Yamaha Ray ZR 125

The Yamaha Ray ZR 125 Fi Hybrid uses a 125cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder petrol engine with fuel injection. It produces 8.2 PS at 6,500 rpm and 10.3 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. An automatic CVT transmission sends power to the rear wheel, so the rider does not need to operate a manual gearbox.

The 125cc engine produces 8.2 PS and 10.3 Nm, which is enough for everyday city riding. The automatic CVT handles gear changes, while the Smart Motor Generator (SMG) gives the scooter a little extra assistance when pulling away from traffic lights or climbing an incline. It is a mild-hybrid system, not an electric drive.

The Stop & Start System switches the engine off during suitable stops and restarts it when you open the throttle. This can save fuel in stop-start traffic, though actual mileage depends on your riding style and road conditions.

The table below covers the Ray ZR 125's fuel economy, dimensions and performance figures, along with estimates of what you may see in everyday use.

The Ray ZR’s 99kg kerb weight makes it easy to handle in the city. It is easier to move out of a parking slot or manoeuvre at low speeds than a heavier scooter, which can help newer riders build confidence. The 785mm seat height will suit many riders, though getting both feet flat on the ground depends on your height and inseam. You also get a 21-litre underseat storage that can hold half-face helmets and other essentials. 

Ground clearance is 145mm, so take tall speed breakers slowly with a pillion or heavy load, as the underbody may scrape. The 5.2-litre fuel tank is modest, but good mileage should help keep fuel stops manageable. Its estimated top speed of 90-95 kmph is enough for short highway stretches, though the Ray ZR is better suited to city riding than sustained high-speed travel.

The Ray ZR 125 keeps things simple to ride, with a few useful features depending on the variant.

Technology and connectivity

• Smart Motor Generator (SMG): Starts the engine quietly and assists briefly when pulling away.
• Stop & Start System: Switches off the engine at idle and restarts it when you open the throttle to help save fuel.
• Instrument console: The Drum gets an analogue console, the Disc and Street Rally LCD get digital displays, and the top TFT gets a colour screen.
• Yamaha Y-Connect: Pairs with a compatible phone for selected notifications and riding information.

• Navigation and answer-back: The Street Rally TFT gets turn-by-turn navigation, while Street Rally versions have an answer-back function to help locate the scooter.

   

Comfort and convenience

The Ray ZR has a stepped seat, automatic transmission and 21-litre under-seat storage. Its low weight makes parking easier, but the compact floorboard leaves less room for your feet and bags. Ground clearance is 145mm, so take tall speed breakers slowly, particularly with a passenger.

The Ray ZR 125 gets a Unified Braking System (UBS), but it does not get ABS, helping keep costs down.

• Drum brakes: The Fi Hybrid Drum has drum brakes on both wheels.
• Front disc brake: The Disc and Street Rally variants get a 190mm front disc with a rear drum.
• UBS: Applies braking force to both wheels when you use the rear brake. Unlike ABS, it does not prevent wheel lock-up.
• Side-stand cut-off and LED lighting: These add everyday safety and visibility, with side-stand cut-off availability depending on the variant.

There are 4 Yamaha Ray ZR 125 variants on sale in India. All use the same 125cc engine and CVT transmission, so the extra cost goes towards braking hardware, the instrument console, connectivity and styling.

Yamaha Ray ZR 125 Variants: Which One Offers the Best Value?

The right Ray ZR 125 variant depends on your budget and the features you need.

• Fi Hybrid Drum: Starts at ₹80,680. The most affordable option, with drum brakes and an analogue console.
• Fi Hybrid Disc: Costs ₹88,480. Adds a front disc brake, digital display and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Street Rally LCD: Priced at ₹94,730. Gets knuckle guards, block-pattern tyres and rugged styling.

• Street Rally TFT: At ₹1,01,240, it adds a colour TFT display and turn-by-turn navigation.

   

All variants use the same 125cc engine and automatic transmission. The Fi Hybrid Disc offers a useful addition of braking and technology, while the Street Rally versions suit buyers who want the rugged styling or extra display features.

The Yamaha Ray ZR mileage is claimed at 71.33 kmpl under test conditions. That is a laboratory figure, not a promise of what you will get on every ride. For everyday use, the supplied estimates suggest around 50-55 kmpl in the city and 58-62 kmpl on the highway.

City mileage drops in heavy traffic, though the Stop & Start System helps save fuel at traffic lights. Hard acceleration, frequent braking and carrying a passenger can also affect mileage. On open roads, steady speeds use less fuel than riding near the scooter’s top speed. The 5.2-litre tank is small, so fuel stops will depend on your actual mileage.

The Yamaha Ray ZR 125 competes with scooters such as the TVS Ntorq 125, Suzuki Burgman Street 125 and Honda Activa 125. The Ntorq is all in for performance and features, the Burgman offers a larger maxi-scooter-style design, and the Activa is a practical alternative for everyday family use. Prices below are indicative ex-showroom ranges and may vary by variant and location.

Here’s how it stacks up against the established rivals. 

Yamaha Ray ZR 125 vs TVS Ntorq 125

The Yamaha Ray ZR 125 is lighter and better suited to riders who want a scooter for daily commuting with a focus on fuel economy. Its compact body also makes it easier to handle in heavy traffic.

The TVS Ntorq 125 has a more powerful engine and a sportier feel, making it a better fit if you enjoy quicker acceleration and want a scooter with a stronger performance focus.

Yamaha Ray ZR 125 vs Suzuki Burgman Street 125

The Ray ZR 125 is compact and easy to move around in traffic or tight parking spaces. Its light weight is useful if you often ride through crowded streets or have limited parking space at home.

The Suzuki Burgman Street 125 has a larger body, maxi-scooter styling and more room to stretch your feet. Its layout may feel more comfortable on longer rides if you prefer having extra space to change your foot position.

Yamaha Ray ZR 125 vs Honda Activa 125

The Ray ZR 125 has sharper styling and a low 99kg kerb weight, which helps when manoeuvring at slow speeds. Its hybrid assist system also gives a little extra help when pulling away from a stop.

The Honda Activa 125 takes a more conventional approach and suits everyday commuting and family use. It is worth considering if you prefer a familiar design over the Ray ZR's sportier looks.

Which Scooter Should You Choose?

• Yamaha Ray ZR 125: For lightweight handling, sporty styling and fuel economy.
• TVS Ntorq 125: For stronger performance and a sportier ride.
• Suzuki Burgman Street 125: For maxi-scooter styling and more foot space.
• Honda Activa 125: For everyday commuting and family use.

The Ray ZR 125 is a light scooter that keeps fuel use in check. The trade-off is less space for your feet and limited power when you leave the city.

The Ray ZR 125 makes most sense as a city scooter. It's light, frugal and simple to ride, but the small floorboard and modest engine are worth keeping in mind.

If you spend most of your time riding to work, college or nearby shops, the Ray ZR 125 is easy to live with. Its 99kg weight helps when parking in a tight spot, and the automatic transmission takes one more thing off your mind in traffic. The hybrid assist helps when pulling away, while the Stop & Start System can reduce fuel use at signals.

I'd look at the Fi Hybrid Disc first. At ₹88,480, it adds a front disc brake, digital console and Bluetooth over the Drum variant. The Drum is enough if you want to spend less. The Street Rally TFT costs more, so it makes sense mainly if you want its colour screen and will use the navigation.

Think about what your daily rides involve before choosing. The TVS Ntorq 125 has more performance on offer, while the Suzuki Burgman Street 125 gives you more room to move your feet. The Ray ZR's floorboard can feel cramped with bulky bags, and its 145mm ground clearance needs care over tall speed breakers, particularly with a passenger.

For short city trips and low running costs, the Ray ZR 125 is a sensible option. If you regularly carry a lot of luggage or spend long stretches on the highway, its size and performance may become frustrating.