Bike Files: Yamaha R125

Is Yamaha’s smallest R the most trick learner bike around?

Tell us about the Yamaha R125 in 100 words…

Launched in 2008, as the YZF-R125, the R125 is Yamaha’s sportiest learner legal motorcycle. Styled to look like the bigger and more powerful R models, like the R7, R9 and R1, it’s got more than a few trick bits up its own sleeve. Technology like variable valve timing and a fancy TFT dashboard make this one of the most upmarket 125s in the business, and its 11kw power output is bang on the A1 category limit.

Alongside the Aprilia RS125 and KTM RC 125, it is right up there as the highest performing learner legal petrol bikes you can buy.

What’s the history of the R125?

The first model arrived in 2008. Built in Yamaha’s MBK factory in France, it was called the YZF-R125 (Yamaha later dropped the ‘YZF’ suffix on all their sports bikes, as no one used them anyway) and was a top of the range learner legal sports bike. The four-stroke 125cc single cylinder engine was tuned to make the maximum power allowed under learner laws and the styling and colours were inspired by the range-topping R1 superbike.

A facelifted model came in 2014, with styling revised to reflect Yamaha’s sports bike designs of the time. At the same time, the engine was tweaked to meet the latest emissions laws. The second-generation bikes got a few more modifications, like upgraded upside-down forks and an LCD dashboard, with ABS brakes also coming in as an option around this time.

A major upgrade came with a third-generation model in 2019. This featured a new engine with variable valve actuation, a really trick feature which gave the 125cc motor some additional flexibility, while the chassis was also modified and a new swingarm specified.

The spec was further improved with a fourth-generation R125 in 2025. New geometry sharpened up the already agile chassis, while new bodywork and a 5” TFT dashboard with phone connectivity gave it a more premium look and feel.

Is it expensive?

As one of the best specced learner bikes out there, the R125 has always been at the top end of the market when it comes to price – although that hasn’t stopped it from being a fantastic seller. It’s a popular bike with young riders who want something beyond the norm, or ambitions of being a MotoGP star, and priced in line with similar models from European makers.

Aren’t sports bikes a bit out of fashion these days?

The R125 has always had a strong appeal with younger riders but, recognising the appetite for sporty nakeds, Yamaha also make an MT-125. This is basically the same bike as the R125, but in a naked streetfighter style with a more upright riding position and a design influenced by the bigger MT models. There’s also the XSR125 variant with its retro lines. They’re all cool bikes.

What does a Yamaha R125 ride like?

By their very nature 125s are never going to be super fast, but the Yamaha makes the most of what it has. The clever variable valve actuation technology changes the engine characteristic at low and higher rpm, giving good lowdown torque characteristics without sacrificing top end power, which is restricted to 11kw (14.75bhp) by law, in order for it to be eligible to be ridden on a provisional licence.

The bike itself is light and narrow, with the rider’s weight placed over the front end like a true sports bike. It makes it very flickable and although it is a ‘small’ bike, the 820mm seat height is relatively tall for a 125. That makes it feel well proportioned for bigger riders, without being unmanageable for rookies.

Brakes, tyres and suspension are all as good as you are likely to find on a 125, and if you are riding on L plates you are unlikely to be disappointed to find yourself riding one of these as you work your way up to a full licence.

So what are the competitors to the Yamaha R125?

As mentioned previously, Aprilia’s RS125 and KTM’s RC 125 are the two other really premium race style 125s on sale today, and they also have MT-125 rivalling siblings in the form of the unfaired Tuono 125 and Duke 125 too.

Other alternatives include the Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Suzuki GSX-R125, the last bike standing to wear the iconic GSX-R tag. These bikes have racy looks but are cheaper and don’t quite have the specification of the more upmarket motorcycles in the category.

Why should I buy a Yamaha R125?

You’re riding on a provisional licence but want a motorcycle with all the prestige and technology of a middleweight sports bike.