Yamaha Xabre

So I finally got some seat time on the Yamaha Xabre, and I can tell you it is the bike that just personifies personality. You know when you see something that’s not quite what you expect and you think ‘this could be kind of cool.’ So then when you finally get on it is even better than you thought it would be. The Xabre experience for me is sort of this style and grit that is refreshing.

Design & Look

OK, let’s start first with the look. This bike is edgy. As someone who’s building a bike that truly looks like it’s built to take on a beating, I think Yamaha went all in. Straight away you notice its sharp lines and a beefy front end. It’s not a bike you go by; you look at it twice, maybe three times. This aggressive headlight setup up front is almost like it’s daring you to take it on. Those USD (upside down) forks? What I didn’t really expect at first was that they add this solid, premium feel. Yamaha’s making a point with Xabre’s design: It’s here to say something with the ‘mini streetfighter’ vibe all over it. To PARK, it’s got this stance that just says, 'I don’t give a shit.'

Engine & Performance

Alright, onto the engine. Whereas now it’s a 150cc — so you’d be thinking, *“How much power can it really have?”* It has some def surprisingly pep, but let me tell you. This is no bike that will leave you gawd aweful quick, but just enough oomph to make city riding fun. It was really smooth and responsive and that makes for perfect dodging in and out of traffic or even some of those sharp corners. It has this eager response when you twist the throttle; it’s not overdone, just a nice easy confidence to it to make it fun to ride. It’s efficient due to the fuel injection setup and I’m not guilty of taking daily rides. For me, it’s definitely designed for people who want something quick and reliable without any fuss.

Features & Tech

I really appreciate that Yamaha didn’t skimp on feature level when it came to the Xabre. That’s first: There’s an easy to read digital display. This is one of those setups, where you get all the info you need, speed, fuel, trip meters, without being overloaded with data. And the USD forks? They’re not just there for show yeah. On the road, that gives it a more stable, planted feel, too, especially when you’re on the kinds of rough patches that often greet you in the city. Another big plus is LED lighting. Not only is it functional for night riding but it looks oh so right for the bike’s bold look. This bike is basically like Yamaha really thought about how this bike would be used and it shows. Yamaha got both style and function like this in this segment, and it is rare.

Ride & Handling

For me, it is handling where the Xabre really excels. But it’s super light, super nimble, and so easy to control that it just feels natural in traffic. The sitting position is the upright and comfy one I like. It makes you feel ‘ready for anything’ without tearing your back. It’s a little firm for a suspension but then still handles bumps very well without at the same time feeling too cushy. It feels solid, which is nice for quick moves in traffic or a little raucous riding. This is this blend of sporty practicality that makes it so much fun, and for a bike this size, that’s not always so easily found.

Comparison with Rivals

If you’re thinking of a Xabre then most likely you are looking at bikes like the Yamaha MT-15 or the Honda CB150R. That’s both solid picks on their own merits, especially when it comes to refined engines and smooth designs. However I do like the Xabre because it is a bit different and different can be a good thing. It’s got this unique streetfighter vibe, and there’s a confidence that’s a bit its own thing. With style, solid handling, enough character and enough to make itself heard, it might not have as much swarming brute force as some bigger bikes but it gets the job done. It’s actually quite fun and pratical for what it is (I’m talking about a 150cc here); not trying to be something it’s not.

That’s the Yamaha Xabre, so yeah. It looks great, feels great and just about has enough punch to make city rides fun. It doesn’t matter what Italians are riding, if it isn’t a bike that makes you feel comfortable it’s usually a struggle, but somehow I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did and it’s one of those bikes that just grows on you. This is definitely one to have a good look at if you’re in the market for something a little different in the 150cc bracket."