Yamaha MT-125 motorcycle - the embodiment of simplicity and convenience

Yamaha MT-125 (2014-2019)

Yamaha MT-125 (2020+)

The Yamaha MT-125 naked model was first introduced in 2014 as a budget small-capacity motorcycle for beginners. Notable is the fact that the model was intended primarily for the European market, although such low-capacity equipment is usually created for Asian markets. Despite the fact that Yamaha classifies this model as part of the MT series, the MT-125 has nothing in common with this line of motorcycles, and the name is nothing more than a marketing ploy.

The Yamaha MT-125 was based on the base of the second generation Yamaha YZF-R125 sports model (2014-) - Deltabox steel frame, inverted fork, adjustable rear shock absorber, radial front brakes, the same wheels, 11.5 liter fuel tank and 6-speed gearbox. An important factor is also the presence of ABS. Essentially, the Yamaha MT-125 is a stripped-down version of the Yamaha YZF-R125 without any technical differences.

The Yamaha MT-125 engine is a 1-cylinder liquid-cooled fuel-injected unit with a capacity of 124.7 cc and produces 15 hp. power and 12.4 Nm of torque. Maximum performance is at 8000-9000 rpm. The engine is equipped with 4 valves and has one camshaft. This motor is also installed on the Yamaha WR125R and Yamaha WR125X models.

At the end of 2021, Yamaha introduced an updated version of the Yamaha MT-125 for the 2020 model year. The motorcycle received a new appearance, LED optics, a new dashboard, a new generation of engine with a VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) system, a wider rear wheel (140 mm versus 130 mm), a slipper clutch system with an Assist & Slipper clutch. , and also small in weight and size parameters.

Of the main competitors of the Yamaha MT-125 in the class, only the KTM Duke 125 should be highlighted, which is comparable in technology and characteristics.

The main Japanese competitors of the Yamaha MT-125 in the class:

Honda CB125R
Kawasaki Z125
Suzuki GSX-S125

Bike features

Here are the main advantages of the motorcycle:

reliability;
simplicity;
maneuverability.

The bike has both pros and cons, but, be that as it may, it is distinguished by a relatively long resource, a comfortable fit and quite good dynamic characteristics if you handle it correctly. Nothing else is required from this kind of bike.

Yamaha MT-125 , produced specifically for the European market since 2014, is the youngest representative of the MT series, which, however, has nothing in common with it except the name and appearance, stylized as “big brothers” such as Yamaha MT-09.
In fact, this lightweight 125cc bike is a bike aimed at beginners, but is by no means the most budget-friendly. It looks like KTM's answer to their Duke 125 model, which is very popular among beginner motorcyclists who don't care too much about price. The Yamaha MT-125 was built on the basis of another small-capacity bike from the same manufacturer - the Yamaha YZF-R125 sportbike, and the similarities from a technical point of view are very deep. A steel frame, a single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, very powerful for its cubic capacity, an injector - all this migrated to the MT-125 from its more “sporty” brother. It is worth noting that with a similar volume, the favorite of all beginners, the Yamaha YBR 125, is inferior to its new rival in all respects, except price.

However, despite its modest cubic capacity and its obvious purpose for beginner motorcyclists, the MT-125 can boast that it does not belong to the class of budget motorcycles. The modest-sized engine produces an impressive (by class standards, of course) 15 hp, and thanks to a 6-speed transmission, the motorcycle can reach speeds of up to 150 km/h. For a small-capacity model, these are truly impressive figures.

However, what distinguishes the Yamaha MT-125 from other 125 cc motorcycles, which are presented in abundance at motorcycle shows, is primarily its magnificent design. Stylized as a predatory and evil naked bike with an impressive cubic capacity, it will certainly appeal to those novice motorcyclists who want to have a modern and fairly technologically advanced motorcycle, which at the same time will cost reasonable money and will not be too powerful. The situation is reminiscent of that with the Kawasaki Z300, another small-capacity car, which outwardly looks very much like its own “liter” brother.

Of course, a small-volume engine requires that it be “twisted”, and properly. Peak torque (12.3 Nm) occurs at 8,000 rpm, and peak power at 9,000 rpm. Gears have to be changed frequently, not to say “constantly,” but this is the price to pay for the impressive dynamics for a 125 cc engine. However, this feature of the Yamaha MT-125 can even be considered an advantage - it will help novice motorcyclists quickly master the motor skills of controlling a motorcycle.

A plus for novice bikers will be the modest dry weight of the motorcycle - about 120 kg, so this model can rightly be called very light. This will especially not be superfluous since the seat height of the Yamaha MT-125 is not so small - more than 80 cm, so it is worth trying on the motorcycle before purchasing and making sure that you can confidently reach the ground with both feet.

The motorcycle’s gas tank holds a little more than 11 liters, which is quite enough for a not too voracious engine. The Yamaha MT-125 prefers to consume high-quality gasoline with an octane rating of at least 95, but in the combined cycle the consumption is approximately 4 liters per hundred. However, for a city motorcycle this is not a very important parameter - there are plenty of gas stations in the city, and hardly anyone will go on a long journey on an MT-125.

The motorcycle's braking system matches its dynamics - simple but reliable. Radial brakes on the front disc brake effectively stop the bike, and the rear disc brake also benefits. As for the suspension, the Yamaha MT-125 is equipped with an inverted fork at the front - a rarity for a small-capacity motorcycle; at the rear there is a progressive monoshock absorber with preload adjustment. It won’t be difficult to customize its operation.

The motorcycle is also comfortable to sit on, even for a person of larger than average height, which again is not often the case when you are dealing with entry-level motorcycles. The instrument panel with an LCD display is perfectly readable both during the day, in sunny weather, and at night, in the dark, no glare is annoying. But it’s better not to think too much about traveling with a passenger - no, of course, you can take a light passenger, but this will not have the best effect on the handling and braking distance of a light bike, and the MT-125 will immediately lose the remaining dynamics.

Differing in price from many other motorcycles of the same capacity, the Yamaha MT-125 is clearly aimed at beginners with money, among those who want to buy something not too powerful as their first bike, but modern, new and reliable. Well, the Japanese succeeded one hundred percent in reaching the target audience - their motorcycle really turned out great.

Dimensions and weight

The motorcycle weighs about 140 kg with a fully filled tank. The capacity of the latter is 11.5 liters. Consumption per hundred kilometers is about 3 liters, but it can vary greatly depending on driving style. The seat height cannot be called small: it is 810 mm, which is why this motorcycle will be very uncomfortable for people under 180 cm tall.

Specifications and Amazing Features

Yamaha will show an updated version of the MT-125 motorcycle, which will be available for sale from December 2021. This model began to be produced in 2014 for the European market. Although usually small-sized ones are in demand in Asian countries. This model was initially designed as a budget model, but in the end it turned out that you need to pay a hefty amount for it compared to other motorcycles of this size.

The maximum speed of the mt-125 Yamaha is impressive – 150 km/h. For example, the YBR 125 has only 115 km/h.

Fuel consumption averages 3 liters per 100 km, which won’t hurt your pocket.

The 2021 Yamaha MT-125 naked features a more modern, striking appearance. The headlight is a carryover from the recently introduced big brother MT-03 and resembles a Hollywood Transformer, which is sure to attract the attention of teenagers.

Naked literally means devoid of plastic. These motorcycles originally came from broken sportbikes with all the plastic removed. They paid attention to the attractive appearance and practicality, and put naked motorcycles into mass production. Naked and sportbikes are motorcycles with the same arrangement of units.

Technical innovations from the 2021 YZF-R 125 sportbike have been transferred completely to the 2021 Yamaha MT-125 naked bike. The engine is single-cylinder and produces 14.7 hp. It is equipped with a VVA system that regulates valve timing at different speeds. This allows maximum equalization of torque in all engine operating modes. The six-speed gearbox is equipped with a slipper clutch and a gear shift assist system.

You can quickly change gears without pressing the clutch handle.

It also has revised geometry, resulting in a slightly shorter wheelbase. This combined with the new Deltabox frame and swingarm should improve maneuverability.

To make the MT-125 Yamaha more attractive, the rear tire with a width of 130 mm was changed to a wider one of 140 mm. The weight remained unchanged - 140 kg.

The color scheme of the new MT-125 will be in three colors - black, white and blue.

The LCD instrument panel has changed significantly, completely transferred from the Yamaha MT-03.

Engine 125 cc cm, single-cylinder, produces 14.7 hp, and the torque has dropped slightly compared to the previous model.

The suspension from the previous MT-125 model has been transferred to the updated naked MT-125.

Chassis and brakes

For a small motorcycle like the MT-125, the brake system here, consisting of one disc at the rear and one at the front, is quite suitable. The latter is 292 mm in diameter, and is supported by a four-piston caliper, which is quite good considering the low engine performance.

As for the suspension, the front fork here is not the usual telescopic one, but inverted. Its stroke is 130 mm, which is quite a lot. The preload on the rear swingarm suspension can be adjusted.

The bike frame is made of steel, and its type is diagonal.

Brief history of the model

2014 - start of production and sales of the Yamaha MT-125 model. First generation.

Model

: Yamaha MT-125; Yamaha MT-125A (ABS) (Europe).

2015 - no significant changes.

Model

: Yamaha MT-125;
Yamaha MT-125A (ABS) (Europe). Factory designation
: 5D7C, 5D7L; 5D7D, 5D7M.

2016 - no significant changes.

Model

: Yamaha MT-125;
Yamaha MT-125A (ABS) (Europe). Factory designation
: BR31, BR33; BR32, BR34.

2017 - no significant changes.

Model

: Yamaha MT-125 (ABS) (Europe).
Factory designation
: BR35.

2018 - no significant changes.

Model

: Yamaha MT-125 (ABS) (Europe).
Factory designation
: BR36.

2019 - no significant changes.

Model

: Yamaha MT-125 (ABS) (Europe).
Factory designation
: BR37.

2020 - restyling of the model. Second generation
.

Model

: Yamaha MT-125 (ABS) (Europe).
Factory designation
: B6G1.

2021 - no significant changes.

Model

: Yamaha MT-125 (ABS) (Europe).

Prices for Yamaha MT-125

The cost of the Yamaha MT-125 motorcycle is not yet known, since European sales will officially begin only in the fall of 2014. The new product has every chance of becoming a bestseller in this category of bikes, unless, of course, the price is too high.

Conclusion: a modern city bike with an upright seating position, created on the basis of a sports motorcycle. Thanks to the comfortable seat, position of the footrests and overall ergonomics, it is ideal for city riding for both tall riders and fragile girls of small stature.