Yamaha MT 125 - the best motorcycle for beginners - price, information and technical data

Yamaha MT 125 is a 125 cc motorcycle produced by the Japanese company Yamaha Motor Company. It is an upgraded version of the Yamaha YZF-R125 motorcycle and has been in production since 2014. Are you considering changing your car due to the rising fuel prices? This might be a good option for you, especially as you have been able to ride this motorcycle with a B-category license for some time.

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This is quite a popular motorcycle among young riders because it is easy to handle and offers good performance. The technical data of the Yamaha MT 125 includes a 124.7 cm³ engine with a power output of 11 kW. The motorcycle also has 6 gears and weighs 140 kg.

Will I be able to handle a motorcycle?

If you have never dealt with motorcycles before, the first moments can be difficult, I won't hide that. However, I found it harder to learn to drive a car than a motorcycle. Mainly because of understanding how the clutch works and smoothly releasing it to get the vehicle moving without stalling or jerking. The same principles apply to motorcycles.

The mechanisms are similar although there are differences. Left hand controls the clutch, left foot switches gears. First gear down, the rest up. The MT125 displays the gears in the upper left corner of its monochromatic display. You will always have a view of whether to shift up or down.

Now, the question is motorcycle or scooter? Since you are reading an article about MT 125, we will redirect you to another place for the answer while focusing on this specific Yamaha model. Just note that scooters do not require gear changes, so if you think you might struggle with that, maybe consider a scooter?

The MT weighs 120 kg, so if you think it will be similar to riding a bicycle, you are mistaken. How much does your bicycle weigh? 10 kg? How does it accelerate?

Yamaha will let you be the first at almost any traffic light.

In conclusion, consider taking some riding lessons and spend a few hours practicing in a controlled environment. You won't spend too much money, and you'll find out if this is your thing.

Is a naked bike for you?

How can we define a naked bike? It's a sporty motorcycle without any fairings or side bodywork. The wide wheelbase makes it stable and easy to handle.

The lack of fairings means you will literally have to accept a lot of air onto your chest, but seeing below, the top speed is not big, so no worries. This combination provides comfort; let's face it, it's a city bike and better for good weather - the lack of windshields is a plus. It will keep you cool in the hot summer.

MT looks aggressive like the other machines in this family. Personally, it reminds me of a character from Transformers; the LED lights look like the robot's eyes, adding to its appeal.

As for 125cc motorcycles, Yamaha MT125 does not look like a lawn mower on wheels. The wheels are narrower, but not much compared to larger motorcycles, but hey, it still looks good. The rear tire is 140 mm wide, while for example, the Honda NC750X has 160. The tires and wheelbase positively affect the handling of this motorcycle.

Riding Position

It's rather comfortable; the less height you have, the better. The lightness of the motorcycle makes it manageable even for the smallest riders.

We are slightly leaning forward, the seat is relatively hard, and the footrests are high. How can we summarize this briefly? It won't be as comfortable as on a touring bike - which by the way is not available in this engine capacity - or a cruiser, but much more comfortable than on a sportbike like the Yamaha R125.

Yamaha mt 125 what height can a rider be to feel comfortable on it?

The rider's height should not exceed 190 cm. At this height, you can comfortably ride it. Why? Let's compare it to its bigger brother MT07 - the training motorcycle for category A license.

The differences between the entry-level motorcycle and the MT-07 are minimal. So, if you are wondering if it's a good choice to start with or if you will be too big?

The answer is, up to 190 cm in height, the MT-125 will be okay. As you can see, the dimensions do not differ much from the much more powerful 700cc MT 07.

In terms of comfort, it's worth mentioning that the motorcycle is for a single person. Looking at the rear, you will realize that no one would want to be carried on this 125cc bike. There is simply no space. Passenger comfort would be more or less like riding on a wooden plank.

The gear shifts are well-tuned, forgiving some errors - an important aspect for those starting with motorcycles. Shifting gears is smooth and precise. Some may see it as a plus, others as a minus. If you have a bit of a sporty spirit, changing gears can be a great joy - upshifting and revving; it will automatically put a smile on your face, at least that's how I feel.

Yamaha did not skimp on the brakes - it has a single disc but hey, it weighs only 140 kg, with a powerful radial 4-piston caliper and a 292mm disc that does the job.

Yamaha 125 mt model performance

Maximum speed

The Yamaha MT 125 motorcycle can reach a top speed of 125 km/h.

Acceleration

The motorcycle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. While this result may not impress everyone, it copes much better with moving off from traffic lights. In most cases, you will be ahead. It's not about compensating for any shortcomings or complexes but rather about safety.

I will just mention that the MT125 is very flexible, and sometimes it doesn't make sense to downshift; it will handle acceleration just as well with a higher gear.

How much does a Yamaha MT 125 cost

The price of a new Yamaha MT 125 is around 23,500 Polish Zloty. Seems like a lot? However, consider how much it will cost to maintain this motorcycle, and you will see how much you can save.

Firstly, fuel consumption - 2 liters per 100 km. A result unbeatable by any car.

Motorcycle insurance is a bargain for a 125cc engine. Insurance companies are not too worried about this small bike since it won't break any speed records! Damages in case of a fall or slide could cost a lot, probably the same as the motorcycle itself or at least 50% of its value. Fortunately, the small engine capacity is seen as a low risk by insurers, meaning lower premiums.

Servicing won't be too expensive either. Although Yamaha has its reputation, it is not a premium brand - maintenance costs will be reasonable.

You will get to work faster than by car, easily weave through traffic - saving time, and as we know, time is money.

Parking in the city - free, luckily city authorities have not started charging motorcyclists or scooter riders for parking yet. Lastly, but no less important, the driving license, you don't need to apply for additional qualifications. You can ride the Yamaha MT 125 with a Category B driving license - just like a car. That's a saving of up to even 2000 zł.

Summing it up, the return on this investment could be very quick.

How often does Yamaha MT 125 need an oil change?

The manufacturer recommends an oil change for the Yamaha MT 125 motorcycle every 5000 km.

The oil pan capacity in the Yamaha MT 125 motorcycle is 1 liter. The recommended oil type is 10W40.

Technical data

Engine

Chassis

Dimensions

Summary

It is a motorcycle, not a scooter, so you must come to terms with the need to shift gears. As mentioned earlier, shifting gears is easy, and if you have a bit of a sporty spirit, it will only be fun for you. The big plus is the lowest fuel consumption you can imagine, leading to lower maintenance costs.

On the downside, the initial price is high because it's a Yamaha, not the cheapest, but not a premium brand either. The motorcycle is flexible and comfortable, accelerates well, and provides a lot of joy. Seriously consider this choice when starting your motorcycle adventure with a Category B driving license.