Skip to content

Motorcycle Reviews

Find By Make/Model

1 of 13
Yamaha YZF-R125 review action
Click to enlarge
translate:/Shared/Controls/Multimedia/Flickrator/PreviousImageAltText translate:/Shared/Controls/Multimedia/Flickrator/NextImageAltText
 

Yamaha YZF-R125 (2008-current)

View all Yamaha YZF-R125s for sale (10)

Detail Value
New price £2,999
Engine size 124cc
Power 14.6bhp
Top speed 75mph
Insurance group 6
  MCN ratings Owners' ratings
Overall rating is 4 rating is 4
Engine rating is 3 rating is 4
Ride & Handling rating is 4 rating is 4
Equipment rating is 4 rating is 4
Quality & Reliability rating is 4 rating is 4
Value rating is 3 rating is 3.5

MCN overall verdict rating is 4

Since 2004, Honda has had the learner sports bike market sewn up – the CBR125R flew out of showrooms faster than its larger capacity counterparts. Yamaha’s range had a gap for a 125 sport motorcycle, and the YZF-R125 fills that gap by combining the Honda’s easy-going ride with a little bit more poke and grown up looks – it’s actually slightly bigger than the YZF-R6 that inspired its styling!

 

Watch Yamaha's YZF-R125 take on the Honda CBR125 and Aprilia's RS125

Watch the first ride of Yamaha's YZF-R125

 

Engine

MCN rating rating is 3
Owners' rating rating is 4

The Yamaha YZF-R125’s all-new engine has a longer stroke than other 125 motorcycles to give more torque, but it’s still no arm-ripper. Instead, the YZF-R125 gives flexibility two-stroke rivals like the Aprilia RS125 can only dream of. The Yamaha will crawl along at walking pace with the clutch fully engaged, and opening the throttle will give smooth drive right to the redline. It’s good for an indicated 80mph, which will satisfy most riders stepping up from a moped.

Ride and Handling

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4

For a motorcycle that costs a shade less than £3000, has a steel frame and unadjustable basic suspension, the Yamaha YZF-R125’s bloody good. The forks and shock have controlled damping which allows you to chuck the bike around back roads, but they’re not jarring on rough city streets.

Equipment

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4

The Yamaha YZF-R125’s digital dash, Brembo brakes, under-slung GP-style exhaust and a proper sized R6-inspired body is the stuff of wet dreams when you’re 17. The full-size body makes it reasonably comfortable too – the footpegs aren’t too high, the handlebars are mounted on the fork tops so your wrists don’t take a pounding and the seat isn’t massively hard either. The seat is reasonably high though – shorties may be more comfortable on the Honda.

Quality and Reliability

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4

The Yamaha YZF-R125 is built in Europe, and although it doesn’t have a top-level finish, it looks sturdy enough. Previous Yamaha/Minarelli engines have been strong, and there’s nothing to suggest this new water-cooled lump will be anything different.

Value

MCN rating rating is 3
Owners' rating rating is 3.5
The Yamaha YZF-R125’s is a great introduction to sports bikes without the drawbacks of two-stroke rivals – but so is the Honda CBR125R for £300 less – if you pay RRP, which many don’t. The Yamaha is better suited to larger riders, is more composed when you thrash it and looks better, but otherwise they offer the same thing. It’s your decision whether it’s worth the extra.

Insurance

Insurance group: 6

Compare motorcycle insurance quotes now

Model History

2008: Yamaha YZF-R125 launched.

Other Versions

None.

Specifications

Top speed 75mph
1/4-mile acceleration secs
Power 14.6bhp
Torque 9ftlb
Weight 127kg
Seat height 818mm
Fuel capacity 13.8 litres
Average fuel consumption 52mpg
Tank range 150 miles
Insurance group 6
Engine size 124cc
Engine specification 4v four-stroke liquid-cooled single, six gears
Frame Steel beam
Front suspension adjustment None
Rear suspension adjustment Preload only
Front brakes Brembo two-piston sliding caliper, 292mm disc
Rear brake Single-piston caliper, 230mm disc
Front tyre size 100/80-17
Rear tyre size 130/70-17

Examples for sale nowSee all current ads for this bike

classified image

Yamaha
YZF-R125

0 miles

£2,999

classified image

Yamaha
YZF-R125

120 miles

£2,995

classified image

Yamaha
YZF-R125

5047 miles

£2,495

classified image

Yamaha
YZF-R125

4000 miles

£2,895

classified image

Yamaha
YZF-R125

1100 miles

£3,199

Powered by motorcyclenews.com

Owners' Overall Rating rating is 4(15 reviews)

  • everyday commute

    Stevet623

    Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    I am 6 foot and 15 stone I owned this bike for 3 months an 4500 miles. It is a very good 125 it is fun looks great and attracts quite a bit of attention. It managed between 95-100 mpg it reached 65mph easily then gradually built up to 75mph. I used the bike regualrly to do my commute of 60 miles daily on mainly A roads. I eventually got fed up of having to plan my overtaking moves so far in advance. In my opinion this is a great everyday bike though is it really worth the hefty price tag?

    05 November 2009

  • 100MPG Reguarly.

    blinding

    Average rating rating is 4.5

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    I have owned mine for three months now, use it everyday to and from work just clocked 3K miles. Firstly I am getting 300 miles out of every tank of fuel, I calculate that as 100MPG not the 50 quoted. My insurance full comp is approx £150 and with the road tax at £15 a year this is a great little toy thats also cheap to run. Im 5'8" and the bike was a bit high when new but now the rear spring has settled I have no problem with the height. This bike is definately recomended and everyone wants a second look even the boys on the R6's n R1's even if it is just to double check the 125 sticker. I used to own a TZR125 and this is right up along side it for fun. It is much more civilised than a 2 stroke pulling from 30 in 5th right up through the revs, I know my TZR wouldnt of done that.

    04 November 2009

  • amazing

    pspgreeny

    Average rating rating is 5

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    overall:right put this why i park my bike up by the shops .sudnley gye pops out asking me loads things about it......that alone is anth to make u want this bike. ride and handling:lmao 1 word amazing lmao equipment:amazing clock...also at night time woooot like a disco<3 quality and reliabilty:okies i rag the tits of my bike allways switching gear befor redline never broke down never neeeded oil topping up nothing ...gotta be best ov the best value:125cc 3400 pounds now i payed 3000 new yellow 1 ....bargin to me also stil cheap imo now engine:best 4 stroke 125cc in its class nothing will beat it if its 4 stroke sound it makes is lovley ....iv done 10.000miles on my yzf r125 best engine no lies just like to say my true top speed is 84mph on the clock no lieing no bsing its true little 4 stroke engine is basicly bullet proof best bike iv owned....sorry about spelling grammer but cuz iv done 10.000 miles on it i feel i hav right to submit my review

    08 September 2009

  • A good bike

    MrButterscotch

    Average rating rating is 3.5

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    I can't really compare this to other bikes as it's the first I've owned - but I do know a fair bit about two wheelers and I can recommend this. My R125 is now past a first service and handles extremely well - it'll also burn off most cars from the lights. I've had no problems whatsoever other than user error, though it definitely does feel skittish in the wet if you haven't worn in the tyres and brakes (you definitely want to do this on any new bike). I've had it up to 75mph and I'm quite satisfied that I'd be able to get the full 85mph out of it, perhaps whether you'd want to is another question. Suspension at first appears quite firm until you get used to it, though remember the R125 has a 'supersports' shape. This means it's designed to have a very high seat (may cause problems for anyone below 5 foot 6) and you'll be wringing your wrists at the lights. However, you'll look extremely cool when speeding along. First gear I don't find short, I do find it a bit gutless though. Second gear is great when you get to the 9,000 rpm. Brakes are brembo and are actually quite high spec for a 125 - stopping power (given the acceleration) is very impressive. Don't yank on the front! I got mine for £300 less than the list and I can certainly recommend buying one. I'm looking to fit the new Leo Vince exahust system from Moto GB over winter and I'm looking forward to the boost in the mid range.

    31 August 2009

  • the ideal learner bike

    bradderz123

    Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    as im only 17,it has to be said im not the most expieranced rider in the world.but this bike is just incredible.my 2nd bike and i love it.it copes on the back roads perfectly and although sluggish on hills at times with a head on wind it still keeps up with many cars on the back roads.but that said..its a small 125 engine.what else can be expected?im on L plates so i cant use the motorway but dual carriage ways it manages 70mph and will stay there all day long. off the lights it will beat any car up to a 1.8.tryed and tested up to 40mph! then just forget about it..... if a nippy,reliable and econimical bike is what your after....buy this...if you want the opposite but more speed.....the aprilia rs125 is for you... ive had this bike since februaray and mine has not posed any rust threats on the frame or exhaust and mine has done 8000 miles. the petrol range up there ^ ^ ^is wrong.if your sensible e.g not caining it then you will cover 247 on a full tank. ( with the fuel indicator flashing ) thats rare but even when caining it i still manage 207 miles on a full tank. its got the big bike look,the nice engine note at 8000rpm and a town friendly clutch making it easier to crawl around town this bike turns heads...even in kirby lonsdale! hope this helps future buyers!

    05 August 2009

  • 11 months in!

    azza88

    Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    Got this bike october last year. Loved it ever since... overall i coulden't ask for more in a first bike. Handelling great. this thing is SO easy to ride! having past my cbt to this i loved it. I have had some rust on my exhaust but this is the same with them all i heard. saying that i've rode this bike in al weather conditions and its always came through for me! This looks like a big bike... i've had people asking me if it was a r6! the only thing i would change style wise would be to give it upside down forks. not something it need but i think would go towards the "big bike" looks. Engine... wot can i say?its only a small 125. this engine was designed to meet CBT restrictions IT WILL NOT GO FASTER like old aprillia 2 strokes and the like! it can't be deristricted! saying that i'ma lot quicker off the mark than any of my mates cars. Great town bike. finds it hard on roads above 60 tho... i tend to burn the fuel on motorway travel so best to avoid it!

    04 August 2009

  • My YZF review

    jonnyconcrete

    Average rating rating is 2.5

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    I have had one since march but im chopping it in this week for a ducati monster :D I had a problem with my frame rusting even though i garage and clean and waxed the bike every week? The bike was reliable and good on fuel but it was gutless compared to my previous 125 a derbi gpr 125 nude (no fairing version). If i was a 17 year old again i would buy something cheaper than this bike and save for the second bike with the cash i had saved. The problem with the bike for me was it looked great (apart from the frame rust) but the bike seemed pretty slow even compared to other 125's. Someone aslo mentioned in one of their reviews that they can get 100mph out of it tucked into the fairing that's a complete crock this bike wont get anywhere near that speed. try to imagine a cg125 with good looks and that's pretty much what you are getting. If you go to buy one with that in mind you wont be as disappointed as i was with mine.

    18 June 2009

  • Will be legend

    LJay

    Average rating rating is 4.5

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    The Yamaha R125 bike is lovely I have had it for one year now and no problems, it's light but when it comes to performance...It lacks a hell of a lot, it's my first bike and i'm already taking it to it's limit, but yeah if your new to the bike scene this is a good bike to have but if you want some pull then I'd go fo the R6.

    18 May 2009

  • fuel

    wearne46

    Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    ive had my r125 for a year now and ive had 300 miles to a full tank only once but looks like its going to do it again and that 100 mpg and thats reli good for just under £13 pound its great on fuel neva seen nefink like it

    13 May 2009

  • It's new and my first bike!!!

    Damien Smith

    Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    At the start... it was easy to ride i had only passed my CBT and two months later i got on this bike and it was VERY easy to jump on it and ride... i took it easy for the first week and thing is you just cant help but want to thrash it! it is such a good bike for your first and i am in my early 20's wish i had this when i was 17!!!!

    27 December 2008

Page

Discuss this

Add your comment

Subject

Your comment

 

By submitting your comment, you agree to be bound by MCN's Terms and Conditions

Cancel

pspgreeny

pspgreeny says

imo people byeing new yzf r125 get ur self end can ahahah thats all u need everything else on bike is insainely amazing

08 September 2009 19:12

paulmcc123

paulmcc123says

Yamaha YZFR125 Overview

This is a great learner bike, had mine since march 09 and has now got nearly 8000 mile on the clock and had no problems with it. Just changed the tyres and brakes so 8000 mile out of them is pretty impresive:O.

Av had mine at 86mph bouncing off the limiter and wasn't going down a hill surprisingly. Also done a round trip from paisley to oban on one tank of petrol and was definatley not takin it easy goin up there.

Very very sturdy bikes aswell as iv fell off mine once and the damage was minimal only scrapes along the right side fairings.

01 July 2009 12:13

Fazerzz

Fazerzz says

Derestricting???

Hi I ride a FZR1000, but was wondering about getting this 125 for commuting and the odd track day! What needs to be done to derestrict the bike? Cheers in advance.

18 June 2009 00:32

RedEEye

RedEEyesays

I'm new!

Hi everyone, new to these forums so want to say "Hey!" to all.

Just wanted to throw a quick question to all the owners here. I really want to get into riding, however being vertically challenged I'm worried about being able to handle a bike properly, I'm 5' 2", so my question is are there any similar height YZF R125 riders? any idea's on this bikes suitability, are there any ways to lower the bike?

Thanks in advance

- Jay

03 February 2009 10:28

DevilYamaha

DevilYamaha says

Most stuff

I've only had mine for about 6weeks... and i go to work on it and take it for rides even though it VERY cold. i have had no real problems with the bike and i havent taken it slow either! its a very good machine and i am soon to take it in for its service!! you learn fast on it good first bike guys!!!!!! you everyone stares at ya with the look "what a nice bike" love it!!!

 

I have ridin it in the wet and no problems at all! just ride safe... i have riden it in the snow and ice (silly thing to do yes) BUT it stuck to the roads VERY well...

27 December 2008 02:45

Show all comments

Most popular

Rate my bike

Related News