Yamaha MT-125 Review (2014)

What Is It Like?

Looks

The MT-125 is an excellent bike for people who want something that looks mean, fast and simply gorgeous. People will definitely be convinced that this isn’t a 125 at all, with how big it really is and the way it’s been designed to look like it’s older siblings. It looks especially good with the Yamaha LED indicators, which give it that little bit more personality.

Comfort

However, if you’re quite short, you may struggle riding this bike. I stand at 5’9 and I find it comfortable to ride, I can touch the floor just fine, but for others I’ve seen it can be quite difficult. Nonetheless I’m sure there are ways around this.

Engine

The MT-125 carries a 15 bhp motor which loves to be pushed to its limits and you won’t be disappointed with the roar it makes once you start giving the throttle some attention.

You can easily get to 70 mph, making it one of the fastest 125cc bikes on the market at the moment and a strong competitor in the 125 wars. Regardless, it cruises like a dream and has a pleasant sound, not too loud, nor too quiet.

Pros

• Three section digital display with loads of info
• Designed to look like a hyper sport
• Fast acceleration and top speed
• ABS brakes
• Lightweight
• Loads of mods available

Cons

• Although the seat is fine for short trips it can get uncomfortable on long trips
• Pillion seat is very small and uncomfortable
• If you’re short, you may struggle riding
• Price at £4,400 new
• No gear indication
• Uses a lot of fuel

To Sum Up

If you’re looking for a bike that looks the part, is quick for the engine size, have the money to spend and want to turn heads when riding, this is definitely the bike for you.

- Callum L, 2018

The Second Opinion

What's Good?

I have owned her for a little over two months and managed to put in over 6,000 miles in the saddle in that time. What a bike this truly is. For a 125cc it's stunning looks will fool you for a 400cc and you do get questioned about the L plates.

With these looks comes the performance. The snappy single cylinder is perfect for around town, awesome for the country roads and on these roads you will be taken back by how it handles. It may be a upright naked bike but it can still have the sportier bikes through the corners.

Any Downsides?

It's a very tall bike so not great for a shorter 5ft9 rider like myself, as I spend most of my time tip toeing, but there are fairly cheap lowering kits that you can buy. Being a bigger 125, if you drop it, parts are not exactly cheap. Trust me I know!

The engine can rattle at 6,000 rpm due to the valves being very tappy. Don't be concerned however, this is a thing to take into consideration.

Another point is the turning circle. It's the same as a small boat, so not too great for cutting in and out of traffic, but once you pick up speed you will forget these little issues in a heart beat.

Mods

• Bar ends
• Levers
• Up-rated brake pads front and rear
• Yamaha crash protection
• Seat cowl
• Tail tidy
• Rear peg deletion
• Black Widow full exhaust system

To Sum Up

All in all it's an awesome 125 which gets lots of looks and will take you by surprise when you first throw your leg over, however with all these good points there are only a few bad points.

- Max J, 2018

Add Your Review

Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.

More Info

Check out this video review from CagerOnTwoWheels.