Yamaha MT-125

Built:2014-2420142015201620172018201920202021202220232024

Photos: Motorradtest.de

The 125-class is experiencing a boom. Since the introduction of the A1 driving licence, it is easily possible to ride a motorcycle with a maximum of 125 cubic meters. One of them is the Yamaha MT-125. What does the small motorcycle do in everyday life?

Yamaha hangs in

She looks grown up, these 125s. An optically close relative is the Yamaha MT-03. Yamaha calls the whole range of elaborately designed MT motorcycles "hyper-naked bikes", whatever the hyper is supposed to be in its name. In any case, the MT-03 can easily be confused with the MT-125, which of course pleases the 125 customer.

On the other hand, Yamaha wants to make a statement: Look, we take all motorcyclists seriously, whether with 100 or the narrow 15 hp of the A1 driving licence maximum limit (more information about the A1 ticket and the B196 regulation at the end of this article). The MT-125 has been extensively revised for 2020 and also got a new frame. The seating position has now moved forward, so that everything is always well in view and grip. This seating position is intended to compensate for the now increased center of gravity of the MT-125, which could affect stability. Positive side effect: Despite its ultra-compact design – the MT is only 1.96 metres long – the passenger is not confined.

Extremely agile

Ascending works without any problems. Despite a not small seat height of 810 millimeters, even short-legged people can safely get into the stand thanks to a narrow seat-tank combination. The display is clear and looks grown-up, although there is not much displayed there. Apart from the ALREADY mentioned ABS, there are no electronic helpers or driving modes.

The extremely smooth coupling is precise to dose, the gear snaps immediately and defines. Yamaha, with something like that, the Routiniers from Japan can't be caught. The turning on the gas handle brings the engine up to speed. He needs this, because the maximum torque of 11.5 Newton meters at 8,000 tours is standard in class, but it is quite barren. Further up, with 10,000 tours, the maximum power is 15 hp.

The way to do this is not really sovereign. On the other hand, the Yamaha does not complain, does not sound tormented or seems somehow laced. The variable valve drive makes its thing decent, it definitely comes up with driving pleasure. The maximum acceleration of 10.7 seconds is not bad. Yamaha gives a top speed of 130 km/h, but this should only be accessible to small pilots.

The incredible lightness contributes to the driving pleasure. It is only with these flyweights that you realize how heavy today's motorcycles are. This is a circumstance that the most sophisticated electronics cannot overplay. The Yamaha doesn't have this electronics, it has something better: capable chassis engineers. It is already enormous how agile and agile the Yamaha MT-125 is, which seamlessly transfers to the driver.

Actually, the chassis is quite comfortable despite the sporty tuning. Unfortunately, the hard bench is not: you have to sit down first.