125cc motorcycles are usually simple and affordable, for those who are starting on two wheels, but there are also premium models, where performance and quality come first. This is the case with the renewed R125 and MT-125 from Yamaha, a sportbike and a naked bike, filled with arguments.
Even without making many changes to these models, Yamaha did not fail to make an international presentation, and for several reasons. Because the sale of 125cc motorcycles continues to grow, because these models are very important for the brand, and because ultimately, they are at the top of their respective categories, now even more so. In the case of the R, Yamaha is proud to have sportbikes for all types of riders and wallets: R 125, R3, R6, R7, R1 and R1M, there is something for everyone, and throughout Europe we can find trophies and competitions for all these models, namely through the Blu Cru program that helps beginners get started.
This R 125 is thus the base of the brand’s sportbikes. It is especially aimed at young people who love competition, technology, and adrenaline, and who never miss a MotoGP or Superbike race. For 2023, the model has maintained its main characteristics, with a Deltabox frame, quality suspensions and brakes, and a single-cylinder engine that delivers the maximum value allowed in the class, 15 horsepower, but there have been several improvements.
R PREMIUM
The R 125 is now in its 5th generation. It has always been a top-of-the-line sportbike within its segment and continues to be so, now with an even more pronounced aesthetic in the R1 and R7 through aerodynamics and also new aggressive lights. Highlighted for this year is a new 5-inch TFT instrumentation, with connectivity to our smartphone, and which has two display modes. Also highlighted is the traction control and an optional quickshifter, which we had the opportunity to test on the track. The subframe has also been reinforced in this generation, the handlebars are now slightly wider apart, and the steering head has a new design.
It was in a kart track that we made the first kilometers with the R. A very sinuous track, where we only used the second and third gears, but it served well to witness the agility of the bike, the elasticity of the engine, and the braking capacity. The asphalt was not perfect either, but that helped us understand how the R presents excellent dynamics, with the suspensions reading the asphalt well and with the Michelin Pilot Street tires – which seem somewhat hard for road use – gripping very well after they get hot. The riding position for attacking a sporty ride is very good and the assisted and slipper clutch works well, while the optional quickshifter that was mounted on the bikes is a plus but we didn’t use it in all parts of the track, to maintain a smoother overall experience in some gear changes.
Even without brake lever adjustment, we liked the braking capacity and the feeling of the system, even in the tightest situations where we reached 90 km/h and had to slow down quickly for a turn. As for the traction control, it is impossible to say that we felt it in action, and we believe it may be more important for use on slippery surfaces, wet roads, or Portuguese cobblestone for example. In the end, it was a very enjoyable morning riding a beautiful bike, the one we would like to own if we were 16 years old again!
ON THE ROAD
After lunch, we rode with the R but only on the road and the good sensations remained. Under these conditions, we appreciated the refined aerodynamics, which easily takes us beyond 130 km/h, with the bike showing a good balance between agility and stability. The seat is comfortable and the riding position only started to make our wrists a little tired by the end of the afternoon, after many kilometers, and when we entered the city. On the road, we still felt small vibrations, imperceptible on the track during adrenaline moments, and the onboard computer showed us an average consumption of 2.4 liters per 100 kilometers, which is also surprising, in a positive way of course. As for the engine, the VVA system manages to offer good elasticity to the single-cylinder, but as always happens in these small 125cc bikes, to ride fast you need to rev it close to the red line!
WITH THE NAKED
Now talking about the MT-125, it is part of a Hyper Naked range that has already sold over 370,000 units throughout Europe, and although the VVA system engine has not undergone any changes, just like the R’s, it still delivers (good) 15 hp of power. Now the model has received some of the improvements from the sport version, including the 5-inch TFT instrument panel with connectivity and the traction control system.
We only rode the MT-125 on the road. The naked bike has the same engine and chassis as the R but with a much more radical look, while the riding position is upright, like on a supermoto. With the MT, we appreciated the agility of the bike and the capabilities of the engine, which adapts equally well to city use as it does on highways, where we quickly exceeded 120 km/h, and always with low fuel consumption. We only found that a taller rider may have difficulties fitting on the MT due to the scooped seat that prevents them from moving further back. We liked the instrument panel and the smartphone connectivity works very well.
As for the chassis, we noticed that the mono-shock absorber is not perfect but also does not compromise (there is an optional Ohlins shock absorber), in a model that offers various accessories to choose from – in addition to a Sport Pack – just like its sporty sister. In this model, we were not able to witness the use of the traction control, but as they say, it’s better to have it and not need it than the other way around!
When riding the MT, we also appreciated the braking capacity (the feel is acceptable even without adjusting the lever) and overall quality of the bike. These are expensive motorcycles but they showcase, on a smaller scale – in terms of power, because in size they are “big” bikes – all the experience Yamaha has gained over many years in competition and in the manufacturing of high-spec motorcycles. If I were 25 years younger (and had some money in my pocket), I know which one I would choose!
YAMAHA R125
SINGLE-CYLINDER engine, 4 valves, liquid cooling
DISPLACEMENT 125 cc
POWER 11 Kw (15 hp) @ 10,000 rpm
TORQUE 11.5 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
GEARBOX 6 speeds
STEEL deltabox FRAME
FUEL TANK 11 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION 41 mm inverted fork, 130 mm travel
REAR SUSPENSION monoshock, 110 mm travel
FRONT BRAKE 292 mm disc, radial caliper
REAR BRAKE 220 mm disc
FRONT TIRE 100/80-17
REAR TIRE 140/70-17
WHEELBASE 1,325 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 820 mm
WEIGHT 144 kg
MSRP (from) €5,625
YAMAHA MT-125
SINGLE-CYLINDER engine, 4 valves, liquid cooling
DISPLACEMENT 125 cc
POWER 11 Kw (15 hp) @ 10,000 rpm
TORQUE 11.5 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
GEARBOX 6 speeds
STEEL deltabox FRAME
FUEL TANK 10 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION 41 mm inverted fork, 130 mm travel
REAR SUSPENSION mono-shock, 110 mm travel
FRONT BRAKE 292 mm disc, radial caliper
REAR BRAKE 220 mm disc
FRONT TIRE 100/80-17
REAR TIRE 140/70-17
WHEELBASE 1,325 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 810 mm
WEIGHT 142 kg
MSRP (from) €5,495
