Yamaha YZF-R125 Bike Overview
You might be riding on ‘L’ plates and a provisional A1 licence, and restricted to just 15bhp – but you still want to do it in style, right? And Yamaha’s YZF-R125 is one of the slickest-looking sporty learner machines around.
Okay, it’s not got the performance potential of the old-school TZR125 and RD125 two-strokes from your grandpa’s day. But particularly with the latest variable valve timing model, Yamaha has worked hard to give the maximum possible fun from a road-legal learner engine.
The original R125 first appeared in 2008, and brought the looks of the supersports R6 and R1 models to the learner class. Under the R-class bodywork is a basic steel tube frame, bouncy unadjustable suspension and a 15bhp single-cylinder motor. Top speed is around 80mph depending how skinny you are and how much you can tuck in, but fuel consumption is miserly in the extreme. A slick LCD dash is easy to use, and as a good-looking, sharp handling everyday mini-superbike, it’s hard to top.
The latest version launched in 2019 moved things on again though. The long-stroke engine got a total overhaul, with larger valves, and the first variable valve system on a 125 road bike. The VVA setup has two cam profiles in use, one for low-down torque and the other for free-revving top end power. An ECU-controlled solenoid moves a locking pin into place around 7,400 revs, bringing the top-end cam into play and giving a superb spread of power. It’s the strongest-feeling 125 four-stroke engine you’ll ride we reckon…
Take a look at our full ride review of the Yamaha YZF-R125 right here…
Yamaha YZF-R125 Bike Spec
- Capacity124cc
- Weight140kg
- Top speed78mph
- Seat height810mm
- EngineLiquid cooled, four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC
Yamaha YZF-R125 Bike Insurance
Yamaha YZF-R125 Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
She fits. I'm 5ft 7. She seems like a sports bike. Looks like a sports bike and turns like a sports bike. Best start off to get yourself onto a big boy!
Cons
The god damn noise from the engine... its just yamaha.. they sound funny.
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It's sports.. as comfy as sport bikes get :)
Never broken down... owned her for 2 years. She's a good one
Amazing!!!
Easy to fix no issues. She turns clean
For a 125cc she could be better but also could need tuning
Amazing!
Pros
looks and quality built bike to start on
Cons
N/A i'm happy with my bike
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it's very comfortable stable on the road no problems
NONE YET
the braking is smooth and relaxing
it's a smooth ride but it's not a lightweight bike
sound very good
every motorbike could be cheaper LOL
Pros
Looks very sleek and sporty.
Cons
Oil cap position very hard to get to hate the standard one headlight being on design.
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Not very comfortable seats comfy but wrists hurt after about half an hour as i find it hard to lean forward all the time like your meant to handlebars are low down.
Yamaha are usually good i got sold a bad bike i think as been in garage twice since i bought it 6 weeks ago
Very good brakes.
Rides well easy to turn and control very light
Fast for the engine size acceleration is good.
Very cheap good on fuel lasts a long time.
Pros
Power and braking system.
Cons
Pillion seat is too high.
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It's really comfortable with a pillion passenger, easy to handle and suitable for a short trip
Amazing build quality. Its called King of 125. I had no issue over a year of time.
ABS is installed. So, brake performance is good but stopping distance is long
This bike is amazing for smooth ride and very easy to corner and medium weight.
Compare to 125cc engine and HP is really strong.
Its a bit expensive than other 125 cc bikes but compare to performance cost is nothing.
Pros
Very reliable and cheap to run.
Cons
Could have both head lights on.
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Ride is good.
Very well built.
The brakes are amazing.
Smooth ride.
Powerful for a 125cc.
Very cheap to run.
Pros
Bike is good overall happy with it. It's cheap to run.
Cons
Could do with more power.
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Could do with more power.
Pros
Great first bike. great way to get all round experience before taking full test. Better to make early mistakes on smaller bike. no issues
Cons
no issues
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tried various bikes as part of mod 1 and cbt. it handles like a much bigger bike. Very positive enjoyable ride
top end bike for the 125 rating. Comfortably does 70
no issues
no isses after 2 years. easy service . on issues on mot
very positive brakes.just right for a 125
Pros
Great first bike or inner city commuter. However, typical sports positioning is not great for long city journeys for obvious reasons.
Cons
Wing mirrors don't have the best visibility. I know this is a weigh-up between over-sized dragging or over protruding, but they just seem to miss the mark for a bike you will inevitable sit up and tuck in on.
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Easy to ride, corners well. In high cross winds it does feel like the bike is about to disappear from below you. So far it hasn't, but that is just a small bike issue.
It's a 125... It's a great 125 but still a 125.
Wing mirrors don't have the best visibility. I know this is a weigh-up between over-sized dragging or over protruding, but they just seem to miss the mark for a bike you will inevitable sit up and tuck in on.
No ABS, rear brakes feel a little, all or nothing.
Pros
Ace bike, lovely to ride and pretty nippy. Great stance.
Cons
Bigger back tyres
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Takes corners and bends very well
Absolute excellent and very good
Bigger back tyres
Built on plastic apart from frame work
ABS, can't really argue with that
Pros
One of the best on the market but the price reflects it even second hand. Even though it is a 125 you wouldn't of thought it Was parked next to it's competitors.
Cons
Even though it's a Yamaha (good quality) it has a plastic fuel tank cover which makes it feel a little cheep would be nice to have it metal.
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Even though it's a Yamaha (good quality) it has a plastic fuel tank cover which makes it feel a little cheep would be nice to have it metal.
Pros
Looks and handling
Cons
Comfort
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Brilliant, best handling 125cc on the market
Best 4 stroke engine on the market power wise. Smooth and responsive
142 miles per gallon. Less than a tenner to fill.
Solid reliability, if maintained following Yamaha's recommend guidence.
Usually comes with brembo as standard
Pros
Look. It has very sexy look. Its almost like r1, or r6. Bulletproof engine, takes from low revs, cheap to run, insure.
Cons
Install immobiliser, tracker, use chain ( expensive one, not cheap crap) otherwise it will be stolen from you. It is a dream bike for so many youngsters in the street.
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Beautiful cornering, eye catcher
Bulletproof engine. Low revs to highest ones has constant torque (3000 to 10500) with peak at 7000rpm.
Install immobiliser, tracker, use chain ( expensive one, not cheap crap) otherwise it will be stolen from you. It is a dream bike for so many youngsters in the street.
Very well done, superb. After so many slides etc , so many miles , 38000, still love it
You cant go wrong with factory installed brembos !!! New models now i see on the street are even with ABS