JUST LAUNCHED: Yamaha MT-125

Yamaha’s recently launched MT-09 and MT-07 have powered to the top of the sales rankings and captured the imagination of European motorcyclists who are looking for a new kind of riding excitement. Inspired by the Dark Side of Japan, these edgy new MT models are all about pure riding emotion. For 2014 Yamaha expand the MT range even further with the new Yamaha MT-125 – its first streetfighter-style model in the 125cc category that aims to open the MT World to younger riders.

Serious ‘full-size’ bike image

The new MT-125 has been shaped by the strong MT family DNA to give it a charismatic appearance and a commanding street presence that is reinforced by its genuine big bike looks and advanced technology. Every detail on this new streetfighter – from the angular headlight through to the upswept tail – has been shaped by its MT DNA to create a new kind of 125 with a serious ‘full-size’ bike image.

Streetfighter looks with supersport technology

Being developed on the same platform as the 2014 YZF-R125, the new MT features a naked chassis that emphasizes its physical presence. Blending streetfighter style with supersport technology, the MT-125 brings real attitude to the class.

Sports riding position for everyday use

Like the larger capacity MT models, the new MT-125’s ergonomics give a sporty and relatively upright riding position. Compared to the YZF-R125 supersport model, the MT-125 has a less extreme riding position for both the rider and passenger, making this radical new MT ideally suited to everyday fun in the city and on the open road.

Imposing frontal area

The unique character of the MT-125 is defined by the strong stature of the front end that features a low and angular headlamp with LED day lights whose aggressive image is emphasized by the high-shouldered air intakes. As well as giving a forceful and original face to the MT-125, the forward sloping headlamp and air intakes reinforce the dynamic downforce lines of the naked body.

High tech cockpit

The design of the full LCD instrumentation is inspired by smart phone aesthetics, and features bar style displays that include a shift light and rpm graphic – and when the bike is turned on there’s an animated display that greets the rider.

Short tail design

The streetfighter looks are reinforced by an upswept tail that complements the forward sloping lines of the fuel tank and air intakes to give an aggressive silhouette with a crouching, mass-forward image. The bike’s muscular and compact look is also underlined by the location of the LED taillight beneath the tail, which gives a short and uncluttered rear end.

Strong looking engine area

The MT-125’s central area around the engine and fuel tank have been designed to be as compact as possible in order to accentuate the feeling of strength created by the aggressive silhouette and dynamic downforce lines. The single cylinder 125cc engine is equipped with a close fitting underguard that underlines the mass-forward image, and the impression of forward motion is highlighted further by the angled lines of the bodywork as well as the forward sloping cylinder. With the ducted side panels and matt black engine mounted closely around the Deltabox frame, the MT-125’s tightly packed side profile projects an overall impression of strength and power.

High overall quality

In addition to its unique character and aggressive style, the MT-125 exudes a feeling of quality. The combination of smart design and high specification components creates a very special kind of motorcycle that opens up the choice available to our younger customers.

Technical Overview

New tank, seat, footrests and handlebars

The MT-125 features a new tank, seat and footrest design that gives a more upright position than the YZF-R125 supersport. Its shorter tank gives a hip position 42mm further forward, while seat height is reduced by 5mm to 820mm. Tapered handlebars with large aluminium clamps also contribute towards the new low-stress riding position by being 100m higher and 35mm further back than the YZF-R125. These MT-specific ergonomics make the MT-125 perfect for everyday usage and give increased bike control in the urban jungle.

Revised steering angle for high agility

Together with its new ergonomics, the MT-125 features a steering angle of 33.5 degrees. Combined with the lower seat height and new riding position, this revised steering geometry gives high agility – especially in lower speed urban riding – making the MT-125 a versatile bike that feels easy to manoeuvre in narrow or congested streets.

High specification front end

The MT-125’s advanced supersport-derived technology includes 41mm upside down front forks that deliver high levels of rigidity for precise and confident steering and handling characteristics. With 130mm of travel at the front end together with 114mm available through the linked monoshock rear suspension, the MT-125 is built to give a sporty and comfortable ride. The front braking system is one of the most advanced in the class, and features a floating 292mm diameter disc that is equipped with a radially mounted caliper for excellent initial response combined with highly effective stopping power.

Lightweight race-style thin-spoke wheels

New race-style wheels feature a multi-spoke design consisting of six sets of thin Y-shaped spokes that emphasize the MT-125’s high-tech and lightweight appearance. The new wheels run with a 100/80-17 front tyre and a 130/70-17 rear tyre that offer good levels of traction, and the wide section rear tyre underlines the bike’s no-compromise streetfighter image.

LED taillight and new style muffler

The upswept tail end is fitted with a compact license plate holder that enhances the streetfighter look, and to keep overall length to a minimum the new LED taillight is mounted beneath the tail unit. There’s also a newly designed muffler that gives plenty of cornering clearance and emits a throaty exhaust note.

Specification