Skip advert
Advertisement

Yamaha YZF-R125 review

Yamaha’s 125cc race-replica provides MotoGP-influenced styling, agile handling and plenty of rev-happy fun for A1 licence-holders

The smallest member of Yamaha’s YZF family of sports bikes has been a best-seller for almost a decade, and has maintained its popularity following a revamp in 2014, since when it has shared many components with the naked MT-125. That success is easy to understand. The YZF-R125 has some of the fully-faired style of the YZR-M1 ridden in MotoGP by Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales, despite being powered by a 125cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine that is limited to 15bhp by A1 licence regulations. For such a racy-looking bike, the R-125 doesn’t handle with quite the sharpness some might expect, but its rev-happy engine, rider-friendly handling and well-proven reliability make a very appealing combination for young riders, and the price remains reasonably competitive.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Pros:

  • • Looks like Rossi’s bike
  • • Performance good for class
  • • Well-proven design

Cons:

  • • Most A1-class bikes are cheaper
  • • Popularity diminishes impact
  • • Not as quick or sharp as it looks

Yamaha has a history of sporty small-capacity bikes that goes back to the Sixties and includes legendary models such as the 50cc FS1-E and RD250LC, on which generations of riders cut their teeth. Those were all two-strokes, but the YZF-R125 manages to have a similarly sporting image, despite being powered by a liquid-cooled four-stroke engine and limited to 15bhp, like rivals including Aprilia’s RS125, Honda’s CBR125R, KTM’s RC125 and Suzuki’s forthcoming GSX-R125.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

52,849 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £10,900
View Qashqai
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

46,225 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £18,506
View 5008
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

67,042 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,506
View Puma
EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC

Best super bikes on sale

The YZF-R125 was launched in 2008 and immediately became a hit. Five years later, it was top of the UK super-sports sales charts and had sold well over 40,000 units in Europe. However, Yamaha wanted a new 125cc model for its naked MT family, and was keen that it should share most parts with the sports model. So, the following year brought a redesign that left the faired single’s basic style in place, but many components changed. At £4,599, the Yamaha is one of the more expensive 125s, but has lately been available with 0 per cent finance to help make it more affordable.

Engine, transmission and brakes  3.9/5

Like all the sportier bikes in the A1 licence class, the Yamaha is powered by a single-cylinder engine that is limited to 15bhp. In the YZF’s case, this is produced at 9,000rpm, and delivered to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive. The maximum torque figure of 12.4Nm is produced at 8,000rpm, hinting at the single’s revvy nature.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The chassis has a pretty high specification, including an aluminium swing-arm and upside-down forks, although the suspension is not adjustable and, unlike Aprilia’s RS125, the Yam uses steel for its frame, rather than aluminium. Since the model’s launch in 2014, the braking system has been upgraded with ABS, and features a blend of 292mm disc and radial four-piston calliper up front.

Performance, ride and handling  3.7/5

That licence-dictated power limit of 15bhp means there’s very little to choose between the straight-line performance of the race-replica models. The YZF-R125 is also very close in speed and feel to the MT-125, with which it shares so many parts. The YZF weighs 2kg more, so in theory, it might be a fraction slower off the line, before gaining the edge due to its superior aerodynamics, which allow a slightly higher top speed of about 75mph.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Yamaha’s decision to share chassis parts and dimensions with the MT meant both models’ geometry was chosen mainly to suit the naked model, which had to be stable at speed despite its wind-blown riding position. That resulted in the YZF having slightly less racy steering geometry than its predecessor. So, although it feels light and respectably taut, it doesn’t steer with quite the same ease as the wide-barred MT; and, the lack of even a shock preload adjuster means there’s nothing its rider can do about that. But, it’s lively and sweet-handling enough to be plenty of fun, and is also respectably well braked, with the addition of ABS.

MPG, running costs and reliability  4.6/5

The Yamaha isn’t the cheapest of the race-replica 125s, but it should certainly be inexpensive to run. Owners report average fuel consumption of roughly 100mpg, despite the fact that any small-capacity sports bike is likely to be ridden hard. Recommended service intervals are 3,500 miles or every year for an oil change, and double that for spark plug and air filter replacement. The simple single-cylinder engine should mean reasonably low bills, and the bike’s light weight and modest power output mean that it’s also kind on tyres and brake pads.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The four-valve YZF motor has built up a strong reputation for reliability, too, and if it’s well looked after, it should give very few problems. Perhaps the one time to be wary is when buying a second-hand example, as small-capacity sports bikes are likely to have been owned by young riders with more enthusiasm than cash or mechanical sensibility. Hard use, combined with infrequent servicing or a failure to maintain oil levels, could lead to trouble with any bike, so caution is required, especially if buying privately. Like most Yamahas, the YZF comes with a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

Design, practicality and build quality  3.6/5

The YZF-R125’s recent redesign included new bodywork, featuring a full fairing, whose headlamps and central duct are intentionally reminiscent of Yamaha’s racy YZF-R6 middleweight. As with most sports bikes, the moderately leant-forward riding position works well at higher speeds, but less so in town, where the MT-125’s more upright approach would make more sense. Compared to its naked sibling, the YZF-R125 has not only lower, clip-on bars, but also slightly higher, more rearset footrests and a seat that is 15mm higher, at 825mm. It’s well built and reasonably roomy, even for taller riders, but not really designed for more than very brief two-up riding.

The level of finish is good, with a choice of blue, red or black paintwork, and the impression of quality is enhanced by the digital instrument panel, which includes gearshift warning lights, as well as information on fuel consumption and other details that can be toggled by pressing a button on the handlebar. Accessories include practical parts such as a tank bag, tank pad and 12V socket, as well as a double-bubble screen, crash bungs and Akrapovic silencer. However, unlike the rival Aprilia, it has no option of a quick-shifter.

Key specs and dimensions 

Model

 

Yamaha YZF-R125

 

Price

 

£4,599

 

Engine

 

125cc SOHC liquid-cooled single

 

BHP

 

15bhp @ 9,000rpm

 

Torque

 

12.4Nm @ 8,000rpm

 

Top speed

 

75mph

 

Weight

 

140kg wet

 

Seat height

 

825mm

 

Suspension

 

41mm telescopic forks, single rear shock. No adjustment

 

Brakes

 

292mm disc front, 230mm disc rear

 

Fuel capacity

 

11.5 litres

 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025