Yamaha YZF-R 125 in the driving report

Yamaha YZF-R 125 in the driving report

Refurbished bonsai racer

Yamaha’s YZF-R 125 has dominated the eight-liter athlete class since it was released in 2008. So that it stays that way in the face of growing competition, the developers are giving the Bonsai Racer a thorough overhaul for 2014.

She came, saw and won: she jumped straight away Yamaha YZF-R 125 topped the 125cc approval charts six years ago. And clenched there. Since then, over 12,000 copies have rolled out of the showrooms in Germany alone, making the R 125 the top seller in the Yamaha range. The competition from Honda and Aprilia was left behind. The recipe for success? In short: great engine, great chassis, great brakes. In addition the sharp design of the super sporty sister YZF-R6. This was not only well received by the young target group. Incidentally, the R 125 also proved to be extremely stable in the MOTORRAD endurance test over 25,000 kilometers.

Yamaha YZF-R 125 in the driving report

Refurbished bonsai racer

YZF-R 125 with a thorough facelift. The most important innovations: Upside-down fork with a 41 millimeter guide tube diameter, radially screwed four-piston caliper at the front, slightly flatter steering head angle, new linkage for the shock absorber and a revised injection system. The look has also been sharpened, especially the central air inlet between the headlights catches the eye. Can the Yamaha YZF-R 125 keep the full-bodied promise that its sporty, adult appearance now gives more than ever?

Despite all the agility, it doesn’t seem wobbly

She can. The water-cooled engine with its 15 HP is still one of the best the class has to offer. Thanks to its long-stroke, torque-oriented design, it can also roll at moderate speeds in city traffic. From 7000 turns, there is lively propulsion before the shift light in the new fully digital cockpit calls for the next gear at 10,500 revs. Motorized like this, the open version with the Yamaha YZF-R 125 can easily swim along on the motorway.

However, the big hour of the YZF-R 125 strikes on winding country roads. That was the case before and nothing has changed. The 141 kilograms (with a full tank) of the R can be thrown from curve to curve without resistance. The Yamaha steers in with pinpoint accuracy, but with all its agility it is by no means wobbly. The Michelin Pilot Street fitted as the first tire quickly builds up good grip. There is only minimal point deduction for the responsiveness of the fork, but that is criticism on a high level. Overall, the Yamaha YZF-R 125 is properly muffled and full.

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No ABS for the Yamaha YZF-R 125

The brake is a highlight. The mix of four-piston radial caliper and 292-millimeter brake disc at the front, like its rear counterpart, decelerates very well, has a clear pressure point and can be precisely adjusted up to the adhesion limit. And that’s a good thing because, unlike the KTM RC 125, the Yamaha YZF-R 125 does not have ABS.

It should be clear that with so much racing spirit, everyday suitability takes a back seat. The seat is high (825 millimeters seat height!), Narrow and hard, and the handlebars are low. Passenger Comfort? Next question, YZF-R 125 pilots tend to fly solo and with light luggage. After all, Yamaha responded to complaints about the formerly spartan cockpit and now gives the new one a really extensive information center. Thanks to the good contrast, it remains legible even in direct sunlight. The further decrease in consumption is also pleasing. In the test average with a lot of full throttle, the Yamaha YZF-R 125 was content with 2.6 liters per 100 kilometers. In view of the technical upgrade, the additional price of 350 euros compared to the previous year’s model seems fair. Leaning connoisseurs, whether with an A1 driver’s license or open, will have a lot of fun with the renovated Rennerle.

Technical data Yamaha YZF-R 125

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Pictures: Yamaha YZF-R 125 in the driving report

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Bore x stroke: 52.0 x 58.6 mm
Displacement: 124 cm³
Compression ratio: 11.2: 1
Rated output: 11.0 kW (15 PS) at 9000 rpm
Max. Torque: 12.4 Nm at 8000 rpm

Landing gear: Bridge frame made of steel, upside-down fork, Ø 41 mm, two-arm swing arm made of aluminum, central spring strut with lever system, adjustable spring base, front disc brake, Ø 292 mm, double-piston floating caliper, rear disc brake, Ø 230 mm, single-piston floating caliper.

Cast aluminum wheels: 2.75 x 17; 3.75 x 17
Tires: 100/80 R 17; 130/70 17

Dimensions + weights: Wheelbase 1355 mm, steering head angle 65.0 degrees, caster 89 mm, suspension travel f / h 130/114 mm, seat height 825 mm, weight with a full tank 141 kg, permissible total weight 323 kg, tank capacity / reserve 11.5 / 1.2 liters.

Guarantee: two years
Colors: blue, red, black
Price: 4350 euros
Additional costs: 150 euros

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