Our scoop is right on target! As expected, the new YZF-R125 with its big brother YZF-R7 face has been unveiled in Europe. Despite being a 125cc moped, it finally gets traction control and a TFT LCD meter with smartphone connectivity. A quick shifter is also available as an option, making it the most luxurious sports model in its class.
Details have not yet been announced, but a Japan introduction seems highly likely!
Written: Best Car Editorial Department
This article was originally published in "Best Car Web" on November 4, 2022.
- The 125 Sport has been reborn as a 125 Sport with all the features of a high-end model.
- In addition to the latest face, you get a color LCD, which is not available on the R15 or R25/3.
- The only Japanese 125SS with a traction controller and a quick shifter
- The new model also retains the suspension that is more luxurious than that of the R15.
- Will it be introduced in Japan in 2023?And also the lineup of big brother, XSR, and MT.
- European Specifications Yamaha YZF-R125 Specifications
The 125 Sport has been reborn as a 125 Sport with all the features of a high-end model.
On November 3 at 21:00, Yamaha Europe announced the 2023 YZF-R125. As previously reported on this website, it gains a mono-eye style bi-functional LED headlight built into the same M-shaped duct as the new YZF-R7. It also introduces an all-new exterior and a cowl with excellent aerodynamics, giving it an air of a machine that does not look like it belongs in the 125 class.
While inheriting the basic structure of the previous model, such as the delta box frame reminiscent of a big bike and the liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with variable valve timing (VVA), the new model has been tuned by optimizing the VVA operation timing, etc. In addition, traction control has been introduced for the first time in the 125 class with transmission from a Japanese manufacturer. In addition, a traction control system was newly introduced for the first time in the 125 class with a transmission from a Japanese manufacturer.
Another topic of interest is the TFT color LCD meter, the only one of its kind on a Japanese 125. While it shares some exterior features with its 155cc sibling, the YZF-R15, which underwent a model change in the fall of 2021, the YZF-R15 features enhanced equipment such as a meter and suspension.
2023 YZF-R125 (European specifications - European name is R125).
The YZF-R125 features an M-shaped duct + LED headlight and sharp twin-lens position lamps, similar to those on the YZF-R7.
Two body colors are available: Icon Blue (pictured) and Tech Black. The color variations are common to the 2023 R1, R7, and R3 models.
The previous R125 (European version) featured a unique twin-lens headlight. Since its debut for the European market in the 2009 model year, it has undergone a series of model changes, with the current third generation appearing in 2019
In addition to the latest face, you get a color LCD, which is not available on the R15 or R25/3.
Let us begin with the exterior. The previous model used a twin-lens headlight but has been redesigned with an R7-style mono-eye LED headlight similar to that of its sibling, the YZF-R15. In addition, the tank has a new shape for better knee grip, and the handlebar position has been optimized.
The tail area also has a new design, with a bolder aero form. The overall impression of high quality has been enhanced, and the image is directly linked to the high-end model.
More significant in terms of equipment is the new 5-inch TFT color LCD meter. While the conventional and older brother YZF-R15, as well as the 250cc YZF-R25, 320cc YZF-R3, and 688cc YZF-R7 have monochrome LCDs, the youngest brother, the R125, is more luxurious.
The meters are inspired by the flagship YZF-R1, with selectable street or track screen modes. The shift-up indicator can be adjusted as desired in 200 rpm increments.
In addition, a wireless connection to a smartphone is also possible. This feature is also available on the R15, but not on the R25/3. By installing the free Yamaha MyRide app on your smartphone, notifications of incoming calls and text messages can be displayed on the top of the meter, as well as the remaining battery life of your smartphone. The app can also log average speed, maximum bank angle, and other data.
Classless atmosphere. Bifunctional LED headlights that can switch between high and low beams are installed in the M-shaped ducts.
The tail cowl has been changed to the latest design with ducts protruding on both sides. The taillight is a vertical type common to the R series. The tail lights are LED, but the indicator lights are bulbs.
Color LCD meters, which are used only on a few 125-class models such as KTM's DUKE125, are introduced. In track mode, lap times are displayed in a large central area, and the tachometer indicates only after 6000 rpm.
In street mode, the speedometer is displayed in a large central area. Various information on your motorcycle can be obtained by connecting to your smartphone with a dedicated app.
The only Japanese 125SS with a traction controller and a quick shifter
The engine base remains the same as before, a liquid-cooled single-cylinder 125cc with a SOHC 4-valve head. The maximum output of 15 ps and maximum torque of 1.16 kg-m remain unchanged, as does the rpm at which they occur, but the VVA operation timing, which switches cams at a specific rpm, has been optimized. The company claims to have achieved good torque delivery in all ranges.
In addition, like the R15, traction control is newly adopted. If the system detects rear wheel slippage, it reduces the riding force to mitigate the slippage.
Another highlight of the new model is the availability of a quick shifter, although optional. Already pre-wired, the shifter can be installed to accommodate upshifts.
The new R125 is the second Japanese 125-160cc class with transmission to be equipped with a traction controller and shifter, following the R15. The new R125 is the first Japanese 125-sport model to be equipped with a traction controller and shifter. The new model is expected to be more fun on the circuit.
Pre-wired for the quick shifter. Except for the displacement, the basic design of the engine is the same as the R15, and the assist and slipper clutch is also retained from the previous model.
The new model also retains the suspension that is more luxurious than that of the R15.
The chassis, led by the extremely thick steel twin-spar frame that is hard to believe for a 125 cc model, is a continuation of the previous model, which was more luxurious than the original.
While the YZF-R15 uses φ37mm inverted forks with thrust-mounted calipers, the R125 has φ41mm inverted forks with radial-mounted calipers, making it a higher-grade suspension than its big brother by nature.
It also retains the aluminum swingarm and link-type rear shock. While rivals CB125R and GSX-R125 swingarms are made of steel, the R125's lightweight aluminum swingarm is an advantage of the R125.
The tires are Michelin Pilot Street, which offers a good balance of grip and durability. The tire sizes remain the same: 100/80-17 at the front and 140/70-17 at the rear, which is comparable to the 250 class.
φ41mm KYB inverted forks (thicker than R15) with φ292mm discs and 2-pot radial-mount calipers; independent ABS control front and rear
The cockpit is inspired by the YZR-M1 MotoGP machine. While the lightened top bridge is the same as on the R1, a new dial on the right-hand side is useful for operating the meter, a design similar to that on the R1 and not found on the R15.
Will it be introduced in Japan in 2023?And also the lineup of big brother, XSR, and MT.
Although there have been officially imported and parallel-imported models of the YZF-R125 for some time, there has been no Japan version until now. Many users have voiced their desire for a lineup, and it appears that a Japanese version will finally be made available.
Currently, Yamaha's domestic lineup has no sports model in the 125cc class, leaving it far behind Honda and Suzuki.
In 2021, domestic shipments in the 51-125cc class will be 79,000 units for Honda and 22,500 units for Suzuki, compared to 19,500 units for Yamaha (according to Motorcyclist News Japan).
However, with the introduction of the new YZF-R125, the company appears to be beginning a comeback.
In addition to the R125, the neo-classic XSR125, which shares the same basic configuration, is also expected to appear in Japan. In addition, the MT125, a sibling streetfighter, and the R125's big brother, the YZF-R15, may also be introduced, sources say.
If all are introduced, Yamaha's 125-160cc models with transmissions will be greatly enriched, from zero to four models at once. This would be less than Honda's six models (CB125R, Grom, Super Cub C125, Monkey 125, CT125 Hunter Cub, and Dax 125), but more than Suzuki's three models (GSX-R125, GSX-S125, and Gixxer 150).
Furthermore, the YZF-R series will be joined by the YZF-R7 in 2021, and there are rumors that the YZF-R9 will debut in 2024. This would complete the lineup of up to eight models overseas, in order of decreasing displacement: YZF-R125, R15, R25, R3, R6 (race-based models only), R7, R9, and R1. The full lineup is expected to be similarly complete in Japan.
The YZF-R125 and other 125-150cc models are expected to be introduced in Japan by the end of 2023. Pricing for the European version has not yet been announced at this time, but Honda's CB125R is priced at 473,000 yen, while its rival is less than (approx.) 3420 USD. Also, the domestic-spec YZF-R25 is priced at (approx.) 4575 USD, so it will have to be able to fit in between the two.
Waiting for updates!
The 2023 MT-125 European version of its sibling, was announced on October 25. This model also uses a color TFT LCD. It may be introduced in Japan in the latter half of 2023.
The XSR125 is currently on sale in Europe. A scaled-down version of the XSR155, this model is also likely to be introduced to Japan in 2023. In addition to cast wheels, a spoked version was also introduced in 2022.
Will the new model adopt a color LCD?
European Specifications Yamaha YZF-R125 Specifications
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 1990 x 715 x 1145mm
Wheelbase: 1325mm
Casters/Trails: 26°/95mm
Seat height: 820mm
Weight: 144kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder SOHC 4-valve 125cc
Maximum Power: 15ps/10000rpm
Maximum torque: 1.16kg-m/8000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 11 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tires: F=110/80-17, R=140/70-17
