COINCIDING with the 25th anniversary of the iconic R1, news has just landed regarding a new and updated Yamaha R125, learner legal sports bike.
The learner-legal R125 has been a fan-favourite in the faired 125cc category since its launch in 2008 and for 2023 it’s leaned heavily on the heritage of Yamaha’s storied ‘R’ branded bikes.
The most noticeable update for the coming year is a complete styling refresh, with the little sportsbike looking more akin to the Yamaha R7 than the previous 125cc bike. The centrally mounted LED headlight is now located in the centrally mounted air intake and is joined by LED DRL ‘eyelashes’ on each side of the front fairing. The fairing is claimed to be a more aerodynamically designed item, and it’s joined by a redesigned ‘vented’ fuel tank.
New tech and toys for the Yamaha R125
The cockpit of the bike is now crowned by a flash-looking full TFT 5-inch display, featuring two themes, Street and Track. Street features a central digital speedometer and a bar-type tachometer as well as an array at the base that includes flasher/main beam/temperature warning lights. ‘Track’ theme is a more focused layout featuring a central lap timer with a 25-lap memory and bar-type tachometer above.
The TFT also gives the rider the chance to hook their compatible smartphone up to the bike, giving them notifications of calls and texts while on the move. The system can also notify a Yamaha dealership – or other designated contacts – in the event of a technical issue. New for the 2023 model of the R125 is the addition of traction control which the rider has the ability to disable when riding on the track.
Another bonus for those who love to tinker with their bikes is the news that the new 2023 R125 will come pre-wired and ready to accept the optional quickshifter system. The system makes it easier to unlock clutchless up-shifts (no blipper) using the genuine Yamaha accessory quickshifter.
Pricing and deliver of the new bike is TBC and more information can be found on the Yamaha UK website.
