2004 Yamaha DT 125 X review | Old-school 2-stroke supermoto fun on your commute
Highlights
- Hilarious 125cc supermoto
- Suitable for riding on a CBT with L-plates in restricted form
- A hit with owners and reviewers alike
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 15 bhp |
| Seat height: | Tall (34.9 in / 886 mm) |
| Weight: | Low (269 lbs / 122 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Yamaha DT 125 X was the last version of Yamaha’s long-running DT series before its two-stroke engine finally gave way to the four-stroke motors in bikes like the Yamaha XT125X and the Yamaha WR125X. The X in Yamaha's range represents that the bike is a supermoto model.
This means the bike is built on an off road platform but with stiffer suspension, a smaller front wheel, better brakes and road tyres.
Lightweight, ridiculously agile and easy to ride, it makes learning (or commuting) huge fun. It’s not for off-roading (get an RE version for that) but for Tarmac-based 125cc antics, the Yamaha DT 125 X road legal is hard to beat.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineTall, upright and commanding, the Yamaha DT 125 X is perfect for town riding and (slowish!) twisties. Long travel suspension soaks up bumps and lumps while good, firm brakes will safely bring to you a halt.
The handling’s the best bit though: throw the motorcycle around and it’ll respond brilliantly. The sharp steering’s a dream. Very stable.
Thanks to the smaller wheels and road-biased tyres, the handling is far better than the enduro looks suggest (as is the case with all supermotos) but you still get the advantage of wide bars for leverage and a tall riding position.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Yamaha DT 125 X's proven two stroke single’s been driving these little motorcycles around for donkey’s years. Simplistic but it does the job.
Restricted learner motorcycles can still be fun but remove the restrictors and you’ll have a revvy bundle of laughs on your hands. Minor flat spot in the midrange and keep on the gears for ultimate performance. Electric start, carbed and reliable.
Like all two-stroke engines, it will eventually need some attention or even a full rebuild. Power valves can have been stuck open by owners believing they were getting more power by modifying them so listen out for the sound of it opening and closing when you switch on the ignition.
Two-strokes are few and far between in the Euro5 landscape and there's a pleasing, retro aspect to the DT that'll have you wandering down memory lane every time you start it up.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueMethuselah probably rode a Yamaha DT 125 in his teens, they’ve been around that long, so worries about reliability or durability are unfounded.
Yamaha's DT125X is proven, easy to work on, solid and simple. Lack of frills means lack of fuss and fewer things to go wrong. Usual wear and tear but check exhausts and frames for chipping paint and early rust.
Plenty of enduro DT REs will have been used as farm bikes or for weekend greenlane duty and the odd bruise or patch of rust should be expected and not put you off, especially if that's how you plan to use it yourself.
Our Yamaha DT 125 X owners' reviews show nothing too concerning from a reliability perspective.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentCheap to buy, insure and run, the Yamaha DT125X (and its RE brother) represent great value, either as learner motorcycles or trusty commuters.
Parts are easy to source, relatively inexpensive and the machines are simple to work on. Aprilia’s MX125 is a serious rival, however, and has a pretty flash spec, too.
There are plenty of modern, four-stroke 125s for learners to choose from these days, including the Yamaha MT-125 (or its sportsbike Yamaha YZF-R125 equivalent). If you fancy something with a little more retro charm, consider the Yamaha XSR125.
Or if you're looking for an economic urban mobility solution to beat city traffic on the way to work, a Super Soco TC Max is worth a look too.
Equipment
The Yamaha DT 125 X is a basic motorcycle but that’s part of its charm. Tall seat (which is a mite uncomfortable) and wide bars help manoeuvrability: the turning circle’s tiny.
The dash is pretty old-fashioned but it all works: analogue speedo and trip, big light grid for oil etc but no rev counter or fuel light. Mirrors work effectively but the choke’s on the carb making it hard to reach when you’re riding.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 124cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Single cylinder two-stroke, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Steel diamond |
| Fuel capacity | 11 litres |
| Seat height | 886mm |
| Bike weight | 122kg |
| Front suspension | None |
| Rear suspension | Preload |
| Front brake | 298mm disc |
| Rear brake | 230mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 140/70 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 60 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £25 |
| Annual service cost | - |
| New price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
6 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 15 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 7 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 65 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 145 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2004: Yamaha DT125X launched at the end of the year, a few months after the birth of the RE motorcycle.
- 2007: Bike goes off sale.
Yamaha DT 125 X - the Royal choice
Prince Harry said in 2005 he loved to "bomb around fields" on his 125 Yamaha. William has also been photographed on a DT. Harry is likely to have ridden off-road as an officer in the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals, which trains on motorcycles for reconnaissance missions.
Other versions
- Yamaha DT125RE: The current, off-road biased version with very similar spec to the X. Differences include a higher seat, traillie-style wheels and knobbly tyres, smaller brake discs and price (it’s marginally cheaper).
- Yamaha DT125R: Introduced in 1988 (but the engine had been around long before then), it launched a million new riders in to motorcycling. Current versions are updates of the R model but much, including the engine, is the same. Discontinued in 2004.
Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA DT125X (2004 - 2007)
6 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA DT125X (2004 - 2007) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your YAMAHA DT125X (2004 - 2007)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
This bike is very quick for a 125, and also loves to do the wheelies so has a nice amount of power, pretty good on fuel, sounds good for a two stroke and the best thing is driving in the night with the blue dashboard light looks absolutely gorgeous and reminds you why you love it! 5**
Since owning this bike, I have had many compliments from friends and people I've never met before saying it looks good and looks the part. It is also very fast! Off the line I beat most cars and also a beaten one or two 600's. Only problem is they soon catch up as the top end speed isn't much 75 - 80 mph. But on country roads, you'll have no trouble keeping up with other bikes or cars :D amazing bike strongly recommend to anyone.
i bought a DTX brand new on a '57 plate never had a single problem with it exept once the battery went dead handles amazingly and will easily out corner any big race style bike due to its weight and rider poition all the things such as restricter in the carb and the green wire to a realy behind the clocks are not on the newist version all i did to mine was open up the YPVS by ajusting the cables form the servo, fitted a DEP exaust system (which removes the cat) and fitted a 17 sprocket to the front does a v.easy 80 but will reach 100 just if u kill 5th and 6th will get up to about 90 - 95 with 2 people on both with heads down of corse but for a little bike thats amazing beats a new ford focus ST off the lights as well as beating a subaru impretza wrx sti up to about 60 -70 mph highly reccomended - will rinse RS 125 / NSR 125's all day - four stroke 125's neva have a chance beats them without even revvin to band
I have owned my DT 125 RE for 2 months months now. Love every second. I fitted a DEP front and rear pipe. Fitted a bigger carb jet and earthed the green wire in the clocks (this lets the power valve open fully) and it flys. Had 80 mph. I love my little DT. I am a 6' 2" and this bike is excellent and it's got a real big bike feel. The bike is very quick off the mark and very good top end. I used to own a honda clr 125 4 stroke. It was slow and dull. This just blows the socks of it. You have a big smile every time you jump on it and open that throttle. Very easy to work on. They say that 2 strokes are unreliable and expensive to run but it is well worth it. The only minor points are the seat is ver uncomfortable on long run. After an our you get a numb bum. Also 2 stroke oil is very expensive. Well the good stuff is. Also I have off road syle tyres on and it feels a little bit twitchey going around tigt bens (what do you expect, there made for dirt and not tarmac). I just love the noise it makes and the way it goes. Don't think about it and just get one. You will not be disapointed.
Like all two strokes the power lives high up the RPM range. Acceleration is good - getting the bike promptly up to 50-60 mph - albeit with frequent gear changes to keep it in the power band. The large tyres give good grip in all conditions, and inspire confidence taking corners at speed. Electric start never fails to fire the engine up within a second or two, even when left for a while. I've now moved on to a bigger bike, but only as i've started commuting on out-of-town roads. If I was only using the bike around town I wouldn't think of buying anything else. Strengths: Handling excellent, rock steady at high speed. Reliability. Styling. Fuel economy (80-100 miles on 6 litres of petrol). Weaknesses: One or two spots of rust on the frame despite being garaged and carefully cleaned after riding in the wet, although I had no problems with the exhaust paint. Slightly snatchy at low revs when crawling in traffic. Uncomfortable seat if ridden for more than an hour, and slightly underpowered for out-of town riding (drops back to 50-55 mph up hills with traffic bunching up behind).
I have owned this bike for a few months and the initial 'new bike' feeling has now subsided. The bike feels very responsive and performance is surprisingly good for such a small engine. I use it for commuting and the rush hour traffic is now non-existent. Slow riding control is easy with this bike, even thought the gear box is a bit clunky. I chose this over the XT125X as the 2 stroke engine is much nicer and more fun to have and the power delivery is very good. Riding at 60mph is hard work due to the wind, but it is okay for short bursts. Strengths: The bike feels stable and braking is fantastic due to large disc up front and road tires. Nice high riding position. Fuel economy is really good (about 60mpg). Cheap parts, cheap servicing and loads of after-market accessories. You could de-restrict it to get the full 22bhp if you wanted to. Weaknesses: Uncomfortable seat - takes a bit of getting used to. No storage at all. Bit pricey for a 125. No rev counter. Exhaust needs looking after due to crappy paint pealing off after only 100 miles.
Yamaha DT 125 water crossing
Yamaha DT 125 in a forest
Yamaha DT 125 X rear view
Yamaha DT 125 X engine
Yamaha DT 125 X brake disc
Yamaha DT 125 X on the road
Yamaha DT 125 X in multistory car park
Yamaha DT 125 X turning right action shot
Yamaha DT 125 X dash
Yamaha DT 125 X bar grip
Yamaha DT 125 review on MCN
Yamaha DT 125 right side
Yamaha DT 125 X on the road action shot
Yamaha DT 125 X rear wheel
Yamaha DT125X left side
Yamaha DT125X turning left
Yamaha DT125X dash
Yamaha DT125X in McDonalds car park
Yamaha DT125X killswitch
Yamaha DT125X two-stroke oil reservoir
Yamaha DT125X engine
