Yamaha YS125 Review (2017)
What Is It?
The Yamaha YS125 is a budget naked bike and is powered by an air-cooled 125 cc single cylinder four stroke engine, producing 10.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm and maximum torque at 6,000 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Low (795 mm / 31.3 inches)
- Weight: Light (129 kg / 284 lbs)
- Economy: Very good (110 mpg / 2.6 l/100km / 38.9 km/l)
- Range: Very high (340 miles / 547 km)
- Power to Weight: Low (0.085 bhp/kg / 0.064 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Average (70 mph / 113 km/h)
Pros
- Value for money
- Economical
- Reliable
- Stylish
Cons
- Only a drum brake at the rear
- Skinny rear tyre
- Headlight
What Is It Like?
Choosing The YS125
I have owned the YS125 from new and for a few months now so I feel it's time to write what I think of it. I have ridden around 1,500 miles now and can safely say I feel I have made the right decision on getting this bike.
Initially I was looking to do a direct course and get a bigger engined bike but I have learned a lot by riding this little 125 and it has provided a lot of confidence riding on the busy roads of London.
The main rival is the CBF125, which is a great bike, but the YS125 sold it for me with its more up to date look and the clear dash that shows what gear you're in, digital fuel gauge and the rev counter being analogue is a really nice touch.
City Riding
The thing I like about this bike is that it’s really light. This makes it easy to move at slower speeds and parking in bays around London. I commute to and from work, which is a 20 mile round trip, but also go to client sites dotted around the city.
If you need something dependable, easy to park and a filtering machine. You can’t go wrong with the YS125.
Quality And Backup
The build quality is good too. Knowing it’s using Japanese parts and has Yamaha’s expertise behind it is what I need as I depend on my bike a lot. Some of the cheaper Chinese bikes may run well but getting spare parts takes ages and with a yammy I just need to go to an authorised dealer and I’m sorted.
Economy
The fuel efficiency is good too. Averaging 60mpg in city riding is pretty darn impressive. I ride nearly every day and only need to fill up every one and a half weeks.
Practicality
I got mine with the top box which actually makes the bike look better in my opinion and the 30 litre capacity is very useful. I can fit a full face large helmet in it with my gloves. The centre stand is good to have as well and easy to use with the bike being so light.
It’s not the fastest 125 but for city riding it doesn’t need to be and it’s still got enough for comfortable overtaking. Once I put 500 miles on the bike it starts to open up more too.
Brakes
The only thing I would like is ABS although the combined braking system isn’t too bad though. Also as it’s Euro 4 compliant the stock exhaust isn't loud but if I need someone to know I’m there I use the horn.
To Sum Up
Overall I have very little to complain about this bike. I’m 5ft10, it’s comfortable, not cramped and my feet touch the ground. It's a dependable and a fun little bike for the city commute.
- Sameer, 2017
Price Guide
The Second Opinion
What's Good?
I'm really happy with my bike. It's comfortable and very very economical.
Any Downsides?
The only thing that makes me a bit mad is the rear drum because it's a 2018 bike so, come on, even cheap Chinese made bikes have a rear disk, rear monoshock, wider rear tyre and upside down fork. Still I can't complain, I love my bike 😍
Mods
I did few things on it but nothing special though. I've added a rear 46 litre top box by Givi, extended red / black bar ends, Carbon look hand guards, red strip on wheels, tank pad and I did two angel eyes spot lights.
I'm also working on angel eyes for the headlight and when you go on bright it will switch to the spot lights as well. I really found it helpful for cars to see me better 😉
Next I'm thinking about a ceramic coating as well but I have to find some decent time to do it as it requires a lot of time...
- Neil A, 2019
A Few More Thoughts
What's It Like?
The Yamaha YS125 is the perfect commuter bike for my needs. I find it perfect for doing daily errands, going to work and also for a fun Sunday ride.
Handling
It is not a very powerful bike, yet also not weak. I have been using this bike for around 6 months and have covered 4,800 miles, with not a single problem.
Considering the bumpy roads around here, handling is quite good and its also the best way to fight my way through traffic!
Economy
Fuel consumption is quite good and the tank is huge for a 125cc bike! The 14 litres give me around 250 miles of riding.
- Jonathan H, 2019
More Info
Check out this video review from TheMissendenFlyer.