Yamaha YZF-R125 is by far the best-looking 125 in the sector and is miles better than its predecessor with good acceleration
At 7,400 revs, the motor shifts to a higher lift cam and the motor continues to deliver acceleration
THE Yamaha YZF-R125 is like catnip to teenage bike fans. When it was launched in 2008 the kids came flocking.
The 14bhp race replica sat at the top table in sales chart terms for years.
Simple running gear, lively performance and big brother looks have always been key to the appeal.
And this new 2019 model aims to do more of exactly the same, which spells trouble for the competition.
There’s been a sizeable technical update in the form of a variable valve system (VVA).
At 7,400 revs, the motor shifts to a higher lift cam and the motor continues to deliver acceleration.
If you’re stepping down to the 125cc from a larger bike, you might think it feels slow.
But if you’re stepping up to this bike with a new licence in your hand, you’ll think that it’s a rocketship. Either way, it was fast enough to stay ahead of the traffic during our Valencia test ride and it was also great fun on the fast and flowing test track.
The biggest difference you’ll see is the look of the thing.
Not only does it clearly sit in the R family along with its bigger brothers (300, 600 and 1,000cc), but we think it also looks pretty cool on its own.
It is by far the best-looking 125 in the sector and, when you’re a teenager, looks are the only thing that really matters.
We liked the fact that the 125 looks like a sports bike but retains a comfortable riding position – the bars are slightly wider than they used to be and the seat has been reworked for more comfort.
The old model is a tough act to follow and the pressure to perform is sizeable for this learner-friendly machine.
Thankfully, we’re happy to report that the new model isn’t just a little bit better than the old one, it’s miles better.
Who wouldn’t want to be a 17-year-old with one of these parked up in the garage?
The 2019 Yamaha YZF-R 125 will set you back £4,299.
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