YAMAHA TW125 (1999 - 2004) Review

Year: 2003

I've had it for about 6 months and it's already gone through a chain. Put a smaller rear sprocket on it to keep the revs down while commuting which has not helped performance. It will do 50 begrudgingly, but that's basically it. Can be a bit of an arse to start on a cold day but pretty simple to keep it going. Exhaust has rusted out, and replacements are scarce and a little pricey considering that, judging by other people's reviews it'll just rot out again fairly quickly.

Bought an 04 model back in March on Mothers day was in a beat up condition but with some basic mechanical knowledge and common sense whipped it in to shape and is running like a dream but as its a learner legal it had been thrashed to death for a 12000 mile bike its off the road due to the previous owner managing to crush the inlet tappet and mushroomed both valve tops so they are an amazing bike a literal do anything dual sport but beware of mistreatment

Bought in Nov 2000 as a winter/bad weather hack. Engine is fine but gutless no problems here. Exhaust is very thin and poor quality rusts too easily even when high temp painted. I am on my second down-pipe and muffler. Handling is superb you can almost lay the bike down on corners, the tyres grip so well. I have ridden in snow, ice, mud and on very wet roads and only 2 or 3 times (in nearly 10 years) have I felt a bit of a slide. The brakes are very good and I find the ride comfy, stress free and a whole lot of fun. A very big grin factor bike is the Trailway.

I have had this bike for 4 months now its been great not one problem with it at all mine is a 04 model and i picked it up for £1300 i live out in the country side and this can go down bumpy lanes very fast and the handling is really good i ride this bike every day thru mud and rain and it never has a problem. Only problems with my bike is pulling away in 1st you sometimes have to give it some revs a really slip the clutch other than that its been great. I have had 75 out of this going downhill and easy get 60 to 65 on the flats with my head down.

I now have 30K kilometers on the clock. (The bike was an import from europe). Originally bought after finding that the Yamaha DT125 had too high a seat for me. Initially used to do recreational green lane expeditions (Western section of the Ridgeway was good fun) which it handled very well. Then it was pressed into service as a L plate commuter bike between Reading and Liverpool St London. The MCN review is pretty much right, Yes it is looking a bit rough with rust on the exhaust and parts of the frame. The suspension on the bike is such that it stresses the chain over bumps and means that they have to get renewed regularly. I am on my fourth chain in two years. To date I have also replaced three sets of front brake pads, a front disk, two sets of sprokets, a clutch and battery. It also has a bit of a hard seat for longer journeys. However it has never let me down on route and has never been a problem to start. I'm doing my full test next month and will be replacing the bike soon and will probably miss it.

I've been riding my TW125 for about 6 months now and think it is a good bike especially for a learner (which I am). This bike will comfortably sit at 50 without feeling like its going to fall apart and the handling is very forgiving for a learner also. My only criticisms would be the weight of the bike can make it a bit sluggish and it can be a pig to get going on a cold morning. All in all a good fun little bike for what it is.