Yamaha YZF-R125 – the revival of the 125cc sports bike!By Thierry WeylandAbsent from the 125cc sports bike segment since the withdrawal of the famous 2-stroke TZR in 2000, Yamaha is now coming back in flamboyant style, launching the little sister of the R1 and R6 superbikes, no less! A prestigious family connection that is nothing for the YZF-R125 to be ashamed of… The surprise of the 2007 Paris motorcycle show The wait has been somewhat long but, considering the result displayed on the stand at the 2007 Paris International Two-Wheel Show, Yamaha certainly intends to reclaim its hold over the 125cc sports bike segment. Designed by the same team that was in charge of the development of the R6 and R1, the YZF-R125 has breathtaking lines, which adopt the main distinctive features of the 600 to such an extent that an inexpert eye would swear it was the same motorcycle. The R6 and R125 notably share the same full fairing with incisive lines and “floating” sides that immediately give the whole a very technical, refined aspect. One also finds, on the right-hand side, the small exhaust silencer emerging under the footrest, the same two-tiered seat shape whose minimalist body ends in a small LED light, the same aluminium swingarm design… Boasting a “serious” size for a 125, much more opulent than the Honda CBR, the YZF-R is a superb machine, full of irresistible little technical details.  © DR Not really utilitarianThe practicality of the R125 is certainly that of a sports bike, designed more for thrills than day-to-day use. But it doesn’t do too badly, its instrumentation including the basics (2 trip meters, a fuel gauge and a fuel reserve warning light), all in an attractive, readable set-up. Future owners would certainly have appreciated the presence of an electronic coded key immobiliser, but there isn’t one. The ignition key serves at least to lift the rider’s seat, revealing a tiny storage space for a block-disc anti-theft device that is inadequate for protecting such a motorcycle.  © DR Brand new 15 PS engineWell hidden beneath the full fairing, the YZF-R’s 4-stroke engine is the other surprise of this motorcycle. A new 125cc unit with gearbox, which is not so common – all the more so since it delivers a maximum of 15 PS! Water-cooled and powered by electronic injection, this engine is equipped with a 4-valve head. To eliminate unwanted vibration, a balance shaft has been fitted in front of the crankshaft, whilst dual catalysers take care of keeping the level of polluting emissions to Euro 3 standards. In fact, the maximum 15 PS is delivered at 9,000 rpm, whilst the maximum torque (12.24 Nm – high for a 125) is available at 8,000 rpm, all served by a 6-speed gearbox. Electric starter and automatic choke complete this very flattering picture, which makes it possible to assert that the YZF is equipped with the most sophisticated 4-stroke 125cc single-cylinder engine of the moment.  © DR Radical but civilisedDespite the half-handlebars placed above the upper fork bracket, the YZF-R offers a very typically sporty riding position, with the upper body leaning over the front axle, supported by the wrists. Having said that, in the sports genre, the Yamaha’s ergonomics are impeccable. Big people over 1m80 tall are at ease on board – more so, at any rate, than smaller people, who will probably find the seat a little too high. Once the rider is used to the radical riding position, the YZF offers a manoeuvrability that is highly acceptable for this category of motorcycle, which is renowned for being tricky to handle and disconcerting for beginners. Perfectly balanced, the motorcycle tilts progressively and turns relatively well. So you move through traffic jams very easily, soon noticing that the suspension does a quality job. The seat is firm, but any unevenness in the road is perfectly filtered out by the fork and shock absorber alike. The mirrors are really functional, which is far from always being the case on sports bikes. In an urban context, the engine is a precious ally. Equipped with a very soft clutch, it demonstrates very good availability at low and midrange engine speeds, responding without any jolts from 3,000 rpm. Acceleration becomes interesting from 5,000 rpm, without it being necessary to go beyond 8,000 rpm in smooth riding.  © DR Get ready to ride!The YZF’s engine gives the best of itself between 8,000 and 10,500 rpm, which is when the contact breaker intervenes. Acceleration is then very powerful, but this “sports” range of use requires constant attention in the choice of gear, making riding rather technical on winding routes. Helmet hidden behind the small windscreen, the clock displays 130 km/h (80 mph) riding in a straight line on the flat, when flat out in sixth. The gear spacing seemed appropriate on this ride of around 100 km (62 miles). Fuel consumption should be between 4 and 4.5 l/100 km, depending on type of riding. With perfect suspension, the YZF boasts remarkably composed handling, unequalled among the current 4-stroke 125cc sports bikes, whilst providing a certain comfort. Always sound, never unpredictable, it follows the trajectory with ease. The ground clearance makes for a high lean angle. We found the compromise between stability and liveliness perfectly appropriate. Nor can the brake system be faulted; very powerful at the front, it has an excellent feel. At the back the brake pads, made of organic material, favour progressiveness. But can one envisage travelling long distances astride the YZF? That would not seem to pose any problems, because the motorcycle proves comfortable in the end, once you are used to the sporty riding position. The only problem would be carrying some luggage… which would probably end up in a rucksack. A real revivalThis new Yamaha YZF-R gives the 125cc sports bike category another dimension, more performance-based, whilst retaining a certain affordability, at £2,999. A price justified by a very carefully thought-out design, perfectly composed handling, and a 15 PS engine… Of course, the YZF-R is mainly aimed at spirited young twenty-year-olds, giving them a taste of sports bikes. But 30-40-year-olds, or even older, will find it a serious, image-enhancing and fun machine*… We bet they won’t remain unmoved! *This motorcycle can be ridden by holders of a car licence plus CBT in the UK. Technical dataEngine type: liquid-cooled, 4-valve, single cylinder Displacement: 124.66 cc Fuel supply: electronic injection Starter system: electric Maximum power: 15 PS at 9,000 rpm Maximum torque: 12.24 Nm (1.25 kg-m) at 8,000 rpm Gearbox: 6-speed Final drive: chain Frame: steel Deltabox Front suspension: hydraulic fork ø 33 mm, 130 mm travel; Rear: progressive single shock, 125 mm travel Front brake: 292 mm disc, 2-piston caliper: Rear: 230 mm disc, single-piston caliper Front tyre: 100/80 x 17; Rear: 130/70 x 17 Fuel tank capacity: 13.8 litres Seat height: 818 mm Dry weight: 126.5 kg Practical: Colours: blue, red, yellow, black Warranty: 2 years parts and labour Price: £2,999 Performance: Timed top speed: approximately 120 km/h (75 mph) Average fuel consumption: approximately 4 l/100 km Average fuel range: approximately 250 km (155 miles) before reserve |
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