YAMAHA MT-125
Kids these days… whereas I used to spend my time going nuts in the wild, thrashing bikes and causing havoc just dreaming of two-wheeled adventures, apparently a load of ’em now spend most of their time glued to a TV, which is pretty rubbish for a manufacturer who needs to be selling bikes. I mean, it’s why Yamaha’s whole marketing campaign for this bike is built around playing a console, and making something as interesting as possible for nippers. But then again, if it’s gets more bums on bikes, then who’s complaining?
Well, I’m certainly not, and it’s fair to say they’ve been pretty busy making their 125cc as attractive as possible. I’m not just talking about those gorgeous new looks either, as underneath the improved aesthetics lie a new engine, chassis and riding position to the old model. For starters, they’ve stolen the engine from the YZF-R125 and subsequently their VVA system, which utilises two sets of cams for two separate power curves, making it beastier at both the top and bottom end of the rev range. Like the R, it’s not just the VVA that’s new to the 03’s powerplant either, as Yamaha have also given it a larger intake and exhaust valve, wider throttle body, larger airbox and an improved intake port, alongside making the radiator 26% smaller – for a tidier front end. Nice. The frame, swingarm and subframe is a new addition as well, optimised for rigidity and geometry with a new suspension set up for good measure. Couple this with some beefy brakes, a bigger rear tyre and a more aggressive riding position with a new dash, it looks like Yamaha have hit the jackpot.
And you know what? They have. The first time I jumped on, I was almost taken back at how ‘proper’ the MT-125 felt; the more aggressive riding position works a wonder, while the cockpit is a gorgeous place to be perched. The feeling continued upon firing it up as well; it has a throaty little tone to it, and thanks to the updated engine and VVA system, really does have a solid amount of punch for something that has so little horsepower. Saying that though, it’s still incredibly smooth and the transition between the cams is utterly seamless, which makes the 125 an utter delight. Yeah, it’s not got a lot of power, but for learners these days, beggars can’t be choosers when it comes to restrictions.
Mind you, thanks to the new chassis, geometry and pogo set up, the tiniest MT feels anything but inadequate when it comes to taking on corners. Due to the lack of power, precision is key and keeping up every little bit of corner speed is vital for retaining those mphs, but the MT obliges with incredible flickability, yet buckets of stability, in order to inspire as much confidence as possible. Hell, even the brakes were incredible, with the whopping 292mm disc offering more stopping power than you’d come to expect on such an entry-level machine.
CONCLUSION
Learner legal spec bikes are never going to be the bat-shit beasts they were 30 years ago, but even so it’s nice to see manufacturers pushing the envelope a bit. With some serious tech like the VVA system in the engine, and a proper big-bike feel, combined with the manoeuvrability of a little 125, Yamaha haven’t done bad at all with their new MT. It comes at a price, but then again, there aren’t many modes of transport that are cooler for a 17-year-old…