Yamaha YZF-R125, 2019 >>>
(Brand New Model)

As part of a major overhaul for 2019, Yamaha has done something very surprising with the new YZF-R125 and incorporated variable valve technology within its 125cc single cylinder motor

A very clever system, VVA effectively allows Yamaha to run two profiles of intake cam. At low revs the four-stroke single’s solitary overhead cam operates a rocker arm to open the two intake valves while another rocker arm controls the exhaust valves, which is a fairly conventional set-up.
In short, VVA gives the YZF-R125 the best of both worlds – low and mid-range torque with an A1-meeting 14.5bhp top end. But can you really spot the performance gain on a 125 with just shy of 15bhp and 9.2lb.ft of torque?

Alongside the VVA system, Yamaha has gone to town on this third generation of YZF-R125.
The steel Deltabox chassis has been revised alongside the aluminium swingarm for improved agility, the rear wheel is now a beefy 140-section unit with Michelin Pilot Street tyres front and rear and the KYB suspension has been optimised with a lovely YZR-M1-style top yoke added for a bit of visual bling. While the single four-piston radial caliper is the same as before, the ABS and brake pad compound has been tweaked and there is even a cool MotoGP-type brake lever protector as standard fitment.

And the race track inspiration doesn’t stop there with the YZF-R125 now carrying an R-Series style fairing, complete with LED lights and a huge gulping frontal air scoop that looks just like the one on the firm’s YZR-M1 MotoGP bike!

In short, it looks just how a young rider would wish and should be enough to keep teenager riders happy.

Yamaha YZF-R125, 2014-2018
(Upgrade)

Yamaha has unveiled an update to their best-selling YZF-R125 entry-level supersports machine for 2014.
The update includes a more radical looking front end designed around the multi-championship winning YZF-R6.
The new fairing gives the 2014 model an image that according to Yamaha ‘accentuates its R-series DNA and race-bred heritage’

The chassis also sees an upgrade including a new front suspension design which sees the bike equipped with upside down front forks, just like the R1 and R6, with the aim of ensuring better stability and front-wheel feedback. The R125 also sees a redesigned rear suspension linkage system designed to increase the level of rider and passenger comfort

The fuel injection system also receives an upgrade to a new high-efficiency system, which Yamaha claim improves fuel efficiency by around 11%. The 2014 model is also equipped with a radial front caliper and floating front disc brake.

The upgrade also sees the introduction of a completely re-designed instrumentation featuring a brand new-multifunction LCD unit.
Lightweight, Y-spoke alloy wheels also feature on the 2014 model with the rear brake pedal, shift lever and passenger footrest brackets all made out of aluminium.
Colours available include Mat Grey, Anodized Red and Race Blu.

Yamaha YZF-R125, 2008-2013
(First release)

When launched it had the popular Honda CBR125R in its sights, and it did the job well
Ever since it burst onto the scene in 2008 as the first ‘full-sized’ 125, Yamaha’s YZF-R125 has been a firm favorite with racing-obsessed teenagers.

Its 125cc engine produces 11 kW (15 bhp), making it road-legal for learners. Its striking styling is unashamedly similar to the other R-series models such as the much larger-engined YZF-R1 and R6, and like those models it features a lightweight box frame and a cast aluminium swinging rear arm, giving class-leading handling.