Yamaha R125

The Yamaha R125: My Take on a Pocket Rocket with Personality

It is time to explore the Yamaha R125. If you are anything like me you can attest to the fact that one always finds that perfect bike that is not very aggressive but charged enough to cause that adrenalin rush. Indeed this is exactly what the R125 is. It is a small machine with a big heart making you feel Yamaha racing spirit without making you feel like you are riding a rocket. Well, this is not just some basic bike we are talking about here no, it is got a lot of character and it is definitely fun.

Design & Style

When it comes to looks, the R125 does not scrimp on appearance either. Beneath the ferocious beast – See the first time ever I saw it at a bike meet I simply could not believe it, only 125CC’s it had. The Yamaha has not missed the mark when it comes to the mini sports bike look. Still, it has well-defined fairing and those aggressive twin lamps means it looks like a mini R1. It takes a little offence away from you and makes you feel like you are riding one of Yamaha’s big guns almost. The body work is smooth, the tank is beautifully molded, and they have done it without being obnoxiously ostentatious. This bike has that laid back nonchalant, you do not need to prove to be cool kinda vibe that you want in a bike.

Added to that is the fact that the angle that the seating position targets is spot on. It was not uncomfortable or clumsy like trying to contort yourself into a painful position in order to stretch out while riding on city streets. The height of the handlebar makes you lean forward slightly just enough to suggest the race whilst not being too uncomfortable. You do not get the hunch-backed droop of the larger sport touring bikes but you do get the ‘lets go riding’ position that implies a part of the bike rather than part of it.

Performance & Power

So now, let’s discuss the engine. The R125 might be just 125cc, but there is more than meets the eye and a little more attitude as well. With just that requisite torque for city rides this minuscule liquid cooled single cylinder power plant punches above its weight. I have driven it through rush hour traffic and the bike moves as if it is built for that type of use. Gear changes are slick through the 6-speed gearbox, up and down the gears without the gear change inducing wrench on the gear lever. It is as if by itself the bike knows what your desire is.

It enchants educated people and dreamy shop windows but by far it is most suitable for being a partner in and around town. You get enough oomph to switch lanes or accelerate at a traffic light but it is light and airy. Well, what do you do if you’re driving on a long stretch of highway? Well of course it is not the fastest car out there but it is more than capable. The R125 does not pretend to be something it is not and to me that is the beauty of it. It is a no frills sort of ride that just gets the job done.

Handling & Braking

One area which really impressed me with the R125’s handling is. This bike makes it seem as if it is in sync with your body movements. The front end is relatively reactive and with such a low weight, you can trust yourself when turning into the curve. Not a track weapon but for boulevards and those wriggly country roads at the weekends it has all the necessary equipment.

Fortunately, Yamaha did not forget about it and installed ABS it makes a huge difference. During probably one of the rides I had to apply the brakes much more than what I wanted to the ABS came into operation and did not make me feel like my car was about to turn turtle. It is that type of security that one does not contemplate until the need arises only to regret a failure of the same. It is just one of those things that makes riding the R125 feel a bit more relaxed.

Why the R125 Stands Out

Why should you look at the R125 when there are far grander bikes out there? It is simple. This bike did not leave anything in doubt as to what was it made for. It is not aspiring to be a performance car or a luxury tourer either. The R125 is for riders who would like that Yamaha racing DNA, but applicable in the real world. That is a profound message that we should not demand much torque to push and enjoy the vehicle. You get keen attention good handling and as much aggressiveness as you need. It is reliable like your favourite shoes that are in fact fun without pretending to be more than they are.

Is not it clearly for racing? Not exactly. But that’s what I love about it. The Yamaha R125 is for those of us who desire a motorcycle that is a proper machine and not some vulgar monster. It is the kind of ride that triggers anticipation whenever you are to hit the road – for work or any usual strolls.

And it’s great to know that in this world where so many motorcycles are endowed with a full set of heavy weights, the R125 is an outright example to the fact that less is indeed more. There you have a bike that sits in its category and asserts its presence without fanfare and for me  that is happiness. This is confirmation that you don’t have to acquire to enjoy yourself.