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)



Detail Value
New price £4,249
Used price range View Yamaha YZF-R125 bikes for sale to see current asking prices
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. Find a Yamaha R125 for sale

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

See all Yamaha YZF-R125 motorcycles for sale

Yamaha
YZF-R125

6000 miles

£2,995

Yamaha
YZF-R125

5375 miles

£3,295

Yamaha
YZF-R125

14002 miles

£2,895

Yamaha
YZF-R125

6 miles

£75

Yamaha
YZF-R125

5500 miles

£3,000

Owners' Overall Rating rating is 4(21 reviews)

  • had for 4 months

    max748

    Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    i had this motorcycle for 4 months in australia before moving to germany, it isn't a common bike in AUS because you normally start out on a 250, i'm glad i didn't get a ninja 250, my friend had one and we whent on rides together, everyone was interested in mine and kept asking if it was a 600 and couldn't believe me when i said it was a 125(shows how rare they are down under) rode great, cornered hard and zero reliability issues in 10,000kms+ sold it for more than i baught it (baught it leading into winter and sold leading into summer) if i hadn't dropped it and had to pai for the repairs, i would have actually made money out of it. highly recomended!!!

    24 May 2012

  • Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    i have a 2011 one, bought it brand new and it had its first (600mile) service this morning, my first bike so i cant exactly compare it to anything except the CG i did my cbt on (this one's better). i get about 150 miles out of half a tank of fuel so i believe 150miles a tank is wrong. :D bike is really good - accelerates quickly for overtakes and doesn't make moped sounds when you're overtaking (which was top of my list when looking for a first bike "must not sound like moped") looses a bit (a lot) of power on hills. not very forgiving with the gears if you dont know what your doing. have had a few tantrums where it won't change up a gear until you start being really deliberate with the clutch and gearshift. this is probably me though (a) because i rarely know what i'm doing. bike looks great. taller than people expect and it doesnt "look" like a 125 from first glance, so generally get approval from other road users on bikes and jealous glares from everyone in the college parking lot. apparently doesnt weigh anything, and so far everyone that isn't me has been able to push it into akward spaces with zero difficulty. one person even managed to pick it up and move it when id left it somewhere stupid with the steering lock on. hint - you'll want an alarm or a big chain or something (y). so yeh. very nice bike.

    12 April 2012

  • Great looking first bike

    heath9144

    Average rating rating is 3.5

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    Had a YZF for around a year and used it to commute on 5 days a week. Having covered 9000 miles its very reliable with no breakdowns, the only downside is the chain, with it being a smaller bike I needed to replace it at 7500miles along with the sprockets and I needed to adjust the chain every 500miles which was an inconvenience. The turning circle was laughable but that's too be expected on a sports bike. Compared to the competition I am glad I chose this one, and at second hand prices it was a bargain for around £2300. Great display, looks and brakes. Highly recommended bike for the newbies. With more top end power & speed it would be perfect. It was my pride and joy until a taxi decided to pull out in front of me, its not that he didn't see me, he didn't even bother to look!

    30 October 2011

  • Amazing !!!!

    ZACK ALLEN

    Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    you cannot fault this bike its every teenagers dream its reliable it looks great handles like a big bike and so what the price is £4000 i was happy to pay that. alot more confident on that then a skinny cbr 125 fuel on a full tank is more like 250 not 150mpg 0-60 ive had in 7 secs and top end on the tank ive done 86mph thats all standard apart from a double bubble screen by puig due to recieve the scorpion can in carbon at £350 but improves bhp by 5bhp haha and is alot lighter then standard can really mean this but il keep this bike till the day i die it really is special and even when i do get another bike 600 wise il still have fun from time to time on this =]

    05 September 2011

  • Old and new rider

    robhaycock72

    Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    As a 6' 16 stone 38 yr old I was surprised just how good this bike feeels to ride. Lacks bit of power after 50 mph but will make 75 even with me on it. The only trouble is you forget it is only a 125 and will soon be wanting a bigger engine. Bike size is good tho and you don't look like the proverbial swan on a ducks back. Mpg is excellent and would say more like 250 miles from a tank not 150 as stated

    02 March 2011

  • great to learn on

    gazza591

    Average rating rating is 3.5

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    Had this bike for around 5 months now and loving it so far. I want to get a big bike in the future so thought it best to learn on a smaller 125cc before wasting money on something i might not ever use or end up wanting. Bought brand new and love the thing from day one. Its great for city riding, back roads country lanes and dual carriage ways, and i get so many looks cos people believe it to be a r6 on first sight. The bike is perfect for anyone wanting practice on smaller sport bike and it is great on fuel and parts. Cant sing this bikes praises enough and hopefully it will teach me more about riding before i move onto a bigger bike. A must for anyone young or old who wants to start off on a sports bike.

    24 January 2010

  • 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

Page

Discuss this

Add your comment
mattyamaha

User's Badge

mattyamaha says

great bike

i have took 1 out on a test ride and i enjoyed it so much  but the only down side is that its 4 grand  brand new   so i think i may have to look for a well looked after second hand yamaha yzf r125 

02 August 2010 16:25

Gingemk1

Gingemk1says

Ace

Its a beautiful bike, have had it for a few months now. not a single problem, well except for some taxi driver planting his car in to the back of me last night. would definately recommend.

11 February 2010 22:52

jacob965

jacob965 says

motorbike insurance

I frequently borrow Yamaha R125 bike from my friend as it is very easy to handle and ride. I love this bike. I also bought short term motorbike insurance for it. The duration for this insurance was 1-28 days. This insurance also provided protection while you drive someone else's bike, getting cover in planned situations like driving another bike, getting loan of someone else's bike or to go for sightseeing motorcycle expedition etc...

http://onedaycarinsure.co.uk/Daily-Motorcycle-Insurance/

29 December 2009 06:08

pspgreeny

pspgreenysays

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

paulmcc123 says

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

Show all comments

Rate my bike

Related News