Harley-davidson Knucklehead vs Yamaha Xsr 125
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Harley-davidson Knucklehead vs Yamaha Xsr 125. Harley-davidson Knucklehead: ~40 hp @ 4,800 rpm (EL 61ci high-compression; note: factory figures varied by year and configuration) hp, ~249 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed ~153 km/h (95 mph, for the high-compression EL 61ci variant; note: estimate based on period testing), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Yamaha Xsr 125: 15 hp @ 10,000 rpm hp, 134 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 115 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Harley-davidson Knucklehead
Yamaha Xsr 125
Horsepower (hp)
40 hp
15 hp
Torque (Nm)
68 Nm
12 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
153 km/h
115 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
249 kg
134 kg
Type
Classic
Classic
Horsepower
~40 hp @ 4,800 rpm (EL 61ci high-compression; note: factory figures varied by year and configuration)
15 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque
~68 Nm @ 3,000 rpm (estimated)
12 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
Top Speed
~153 km/h (95 mph, for the high-compression EL 61ci variant; note: estimate based on period testing)
115 km/h
Weight
~249 kg (wet/curb weight)
134 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
~7.5 L/100km (estimated, varies significantly by state of tune and riding conditions)
2.5 L/100km (approximately 40 km/L)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Harley-davidson Knucklehead
7.5/10
"A magnificent obsession that will test your patience and wallet equally."
Pros
+Unmatched historical significance
+Iconic mechanical character
+Strong collector value retention
Cons
−Parts scarce and expensive
−Leaks oil constantly
−Specialist knowledge essential
Yamaha Xsr 125
7.5/10
"The best-looking 125 you can actually enjoy riding."
Pros
+Genuinely attractive retro styling
+Confidence-inspiring urban handling
+Strong residual values
Cons
−Fragile plastic bodywork scratches easily
−Weak stock front brake feel
−Motorway use feels strained
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
