Yamaha YZ125 2021 and KTM 125 SX 2021. Comparison of motocross motorcycles

• February 25, 2021
• Automobile law
• Olga Kovaleva

Today, the Russian market offers a large number of motorcycles of various classes. Each class is divided into a certain cubic capacity, that is, even a beginner will have plenty to choose from.

People who have received category A1 licenses have the right to use motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 cubic centimeters.

Thanks to the new rules, sales of such motorcycles have increased sharply. The most important advantage of such motorcycles is their safety, since in the past there were novice drivers who, immediately after training, bought themselves very powerful sports bikes, thereby exposing not only themselves to danger, but also those around them.

Features of a 125 cc motorcycle

Such motorcycles have many advantages, for example, they include the following:

1. These bikes are very easy to ride.
2. They are inexpensive.
3. These motorcycles are very maneuverable.
4. You can drive such a vehicle from the age of 16; the most important condition is that the young motorcyclist has an A1 category license.
5. This motorcycle is quite capable of accelerating to 130 km per hour.

Thanks to these and many other advantages, the demand for such motorcycles has recently increased significantly, and in connection with this, a huge number of worthy offers have appeared.

If you plan to purchase a motorcycle for mountain trips, then it is best to buy a cross-country version, since such motorcycles have a fairly high ground clearance and have studded tires.

For trips around the city or on the highway, a road bike is an ideal option. Such a motorcycle has a lower but stiffer suspension, and they also have wide tires. New bikers most often choose this option. These motorcycles have excellent handling, and even the gearbox is specially tuned for the highway and the city.

Do we need rights to the most famous small-capacity models?

Having a driver's license when driving on public roads in the Russian Federation is mandatory, regardless of whether it is a moped or a motorcycle. There are three categories for the right to drive two-wheeled vehicles:

• M – allows you to drive mopeds with an engine capacity of up to 50cc. They are not fast, but they can provide basic bike control skills. You can get this category from the age of 16;
• A1 – designed to control a 125 cc motorcycle with a power not exceeding 11 kW. It is also allowed to open from the age of 16;
• A is a “full-fledged” motorcycle category, allowing you to drive already heavy motorcycles, as well as three- and four-wheeled vehicles weighing up to 400 kg (trikes, ATVs). This category can be opened from 18 years of age.

Motorcycle "Suzuki-Van-Van 125"

People also call this motorcycle “Van Vanych”. The very first motorcycles were released in 1970. Despite the fact that the model looks a little old-fashioned, it is still popular among lovers of the classics.

Thanks to the 125 cc engine, the motorcycle can accelerate to 110 km per hour. Power is supplied via an injector, and fuel consumption per 100 km is about 3 liters.

There is a mechanical speedometer on the dashboard, but no tachometer. And the panel itself has a classic look.

The wheels of this motorcycle are 18 inches. The rear wheel has wide tires. Ground clearance - 20 cm. The motorcycle does not have crankcase protection, so it is not recommended to drive onto curbs on purpose.

Advantages of the best small-capacity boats

If we consider proven brands (Honda, Yamaha, KTM), then their small-capacity models share the following advantages:

• Economical. Gasoline consumption can be 2 – 2.5 liters per 100 km, which is several times less than even 250 cc bikes. Thanks to this expense, long-distance travel becomes half the price!
• Cheap to maintain. Common models of small-capacity tanks require a very small amount of consumables. Even oil in most of them is poured in an amount of only 1 liter;
• Availability of spare parts. Changing chains, sprockets, air filter, repairing brakes, repairing plastics - all this costs relatively little (compared to 600 cc equipment for nothing). In any locality you can order a used spare part, and even a new original item will still not hit your pocket hard;
• Endurance and reliability. The best 125 cc motorcycles travel more than one hundred thousand kilometers without serious breakdowns. This technique survives trips around the world or even merciless exploitation as a “workhorse”. A good example is India, where its Bajajs carry crazy loads;
• You can legally ride 125 cc motorcycles under special traffic regulations from the age of 16.

Motorcycle "Yamaha YBR 125"

For its excellent reliability and good pedigree, this bike has earned respect in Russia. After a slight update in 2010, the motorcycle acquired an aggressive appearance. The wheels of this bike are 18-inch, and the appearance itself is made in a sporty and at the same time modern style.

The engine of such a motorcycle has the following features:

• Four stroke.
• 125cc.
• Capable of accelerating at speeds of up to 120 km per hour.
• Works simultaneously with a 5-speed gearbox.

But, despite the advantages, such a bike also has some disadvantages. These include the following:

1. Relatively small dimensions.
2. Very weak engine.

This means that if the driver weighs more than 100 kg, it will be very difficult for him to climb a hill on such a motorcycle.

Top reliable small-capacity road builders

When planning to purchase a 125 cc motorcycle, it is important not just to study the technical characteristics, but to find out the nature of this equipment, its features and advantages. We have created a rating for you with the top 5 famous road builders:

• The most famous among them is the Yamaha YBR 125. It is recommended to beginners when they ask which bike to get first. It is taught in most motorcycle schools. Yubrik, Yobrik, simply Yubr - it has established itself as a time-tested, reliable and indestructible motorcycle. It is undemanding when it comes to the quality of oil, it literally sniffs gasoline and starts with half a push. There is nothing to break in it - air cooling, simple systems, high-quality components. A real workhorse, which, nevertheless, evokes huge surges of tenderness and pride in its owners;

• The second after Yubra can be safely called the Honda CB 125. It is practically no different, except that it costs a little more and drives a little more vigorously. The owners of this bike believe that it looks more modern than Yobrik, more seriously compared to other 125 cc motorcycles. But, despite this, Sibishka never received the reputation of a “people's bike”.

• Among the best road warriors, the Suzuki Van-Van 125 is strikingly different. The retro design evokes nostalgic feelings among those who spent their youth driving IZHs and Javas. At the same time, Van-Vanych’s reliability is real, Japanese. The suspension, which is very good for a road worker, and the high ground clearance allow it to easily move off the asphalt.

• Austrian classic - KTM 125 DUKE. A legendary, “evil” motorcycle, distinguished from all other brothers by its explosive and perky character. Aggressive design, small size, and the ability to cut through traffic jams make it the king of city traffic. But long-distance riders rarely make it on it - this is due to the awkward landing with a “shrimp” slope;

• In fifth place you can put a couple of Japanese scooters at once - Honda PCX 125 and Honda SH MODE. A pleasant ergonomic design, a comfortable, even fit, and amazing wind protection make these small-capacity boats very popular, especially in Thailand or China, where the rainy season can last half a year. They are very maneuverable, which makes them a true friend for driving around the city. And spacious trunks do not require wearing backpacks or hanging additional panniers.

Motorcycle "Alpha LUX 125cc"

This motorcycle was released in 2008. It is worth noting that throughout its production the motorcycle has been updated several times. According to documents, this bike is a moped.

There is no plastic in the motorcycle, there is a lot of steel and various chrome parts.

Motor Features:

• Engine power - 7 liters. With.
• The motor itself is 4-stroke.
• It is paired with a 4-speed gearbox.
• Thanks to this engine, the motorcycle can accelerate to 110 km per hour.

According to the manufacturer, fuel consumption is only 2 liters per 10 km. The tank itself is designed for 9 liters. That is, at one gas station a motorcycle can cover a distance of 450 km.

It is worth noting that for a moped this is a very impressive result.

The motorcycle is equipped with an electric starter, and its dashboard has a speedometer with a pair of gauges.

Photo gallery

We bring to your attention the most popular models with an engine capacity of 125 cubic meters. These motorcycles have won the hearts of many motorcycle enthusiasts. Well let's take a look at them.

Motorcycle "Cartridge Enduro 125"

This is a Chinese made motorcycle. In our country it is also one of the best-selling. This is a very good option for beginners. The motorcycle has an energy-intensive suspension and excellent handling.

Features of the motor of this bike:

• Engine power is 7 liters. With.
• 4-stroke motor.
• Volume – 125 cubic meters.
• Torque – 8.8 Nm.
• Works in conjunction with a manual 5-speed gearbox.

The motorcycle has:

1. Egnition lock.
2. Starter.
3. Battery.

Due to its good quality and low cost, this model has gained immense popularity.

The very first versions of these motorcycles appeared in 2009. In 2013, these bikes were completely updated. The appearance and gearbox have been updated.

Sports small-capacity boats

Often the owner of a 125 cc motorcycle wants his bike to look like a sports bike (in plastic, with a “recumbent” seat). Of course, it won’t drive like an R1, Hayabusa or even an ER-6, but it will definitely attract attention with its appearance. Here are the most popular models of small-capacity sports:

• Honda CBR 125 R is an attractive motorcycle with very good speed and power. Despite its small volume, we can safely participate in races. Maneuverability, lightness, and a specific riding position allow the bike to accelerate to 140 km/h!

• Yamaha YZF-R125 is a direct competitor to the CBI. It is slightly slower, reaching a speed of only 130 km/h. At the same time, its character is more flexible, and fuel consumption is significantly less;

• The Aprilia RS 125 has a power of 33 hp, which is twice as much as both previous variants, and it can accelerate to 175 km/h. Such performance was made possible thanks to the two-stroke engine.

Now that you have decided exactly what tasks are required from a motorcycle (reliability, explosiveness, off-road, sporty look) - you can safely study advertisements for sale.

The history of two-wheeled vehicles began with rear-wheel drive. First there were belts, then chains and cardans appeared. Many bikers don't even realize that all-wheel drive motorcycles exist today.

If you are looking for an inexpensive but reliable motorcycle, I am glad to offer you equipment from Europe.

In our country, a motorcycle plays the role of a two-wheeled friend “for the soul.” If in some India, Vietnam, China the bike is used forcibly

There have always been disputes between motorcycle owners on the topic of automatic transmission. Unlike the automobile one, it is simpler and more reliable, has been tested over the years and has already won its supporters.

There are a huge number of motorcycles of various classes on the Russian market. All of them are divided by cubic capacity, so a beginner has plenty to choose from.

Due to the release of new rules for obtaining licenses, people who have received category A1 licenses are allowed to use only motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 cubic cm.

Which quickly prompted an increase in sales of this cubic capacity. This law has one important advantage - safety. Some beginners immediately bought themselves powerful sports bikes, endangering themselves and others.

When buying a motorcycle, you need to understand that there will definitely be falls; it is simply impossible to cope with a bike that accelerates to hundreds in 4 seconds without experience.

Which motorcycle to choose

Most importantly, before purchasing a 125cc motorcycle, it is very important to understand what this bike is for.

For example, the best choice for city roads is the Yamaha YBR125. Such bikes can easily cover 60 thousand km without breakdowns, and they are also very reliable.

The best budget option would be Alpha LUX 125cc. In addition, such a lightweight motorcycle up to 125cc is ideal for beginners; it is not afraid of incorrect gear shifting or falling. And if it breaks, you can purchase inexpensive spare parts for it.

If you plan to ride long distances, then it is best to buy the Patron Enduro 125. This 125 cc road motorcycle is ideal for both bad roads and the city. In other words, this motorcycle is very versatile.

As for cross-models from Japanese manufacturers (that is, Japanese motorcycles with 125 cc), it is best to refrain from purchasing them. Firstly, they are very expensive. And secondly, a year after use, such a bike will look like an old one.