The Yamaha R125 brings genuine R-Series supersport DNA down into the learner-legal class, styled after its bigger R1, R7 and R9 siblings with real race-bred attitude rather than a watered-down look. It gives new riders the chance to start their motorcycling life on something that looks and feels like a proper sportsbike, rather than a compromise until they can upgrade to something bigger, and it has quickly become one of the most talked-about bikes in the 125 class for exactly that reason.
Its 125cc liquid-cooled single, with a 52mm by 58.7mm bore and stroke, SOHC, four valves, an 11.2 to 1 compression ratio and fitted with Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation technology, produces 15PS (11kW) at 10,000rpm and 11.5Nm of torque at 8,000rpm through a six-speed gearbox, with electric start and wet sump lubrication keeping things dependable day to day. An assist and slipper clutch improves control under hard acceleration and smooths the way down through the gears on the way into corners, with chain final drive putting the power down cleanly, while traction control adds a genuine layer of reassurance for less experienced riders finding the limits of grip.
A steel Deltabox chassis carries 41mm KYB upside-down front forks and link-type rear suspension, delivering genuinely agile handling on 100/80 front and 140/70 rear tyres, while a 292mm front disc and 230mm rear disc provide confident stopping power. At 141kg, with a 1,325mm wheelbase and 160mm of ground clearance, the R125 stays light and manageable, and an 825mm seat height keeps the riding position properly sporty without becoming impractical for newer riders still building confidence, and the whole chassis feels noticeably more planted than most rivals manage at this capacity.
A five-inch smartphone-connected TFT display and an aggressive M-shaped LED front end complete the sportsbike look, while an 11-litre tank and fuel consumption of around 2.1 litres per 100km, for CO2 emissions of 47g/km, keep it genuinely practical for daily use as well as weekend fun. It suits new riders who want proper supersport styling and handling in a fully learner-legal package. The Yamaha R125 is available now at GT Motorcycles, your Yamaha dealer in Plymouth, offering finance and test rides to riders throughout Devon and Cornwall.
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