NUDE AND RUDE
Yamaha’s MT 125. We've RIDDEN it.
● YZF-R125 technology
● 14bhp
● 11.5Nm
● Want one?
There’s a lot to be said for entry-level nakeds. They suit everyone from the new riders who want to build up their confidence and hone their skills without breaking the bank, to older guys and gals who want to ride something that's a little bit easier and softer. And nakeds in general? Well, with Yamaha selling over 250,000 MTs since its creation, it’s fair to say that there’s a serious demand. That’s why the Japanese factory has been back to the drawing board to create a new MT-125 and MT-03 for 2020 – and we’ve been out to Spain for the first ride of the two machines. Here’s how we got on with the 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 gets more bums on bikes, then who’s complaining?
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I’m certainly not – particularly after getting my first look at the new MT-125. It’s fair to say Yamaha has been pretty busy making its 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. For starters, they’ve stolen the engine from the YZF-R125 along with its clever VVA system, which utilises two sets of cams for two separate power curves, making it beast-ier at both the top and bottom end of the rev range. Like the R, it’s not just the VVA that’s new, as Yamaha has given it a larger intake and exhaust valve, a wider throttle body, a larger airbox and an improved intake port, alongside making the radiator 26% smaller, for a tidier front end. Nice. The frame, swingarm and sub frame are new additions, 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, and it looks like Yamaha has hit the jackpot.
TIME TO RIDE
And you know what? It has. The first time I jumped on, I was almost taken aback at how ‘proper’ the MT-125 felt; the more aggressive riding position works a treat, 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 (14bhp, if you’re interested). Saying that, it’s still incredibly smooth and the transition between the cams is utterly seamless, which makes the 125 an utter delight. Ok, so it’s no rocketship, but in the grand scheme of the A1 eligible market, it’s right up there.
Thanks to the new chassis, geometry and suspension set up, the baby MT feels anything but inadequate when it comes to taking on corners. Holding on to every little bit of corner speed is vital for retaining those mphs, but the MT obliges with incredible flickability and 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 an entry-level machine.
"The first time I jumped on, I was almost taken aback at how ‘proper’ the MT-125 felt; the more aggressive riding position works a treat, while the cockpit is a gorgeous place to be perched."
SHOULD I BUY ONE?
It’s nice to see Yamaha pushing the envelope a bit with its new learnerlegal MTs. With some serious tech (namely the VVA system), a proper big-bike feel and the agility of a little 125, the Japanese factory has pulled another blinder with its new MT. Ok, so it comes with a fairly hefty price tag for a 125, but then again, I don’t think you’d find a much cooler mode of transport for a 17-year-old…