Yamaha MT-125

The Yamaha MT-125 brings full-size Hyper Naked style and specification down into the learner-legal class, styled after its bigger MT-07, MT-09 and MT-10 brothers with genuine attitude rather than a scaled-down commuter look. It gives new riders and licence holders their first taste of big-bike presence from day one, without asking them to compromise on how the bike actually looks, feels or responds to rider input.

Its 125cc liquid-cooled single, with a 52.0mm by 58.7mm bore and stroke, SOHC, four valves and an 11.2 to 1 compression ratio, and developed with the same Variable Valve Actuation technology as the R125, produces 11.0kW at 10,000rpm and 11.5Nm of torque at 8,000rpm through a slick six-speed gearbox, with electronic fuel injection, TCI ignition and electric start ensuring easy, reliable starts every time. An assist and slipper clutch keeps gear changes light and effortless at the lever, whatever the traffic conditions, with chain final drive putting power down cleanly.

A Supersport-derived, Deltabox-style steel frame and aluminium swingarm deliver light, sporty handling, carried on a 1,325mm wheelbase with 160mm of ground clearance and 100/80 front and 140/70 rear tyres. A 41mm upside-down telescopic fork up front and a preload-adjustable linkage monoshock at the rear are matched to a 292mm front disc and 220mm rear disc, giving genuine confidence at higher speeds as well as around town. At just 142kg, with an approachable 810mm seat height, it stays light and manageable for less experienced riders, while still carrying the visual weight of a much bigger machine, and few machines in the learner class manage to feel this settled once speeds start to climb on a faster road.

Compact bodywork and a dynamic riding position complete the package, while a 10-litre tank and fuel consumption of around 2.1 litres per 100km, for CO2 emissions of just 48g/km, keep running costs low for daily use. It suits new riders and commuters who want proper big-bike looks and handling from a 125 rather than a bike that feels like a stepping stone towards something bigger. The Yamaha MT-125 is available now at GT Motorcycles, your Yamaha dealer in Plymouth, with finance and test rides available for riders across Devon and Cornwall.