Yamaha XT 125 R (2005-2012) Review | Speed, Specs & Prices

Yamaha XT125R motorcycle review - Riding

Highlights

Cheap 125cc traillie
Great to throw around
Four-stroke engine easier to live with

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
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 & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 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: Engine

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The 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: Reliability

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The 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: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Yamahas 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: Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 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

3 out of 5 (3/5)

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	£25
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:	3.6 out of 5 (3.6/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Engine:	3.6 out of 5 (3.6/5)
Reliability & build quality:	3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
Value vs rivals:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment:	3.6 out of 5 (3.6/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£50

4 out of 5 Reliable to go any where.

07 July 2021 by Karlo Pauc

Version: XT 125 R

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £50

Best: Reliable, practical. Worst: Power is low, cooling is low.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Good and reliable. During night the best as is AC engine. Pillion no problem 1,5 hrs., rider up to 2 hrs.

Engine 4 out of 5

Like: Reliable, nimble. Dislike: Low top speed, low cooling ability.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Very good build. Not much corrosion, mostly exhaust pipe. Even with gear spring broken managed to drove home. Cheap to fix

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Changed oil and filter every year, chain once. Valve check was in plan but too expensive (70€).

Equipment 4 out of 5

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€.

4 out of 5 Good , reliable 125cc

27 August 2018 by That_xt_rider

Year: 2007

Really good starter bike, reliable, quick, and cheap to insure

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes work fine , back break is good enough to control a wheelie

Engine 4 out of 5

I’ve got an aftermarket exhaust and mine hits 79mph (gps tested)

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Never broke down or hand any issues with the bike, really solid machine

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I do 2 oil changes a year costs me about £25 for castrol power 1

Equipment 4 out of 5

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

5 out of 5 Great

10 September 2012 by Savas77

My first bike. It gets me not just in London but I went to Scotland, Europe too. I will never sell her.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

4 out of 5 My Yamaha xt 125r

14 July 2008 by Yrkuk

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.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 3 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 3 out of 5

1 out of 5 worst bike I've ever riden

01 April 2008 by cassandra 2

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.

Ride quality & brakes 1 out of 5

Engine 2 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

Value vs rivals 1 out of 5

Equipment 2 out of 5

4 out of 5 Great for 12.5 BHP

04 November 2007 by whaleboy7

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.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

3 out of 5 not a bad 125 at all !

24 September 2007 by blm1989

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

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 3 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 3 out of 5