The Yamaha Ray ZR 125 might not be as sporty in its performance as the TVS NTORQ 125, though it tries to make you believe it is one with its edgy and boisterous design. With a decent amount of features, a reliable and fuel-efficient engine and good riding dynamics, the Ray ZR 125 is one easy and practical scooter to live with.