Yamaha XT 125 R (2005-2012) Review | Speed, Specs & Prices
Highlights
- Cheap 125cc traillie
- Great to throw around
- Four-stroke engine easier to live with
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £50 |
| Power: | 12 bhp |
| Seat height: | Tall (33.9 in / 860 mm) |
| Weight: | Low (260 lbs / 118 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Yamaha XT represented a shift. Once upon a time the 125cc learner motorcycle world was only filled with two-strokes. And once your eyes had stopped running the only quality trailie was Yamaha’s DT125. And it was madly expensive.
Nowadays the place is full of four-stroke cheapies like Yamaha's XT 125 R and we should be grateful. But we’re not because de-restricting two-stroke learners was a piece of cake - you’re stuck with the XT 125 R’s 12.5bhp. Boo.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe beam/cradle hybrid chassis is great and combined with the Yamaha XT 125 R’s wide bars you can sling this motorcycle about like a terrier with a soft toy.
The only limiting factors are the tall, narrow tyres. The XT 125 R's brakes are fine – striking a balance between usable bite and new-user friendliness.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Yamaha XT 125 R's motor has just 12.5bhp rather than the full 15bhp legal limit Yamaha ‘unleash’ in the identically-engined YBR 125. Why? Who knows, but the SOHC air-cooled single tries its hardest all the same. This motorcycle is helped particularly by its low weight – just 111kg.
The Yamaha XT 125 R is cheeky enough in its allotted element, namely the town, but it can bustle along OK along light trails providing the going’s not too sticky.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueYamahas enjoy some of the best build quality in the 125 sector – they’re nicely screwed together and well-finished and the XT 125 R is typical of the breed.
Our Yamaha XT 125 R owners' reviews tell a completely different story, though. Plenty of remarks mention corrosion and build quality problems. Ensure you have a good read through these before taking the plunge.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe Yamaha XT 125 R is cheap to buy new, coming in around the same price as Honda’s super-popular CBR125R. But do you really want to be dropping so much cash on a motorcycle you’re realistically only going to have for a year or two at most?
Secondhand DTs are cheaper, offer more bang for your buck and cost less to repair if the motor goes pop. Running costs are higher for the stroker, though.
There are plenty of Yamaha XTs for sale online, including bikes being broken for spares.
Equipment
The Yamaha XT 125 R is well presented and well equipped, with the exhaust tucked high up out of harm’s way and a bash plate to protect the motorcycle's sump. The bars are sadly made of bend-o-matic monkey metal and even gentle drops wreck them.
There were plenty of aftermarket bits around for the XT, so keep an eye out for modified bikes on the secondhand market. As ever, some will be great, and others might be moneypits.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 124cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 4v single, 5 gears |
| Frame type | Tubular steel cradle |
| Fuel capacity | 10 litres |
| Seat height | 860mm |
| Bike weight | 118kg |
| Front suspension | None |
| Rear suspension | Preload |
| Front brake | Single 245mm disc |
| Rear brake | 220mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 90/90 x 21 |
| Rear tyre size | 120/80 x 18 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 55 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £26 |
| Annual service cost | £50 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
5 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 12 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 7 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 71 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 21.9 secs |
| Tank range | 120 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2005: Yamaha XT 125 R introduced.
- 2012: Bike goes off sale.
Other versions
- XT 125 X supermoto version, 2005-2014
Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA XT125R (2005 - 2012)
7 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA XT125R (2005 - 2012) 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 XT125R (2005 - 2012)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £50 |
Version: XT 125 R
Year: 2006
Annual servicing cost: £50
Best: Reliable, practical. Worst: Power is low, cooling is low.
Good and reliable. During night the best as is AC engine. Pillion no problem 1,5 hrs., rider up to 2 hrs.
Like: Reliable, nimble. Dislike: Low top speed, low cooling ability.
Very good build. Not much corrosion, mostly exhaust pipe. Even with gear spring broken managed to drove home. Cheap to fix
Changed oil and filter every year, chain once. Valve check was in plan but too expensive (70€).
Simple and robust. Need handguards for safety. Bought with mounted Dunlop Trailmax, switched to Sava MC24 Invader.
Buying experience: Bought private for 1450€, was advertised 1600€.
Year: 2007
Really good starter bike, reliable, quick, and cheap to insure
Brakes work fine , back break is good enough to control a wheelie
I’ve got an aftermarket exhaust and mine hits 79mph (gps tested)
Never broke down or hand any issues with the bike, really solid machine
I do 2 oil changes a year costs me about £25 for castrol power 1
Avon road rider tyres is a must as the stock tyres are horrible in the wet
Buying experience: Private 2nd hand sale , Paid £575 with 12months mot and carbon fibre exhaust
My first bike. It gets me not just in London but I went to Scotland, Europe too. I will never sell her.
Had this bike just over 8 months, got it new for 2,599 at Padgett's in Batley. I do enjoy my bike, but its slow in comparison to other 125 in the similar price range, the build quality is shocking, its starting to rust everywhere, i had a serious fuel leak a few months ago which made me out of action for 1 month of riding, maybe its just my bike but my mate had very similar problems so i think its just the bike its self, i would seriously recommend a CBR125 and i wish i had of picked that in the first place.
Yamaha XT125X. My first Yamaha motor cycle but own 4 motorcycles. This replaced a Honda XR125L we had for 2 years and was brilliant but fancied a change! big mistake. Collected new 29th March 2008 from Shepherds Bush dealership. 10 mile journey home. This is the worst bike I have ever riden in my life, it's horrible. Faults found but dealer not interested nor is Yamaha. Told to call out Yamaha assist to repair it. Ride one before you buy, I didn't find a dealer locally who had a demonstator to test one and regret not doing so. Appalling (customer care) from dealer. Will never buy another Yamaha.
I brought my secondhand XT125R in June 2007 and have used it prety much every day. I mostly ride it round London and find it great fun. I once rode it back from from Nottingham to London which is when I discovered it can go a bit when you have long enough road to crank it up, but your ass will probably be broken by the time you get to your destination! The seat is comfortable for riding round town but not for 3 or 4 hours in the saddle! Overall very happy with the bike. It was great to learn on and I passed my test on it.
i have an xt125r and i think its a nice bike to ride it is far superior to a cbr125 as its a full size bike and looks very rugged and moto-x. the top speed is around 73mph but is very slow from 60 onwards but very quick to 60mph. i have a full uk motorbike licence but have a restriction for 2 years and think this is a spot on bike for learners and would recommend one hope this helps brett
Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review - Side view
Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review - Instruments
Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review - Riding
Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review - Riding
Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review - Riding
Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review - Engine
Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review
Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review - Brakes
Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review - Front view
Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review - Front view
Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review - Side view
Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review - Side view
