Yamaha YZF-R125 (2008 - present)

nky225
Reviewed: 23 April 2013

The best 125 you will ever ride... A must own!!

quick for a 4 stroke
gets mistaken for r6/r1 regularly
handles just like a bigger bike
parts are cheap
crash damage is minimal
VERY economical
FUN!

needs oil change every 1500 miles
theres too many upgrades that can be done!!

Could not fault this bike even if i went over it with a toothbrush, ive loved every moment of the two years ive had it so much so that il be upping the engine to the 200c instead of changing the bike!

wagend
Reviewed: 21 December 2012

Premium 125 and worth every penny.

I owned a CBF 125 and after it was vandalised and I had a low speed slide on some diesel swapped it for the R125. Paid £500 for more a 3 year old R125 than the CBF125 costs new and it really is worth every penny.

The CBF125 is an excellently priced budget bike, but the R125 surpasses it on every level (other than economy where it isn't exactly terrible). The extra 4BHP really do make a difference when you're on a 125, it looks the business and it's comfy for larger riders (it's actually an inch bigger than the R6). From the switches to finish to nuts and bolts it feels like a top product.

The riding position is a little extreme as it is a sports bike and if you passed a CBT on a CBF or YBR or similar sit-up-and-beg style bike the YZF will take some getting used to. I suffered from sore wrists until I watched a youtube video and the guy mentioned that he supports as much of his body weight with his feet and legs around the fairing / tank. Sounds simple and it is -- I've done it and the wrist pain is *almost* none existant now. I'm 6'3'' with a 32" inside leg, so this is a pretty minor gripe on an otherwise fantastic 125.

The best 125 on the market. If you can't afford a new one, shop around for a second hand deal. This is a full sized bike offering the comfort and looks of a 600, with great brakes, handling and power (considering the engine size). It sounds nice without being obnoxiously loud, goes fast enough to cure the itch of many junior speed freaks and yet has the light weight and manners to be forgiving.

Haleypest
Reviewed: 10 October 2012

The Best 125 on the Market PERIOD!

Comfy
Fast
Reliable
Feels like an R6
Looks like a Bigger Bike
Great on Fuel Consumption

Pricey but on the other hand you get what you pay top end 125 engine brembo brakes etc

I love my R125 its fantastic its done over 20,000 miles (I know!) despite the large amount of miles i have kept up with the services and kept her clean and garaged and she still starts and goes like the day i bought it the bike is absolute mint!
a lot of people look at the price and think "thats a lot for a 125" true however when you take into account what you get with that a Very powerful 125 engine with so much potential (power commander aftermarket goodies and even an option of a bigger bore kit!)

ive come to the conclusion that once my test is done i wont be selling it and it will infact be going on paddock stands in my garage as a momento of my youth!

Fantastic piece of kit i would HIGHLY Recommend getting one!

Julian Warwick
Reviewed: 12 August 2012

I ride it so much, my wrists hurt.

It's fast, it's sexy, it's big, it's strong, it's mine.

it's very uncomfortable.

I love my R125, I have a 2009 black edition. I'm sure it would look better without the L plates but hopefully they will come off soon anyway... then again I want a new bike when that happens. :(

I've done about 10,000 miles on this bike over the course of 14 months, I've ridden it through rain, hail, snow, sleet and high winds and I've only come off once (although I did slip in the snow as well so technically twice) - I don't care though, the only thing I hate about it is that it's really uncomfortable and if you ride for more than an hour, which I do daily, your wrists will really start to hurt after a while. I've started sitting a bit further forward... literally crushing my manhood against the tank, anyone who saw it would think I was doing something unholy to it...

Anyway, not long now before I trade in for something a bit more relaxed and gentlemanly. =D

Nathank93
Reviewed: 09 January 2012

Brilliant first bike, could Not have asked for anything better!

Well first off, it's a brilliant looking bike, the best Looking 125 hands down, it's a big bike, which makes me feel a lot more confident due to it having more preasance on the road. And the handling is superb, this thing loves being thrown round corners, and rides out the bad roads in my area like a dream! It sounds good in comparison to other 125s, even if it's more tractor than motorbike, it's still loud enough to put a smile on your face. The power is good too, it beats more or less everything off the line on traffic, and the big wheels are better than a cbrs bicycle tires.

Part of me wishes it had a bit more, it's so big you would expect it to be faster, I only weigh 9 stone so this thing is still nippy! The top speed does not bother me, it's good for 85, which is all I need! The seat height is a pain sometimes, I fit on it fine, I'm only 5''10, and manage, but if I'm on an incline or in a pot hole or crap road, sometimes it can be a bugger! I could buy a lowering kit but it's manageable as it is! Oh yeh and It would be nice if it had a clock! But thats pretty much it!

Brilliant bike, fast and reliable! Never let me down, it's a joy to ride, I don't have the need for speed I enjoy cruising along and this bike does it well! And reletivly comfortable! Looks really good, it gets nods and turns heads, it's excellent for getting used to riding, it's forgiving but don't abuse it! The breaks are powerful, trust me, you lock that front wheel you're off. The stock tires are supposed to be all weather but are bad in the rain, they slip everywhere unless at painfully low speed. The lights are powerful which is always a plus. Has brilliant mileage, I can do college and back 3 times a week which is 14 miles round trip, and I'm lucky if I need to use more than the change in my pocket to keep it going! You can't go wrong with this bike at all, if you want it for commuting and getting into biking/fun then this is the perfect choice, I got a 58 plate White and red, it's stunning. Tail tidy should come standard, because when I spent 50 quid on a new one it looked like a new bike, and the clock problem is solved with a clip on one for 10 quid. Trust me! You get this bike, all you'll have is a smile on your face when you see it Parked up :)!

Wear your gear! And safe riding to you all!