The XSR are a nice looking range of bikes, personally I think they are much nicer looking than the MT series. Also nicer than the Honda Neo Retros, but that’s my personal preference. I don’t know why there is not a MT03 based version anywhere in the world, I have an R3 myself and I would have gone for an XSR 300 if one existed.
I would buy not one but two XSR with that R3/MT03 engine, it's the only decent looking retro styled motorcycle from the Japs. The CB300/500R is just too modern and Suzuki's SV650 is actually a retro motorcycle in it's own right since it's been around since forever
Yeah, I don't know why Yamaha doesn't make a proper bike for 300cc, they use the same design for the last I don't know maybe 10 years, just changing the headlamp, no major improvements.
@@WcWGoldbergWcW It's brilliant, feels like a big bike and its very cheap to run, the handling is very good and the gearshifts are nice and smooth, can't fault it at all really
Hi how was the bike riding that distance. Does it Handel going up hill easy enough. I've done Dundee to Manchester on my yzf r125 and it was a bit uncomfortable. What do you think of the bike I'm considering trading my yzf r125 for the xsr or mt
As an XSR900 owner, I think this runner is a perfect fit to the XSR family. I'd definitely be interested in it if I was in the target market for a 125cc.
I have the latest Legacy model and what a looker the bike is. Same spec as the standard on show here but with spoked gold wheels and better tyres, I could not resist for an extra £500 in the UK. This bike has lived up to expectations and I love it. Highly recommended for anyone starting off on motorcycles.
I gotta say it, why not make it in a 250 version? the size wouldn't be markedly larger and the engine would probably end up more highway worthy, and the extra power would probably also help when riding with an additional passenger. The price difference probably wouldn't be that big a deal either and be in a similar market. I should say either way its really cool!
Bought this last year for my son to learn on, He now has a new Monster, but we kept this its so good, Sounds really good stock, does 120 plus mpg. I even bought the new 2022 Blue/Gold XSR900, different style but Yamaha have really got some good machines of all sizes.Seats way better than the new 900 which is a scaffold plank and i put gel pad on it, 125 is comfy enough for a couple of hours.
Hello Sir, great review. Do you think it is a big downside comparing to the MT125 that they decided not to use anti hopping clutch on this one? Is it a big of a difference for a new biker?
My WR155R 2020 with similar engine but 30cc more. Getz 53km per litre. did 1000km in 21.5 hours on it across half of Borneo plus another 5000km thru Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, and Sumba. The 155cc engine has 16hp and its fine for 90kph trashing along for hours with grunt left over to blast past trucks doing similar speeds. Loving it so far.
I’ve the WR155 which is slightly bigger Cc but with same clamps. Sort of an after thought while the clamps at the other end of those hoses are pretensioned clamps.
Nice looking little bike. When you said 49 pounds a month it sounded attractive. Then I reflected on my last 50 years as a biker. Despite travelling to many countries in Europe and also to Morocco, I have never spent 1100 pounds to buy a bike. Let alone put down that sort of money as a deposit. However, I am sure there will be many happy buyers for this smart little bike.
My family owns the red one! I'm 16 and just making my license! I'm super excited to ride it to school, Im 170 cm and it fits me just right... this one is a win
I am trying to find a sissy bar for this model, but couldn't find anything. I would like to have this as my wife gets back pain and she would be very comfortable with the backrest.
@@Wayneebrum it's not really overpriced it's a fancy bike. Just get the YBR or a cheap Chinese 125 otherwise... when I started I wanted a Honda MTX125 I ended up with a cb125rs it was about a 1/5 of the price.
I was doing my das before lockdown trying to get a mod1 and mod 2 test date is a nightmare where I'm from, was thinking of getting one of these or the Mt 125nfor commuting 40 mile round trip and just wait until next year for things to die down a bit to get a mod 1 mod 2,. Anyone rode these bikes for 40/50 miles
Why why why put a negative display everyone knows they get harder to read under bright sunlight unlike positive display this is basic digital watch stuff.
Love yr review im getting my brand new one in two weeks in yamaha blue i sat on it in showroom im 5ft 10 29 in side leg and it feels like a 400 thank colin
I'm about to turn 28 and I have my CBT booked in for next week. I've driven a car for the past 8 years but fancy getting on 2 wheels. I'm torn between getting this or saving some pennies and getting a chinese 125 scrambler. Any advice/ reccomendations? Thanks!
@@tylerbarnes9673 For me it's comfortable, I was worried about the firm feeling when I sat on it 1st time, however after my longest ride (about 2h without stopping), I realized that is not the case.
it looks fantastic but it looks like 400cc and then fun wears of for me I love 125 ccs in form of minibikes and scooters but I would love a 500 in that style because it looks stunning
Why the not launching in India Yamaha xsr155 bike and Indian customer waiting for this bike and Yamaha company bad decision not launching in Indian Yamaha xsr155 bike
I live in Canada, I’ve never been to Britain. I’m wondering about the price that you mention. Is that an out the door price? Is it for taxes and fees? Also, would it be cheaper for me to buy a bike in England or France or Spain? Is there a big difference in price between these countries?
This is probably too late but its the base price at dealerships who then charge what they call an on the road fee, first years tax and registration etc this is currently 126 pounds at my local dealership. From what I've seen the prices are pretty much the same across Europe hope this helps.
I hv the 155 version. only things i hate about it are the position of its honk button, which is quite awkward and hard seat, 200km+ ride felt uncomfortable down there. But other than that i love it.
Just save your money for a couple of years and bag a bargain on an ex demo model. Anyone that buys any bike straight from the showroom, either is loaded or has no monetary sense.
I am 6ft tall and that's me doing the test. For more photos, here's the full review: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/yamaha/xsr-125-2021 Cheers, Michael
Buy something cheaper.do you're test.chuck the loopy plates away...I realy do hate getting behind these what have just being on the road 1 day....the government should make the cbt more extensive.to save lifes
Think if was a tad cheaper might have gone for it. Spending £2500 on a Bullit soonish. Just have to hope all goes well. Surely you are paying more with the finance deal anyways? Def a nice bike. P.s If I wasnt getting a Bullit second choice would be a Zontes with the 20l tank!
@@JDMz I think a crf250l would be fine for a learner. 17ftlb I found a 125cc was not much of a step up from a decent 49cc moped. After 45mph a 125 doesn't really pull at all. Speed is steadily gained as long as there is no headwind or gradient.
Nah.. Harley Fat Boy. Sooo easy to flick into corners, awesome brakes and suspension, and decent light and agile slow speed town and city handling. Perfect for a race track too.
I started out on a Yamaha XT250 which was a hoot in the city, and as charming as these things may seem, I would never go as small as 125cc. It is simply too weak to go any decent distance, especially if you'd want to bring your girl along with you.
They really struggle on any incline. Probably fine for going around 30mph . Maybe 35mph. I know a guy had a cg125 and never went over 35 on it. Around 5,000rpm in top gear at that speed. Most of the time these 125's won't even pull top gear that well
Interested to hear more on the brakes and suspension. Front brake is not as nice spec as YZF-R125 and MT125, the forks are also thinner / weaker as well. MCN comments were confusing, they slated the brakes but said the ride is excellent with same rear shock as R125. Well I own the R125 and on that bike its strongest most standout feature is the brakes, weakest the rear shock IMHO. On bumpy back roads forget NSL unless you like being kicked out of the seat from time to time, 45 smooth, 50 to 55 OK but 60+ she doesn't like the bumps and I am convinced its the rear shock more than anything else. The brakes though are amazing, two fingers from 60-30 is as quick as in a modern car (I used to race Porsches), you seemed happy with the brakes so maybe MCN had a bike that needed a brake bleed or pads bedding in? The fuel economy of this engine is genuine, even thrashing the thing cross country I see around 105, any ride that involves cruising speed or following traffic and she is back over 120 mpg again. I think low speed commuting would easily see 130+ mpg.
@123 Have a look on motorcyclenews.com, they criticised the braking. Like you I find it hard to believe. I am interested in this bike as a back lane and commuting machine, the R125 is a fantastic bike but clip ons and fairings are for fast roads and the track, not comfortable etc for sub 50 mph riding where a 125 is at its best.
@123 Thanks, fingers crossed for you and this bike. Personally I think the 2021 Duke probably has the best spec in this class now but the looks are not for everyone.
Hi Neil, the brakes and suspension on a bike like owes a lot to the size and weight of the rider. As mentioned in the video and accompanying review, Im 6ft and 14st where as the MCN reviewer is much smaller. For my size on the roads we were using on the test route, the suspension had a hard time... well, my bottom did. There was minimal rebound over cracks and pot holes but then again it's designed for the city streets or slower town riding. The brakes were absolutely fine for the job they have been designed to do, on this type of bike and for the type of customer Yamaha has in mind. The initial bite is strong with little lever movement required with the stopping power very linear. I did't find the dual-channel ABS intrusive when hard on the front brake but it was eager to pulse on the rear - locking the rear was easy. In terms of mpg, the claim is north of 130 which is entirely possible if the riding style suited. Frankly, an organised press ride will determine possible the worst economy - towards the end of the day it was firmly under 100mpg, hovering around 97/98. You take the purpose of the bike into account when looking to buy - it's not a back road warrior but it certainly entertains in unchartered territory! Hope that offers a little clarity and if you have any other questions just holler. Thanks, Michael
@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks Michael that's a brilliant reply. Timely reminder that I need to make the time and get my tests done if I am finding the suspension is slowing me down on our backroads. That and I get numb tingling hands on long rides from the single cylinder vibes. Still though despite moaning about the clip-ons love my bike to bits. I am 11 stone or 70 kg or thereabouts for reference for anyone reading, haven't had this much fun on the road since I started driving 3 decades ago.
@123 Simply put, pressing down hard on the rear brake will cause the ABS on the rear brake to pulse (demonstrating the ABS was working) so the tyre would still lock/release/lock/release, etc.
Too expensive for what it is, plus 125cc bikes are dangerous / inadequate for real world conditions anyways. Any and all kinds of highway and long distance work will ALWAYS be a problem. Also forget about riding 2 up. Yes, if you're poor, young, or stupid enough, you can make almost anything work, of course, but at what level of comfort and safety? I know from personal experience that motorcycles smaller than 250-300 ccs are just not worth it at all.
Well 17 year olds can't have anything else for 2 years so it's this or nothing. I do agree a 125cc does nothing a 250cc can't do better. An xr250 is actually lighter than a xr125. And the power of a 250 4 stroke single won't be to powerful. I've ridden loads of 125's most struggled to get 60mph. Best ones can get near 70mph on a flat with a tail wind in a tucked position. I've got a de restricted aprilia sx50 (2 stroke ) I think it's better really than a 125cc (4 stroke) the 125 let's you down when you need it most. I've done motorways on 125cc bikes it's very scary I was praying it would keep going fast enough I was pinned open.
125 is perfect for someone commuting into work if it's a reasonable distance who might not want to get access to the motorway so no real need to do a full bike license
![[Live] ศึกมหึมันส์มวยไทยสังเวียนเดือด เวทีมวยชั่วคราวสวนสยาม | จันทร์ 30 กันยายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pM1k6f7JXUc/mqdefault.jpg)
The XSR are a nice looking range of bikes, personally I think they are much nicer looking than the MT series. Also nicer than the Honda Neo Retros, but that’s my personal preference. I don’t know why there is not a MT03 based version anywhere in the world, I have an R3 myself and I would have gone for an XSR 300 if one existed.
Could happen we have the xsr125 xsr700 xsr900. Way better than the Mt range. I would love a xsr900.
I would buy not one but two XSR with that R3/MT03 engine, it's the only decent looking retro styled motorcycle from the Japs. The CB300/500R is just too modern and Suzuki's SV650 is actually a retro motorcycle in it's own right since it's been around since forever
Yeah, I don't know why Yamaha doesn't make a proper bike for 300cc, they use the same design for the last I don't know maybe 10 years, just changing the headlamp, no major improvements.
And it's much more comfortable than the MT 125
@@MarioPanait27 Do you realize that with 125 cc engine when reaching 50 km/h you already shifted at least 3 times?
Getting mine by this weekend, went for the yellow one!
How is it?
@@WcWGoldbergWcW It's brilliant, feels like a big bike and its very cheap to run, the handling is very good and the gearshifts are nice and smooth, can't fault it at all really
@@danielmartin1538 what’s the fastest you hit on it
Hi Daniel, i am too thinking for the yellow one. I want to change the handlebars to make it look like a street bike. did u do any mods?
Isnt the seat a bit too hard ? :-s @@danielmartin1538
From Stratford upon Avon England to Glenrothes Scotland coming off the A1 at Darlington to experience the A68 400+ miles it cost me only £24 in Fuel.
Hi how was the bike riding that distance. Does it Handel going up hill easy enough. I've done Dundee to Manchester on my yzf r125 and it was a bit uncomfortable. What do you think of the bike I'm considering trading my yzf r125 for the xsr or mt
As an XSR900 owner, I think this runner is a perfect fit to the XSR family.
I'd definitely be interested in it if I was in the target market for a 125cc.
The legacy version of this bike is my new favourite
Sat on one of these today .. I’m 57 last wrote a bike over 30 years ago lol I will be buying one in the next 6 weeks I hope lol
I have the latest Legacy model and what a looker the bike is. Same spec as the standard on show here but with spoked gold wheels and better tyres, I could not resist for an extra £500 in the UK. This bike has lived up to expectations and I love it. Highly recommended for anyone starting off on motorcycles.
i have it for work and week end scapades i live in the sunny valencia , 43 years old not an starter 😂
I gotta say it, why not make it in a 250 version? the size wouldn't be markedly larger and the engine would probably end up more highway worthy, and the extra power would probably also help when riding with an additional passenger. The price difference probably wouldn't be that big a deal either and be in a similar market. I should say either way its really cool!
Indonesian Yamaha branch probably had no interest in making it but let's see whether it can change.
@@alrecks619 I doubt many would be sold if most markets would require a full licence for the 250cc. Probably may as well make it a 400cc.
It’s a learning bike, that’s why it’s a 125
Why are the Silly Uk Government going
To Ban these Frugal Economical
Petrol 125s in 2030.
Makes no Sense to me
Becouse in eu you do not need a licence for 125 cc bike
Its just a fancier looking YBR125 with couple of more HP.
Now all they need is XSR300 (400) and xsr 1000 to complete the range
And a tracer 300 and a tenere 300
In Thailand we get the 155 looks good loads of custom options
I wish the would make an XSR300
I spent a week riding around Thailand on a XSR 155 ... was a nice little bike..
Bought this last year for my son to learn on, He now has a new Monster, but we kept this its so good, Sounds really good stock, does 120 plus mpg. I even bought the new 2022 Blue/Gold XSR900, different style but Yamaha have really got some good machines of all sizes.Seats way better than the new 900 which is a scaffold plank and i put gel pad on it, 125 is comfy enough for a couple of hours.
Jesus. How much is this bike???? It’s pretty but the price is a joke.
Hello Sir, great review. Do you think it is a big downside comparing to the MT125 that they decided not to use anti hopping clutch on this one? Is it a big of a difference for a new biker?
The xsr has an assisted clutch. Just the same as the mt and r125 because its the exact same engine.n
Just had mine delivered yesterday- I usually get Honda bikes but who could resist this little Yellow Beautiful bike- lets see just how it gets on ?
135MPG, well done Yammy !
My WR155R 2020 with similar engine but 30cc more. Getz 53km per litre. did 1000km in 21.5 hours on it across half of Borneo plus another 5000km thru Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, and Sumba. The 155cc engine has 16hp and its fine for 90kph trashing along for hours with grunt left over to blast past trucks doing similar speeds. Loving it so far.
the variable valve actuation thing really made the bike loud and powerful, but also much more forgiving to cruise.
I've got the 155 version... and its a beauty...
We need something like that for usa 300-400cc
Pls.export that here in Philippines.
Well done video, thank you! Can't await to get mine in August! 🤩
Plss bring this to indiaa....
Thanks for that.I really fancy one of those as I'm at an age where I need a lighter bike.Still it's a lot of money for a 125.
Lose the music.
Great review! The production quality is also decent, although I would like the music less loud compared to the speech.
You convinced me: I will order this bike next week (also the yellow one).
I think the black one with red stripes looks cleaner. But nice video man 👌
That's gorgeous that is
Great looking bike.👍🏻
Fantastic review 👏🏽🔥 i went and sat on one in a showroom today and after watching this I want one
She likes it he says 😂 very vivid
Cannot believe thats a factory finnish on those coolant hoses with jubille clips fitted that look to big.Looks shoddy and on display .
I’ve the WR155 which is slightly bigger Cc but with same clamps. Sort of an after thought while the clamps at the other end of those hoses are pretensioned clamps.
Beautiful bike
Nice looking little bike. When you said 49 pounds a month it sounded attractive. Then I reflected on my last 50 years as a biker. Despite travelling to many countries in Europe and also to Morocco, I have never spent 1100 pounds to buy a bike. Let alone put down that sort of money as a deposit. However, I am sure there will be many happy buyers for this smart little bike.
I'm curious what bikes have you owned to cost less than 1100?
with inflation rates considered. £1000 in 1970 is £13,250 in todays money
imagine you were a young man again, neale
They have to bring this to the EU market. The XSR155 is too large for A2 driving license.
It's in the EU market and in dealerships right now. Certainly in the UK.
My family owns the red one! I'm 16 and just making my license! I'm super excited to ride it to school, Im 170 cm and it fits me just right... this one is a win
Same looking for me sxr155 and sxr125 🤣mabuhay from the Philippines 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭✌️
Mu dream bike!veru nice!
I am trying to find a sissy bar for this model, but couldn't find anything. I would like to have this as my wife gets back pain and she would be very comfortable with the backrest.
I do like this but the £££ for a 125cc. Ooof. 😉
Thanks for the review. 👍
It's called inflation. I bought 1L of alpro almond milk £2.05 I know a cb125rs cost £694 in 1984. But back then people were only earning £2 a week!
@@chrishart8548 no still overpriced
@@Wayneebrum it's not really overpriced it's a fancy bike. Just get the YBR or a cheap Chinese 125 otherwise... when I started I wanted a Honda MTX125 I ended up with a cb125rs it was about a 1/5 of the price.
@@chrishart8548 post Covid prices are ridiculous, think I'll wait a while
@@Wayneebrum Dont think will change due to Euro 5.
I love it, but it’s expensive, you forgot to mention servicing intervals and cost.
It's a 125. So it won't be much. About £150 a year. Maintenance is key every week. Especially chain Maintenance and cleaning.
I am very happy with my xsr 125 with 18€ i full my tank and he gives me 500 kilometres without problems very economical bike ..
I was doing my das before lockdown trying to get a mod1 and mod 2 test date is a nightmare where I'm from, was thinking of getting one of these or the Mt 125nfor commuting 40 mile round trip and just wait until next year for things to die down a bit to get a mod 1 mod 2,. Anyone rode these bikes for 40/50 miles
Why why why put a negative display everyone knows they get harder to read under bright sunlight unlike positive display this is basic digital watch stuff.
got a 155 version awesome bike Ride Safe Brothers ✌️
I like this motorcycle but i have no m.....🥰🥰🥰👍👍👍💖
Love yr review im getting my brand new one in two weeks in yamaha blue i sat on it in showroom im 5ft 10 29 in side leg and it feels like a 400 thank colin
I am waiting
I want this for my first bike can someone help me buy this if this available in our country
A lot of 125cc machines but the price...
I'm about to turn 28 and I have my CBT booked in for next week. I've driven a car for the past 8 years but fancy getting on 2 wheels.
I'm torn between getting this or saving some pennies and getting a chinese 125 scrambler.
Any advice/ reccomendations?
Thanks!
I was in the same situation, choosing between lexmoto tempest/ mutt sabbath and the xsr. I got the Yamaha, no regrets, for now.
Always better to avoid chinese bikes.
@@socrate696 how have you found the seat?
@@tylerbarnes9673 For me it's comfortable, I was worried about the firm feeling when I sat on it 1st time, however after my longest ride (about 2h without stopping), I realized that is not the case.
it looks fantastic but it looks like 400cc and then fun wears of for me I love 125 ccs in form of minibikes and scooters but I would love a 500 in that style because it looks stunning
How’s it for 6’2/187cm rider?
Why the not launching in India Yamaha xsr155 bike and Indian customer waiting for this bike and Yamaha company bad decision not launching in Indian Yamaha xsr155 bike
It's not yamaha. It's finding dealers that will offer yamaha.
Why so expensive for a 125cc. Should be £2500 max
125cc are more sort after than bigger bikes, cheaper to insure and run. A lot of people like me don't need a bigger bike
Have you seen the prices of second hand 125s nowadays 2500 will buy you the frame, unless you want to throw money away on some rusty Chinese dog.
Well no ones cheap like you. You can buy a Chinese bike for that🤣🤣🤣
The wife getting one delivered today, cant wait to get out for a try!!
I live in Canada, I’ve never been to Britain. I’m wondering about the price that you mention. Is that an out the door price? Is it for taxes and fees? Also, would it be cheaper for me to buy a bike in England or France or Spain? Is there a big difference in price between these countries?
This is probably too late but its the base price at dealerships who then charge what they call an on the road fee, first years tax and registration etc this is currently 126 pounds at my local dealership. From what I've seen the prices are pretty much the same across Europe hope this helps.
I hv the 155 version. only things i hate about it are the position of its honk button, which is quite awkward and hard seat, 200km+ ride felt uncomfortable down there. But other than that i love it.
Just save your money for a couple of years and bag a bargain on an ex demo model. Anyone that buys any bike straight from the showroom, either is loaded or has no monetary sense.
4.5 k for a 125, pass would rather spend 3 grand on a decent bandit.
🤣🤣
Go and try one??? Where does a demo 125cc
some country even have XSR155.
Brasil
Question do riders looks large compared to the bike size. Would like to know from a 6 footer riders.
I am 6ft tall and that's me doing the test. For more photos, here's the full review: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/yamaha/xsr-125-2021
Cheers, Michael
A 300 would be a no-brainer
Waiting for this one...
From India....
I like this🎉🎉🎉
Lots of people waiting for xsr in India
Likes to be whipped 🤭
Well in India we have FZX a bad looking model
I ride an XSR155, I spot no difference in terms of design, only the handlebar is a little bit higher with the 125 variant.
It's the same bike but UK market needs it too be 125 to stay within law for learner riders.
Looks small ????
better than fzx 149cc
PCP lol no thanx
I want one
Looks like a rd DX
So pissed that we don’t get this in the USA
You can. You just need to import it.
Buy something cheaper.do you're test.chuck the loopy plates away...I realy do hate getting behind these what have just being on the road 1 day....the government should make the cbt more extensive.to save lifes
nice bike but not twice as good as any chinese to justify that price and I bet it's made in china, at least half of it anyway
2 stroke bikes will become and nearly already are Gold Dust. 4 stroke small bikes suck.
When 300 cc?
Never
Think if was a tad cheaper might have gone for it. Spending £2500 on a Bullit soonish. Just have to hope all goes well.
Surely you are paying more with the finance deal anyways?
Def a nice bike.
P.s If I wasnt getting a Bullit second choice would be a Zontes with the 20l tank!
Youll regret buying a bullit🤣
pcp, Pcp, PCP...just get a loan
Come faster india
8.5 ftlb torque says it all really lol!
Well, it is mainly based for "learner riders"
@@JDMz I think a crf250l would be fine for a learner. 17ftlb I found a 125cc was not much of a step up from a decent 49cc moped. After 45mph a 125 doesn't really pull at all. Speed is steadily gained as long as there is no headwind or gradient.
"it likes to have its cables stretched" lol!!
H2 ninja is the best commuter
Nah.. Harley Fat Boy. Sooo easy to flick into corners, awesome brakes and suspension, and decent light and agile slow speed town and city handling. Perfect for a race track too.
@@veeken777 that's what the terminator rides !
Na. H2R😁
Bought the yellow one last week, will get it in August. Currently looking for option to custumize it a little :)
Yamaha offer 20 official accessories but what were you thinking of?
I started out on a Yamaha XT250 which was a hoot in the city, and as charming as these things may seem, I would never go as small as 125cc. It is simply too weak to go any decent distance, especially if you'd want to bring your girl along with you.
They really struggle on any incline. Probably fine for going around 30mph . Maybe 35mph. I know a guy had a cg125 and never went over 35 on it. Around 5,000rpm in top gear at that speed. Most of the time these 125's won't even pull top gear that well
Nick pretending he's had a gf
It's a CBT bike, you won't be bringing anyone with you on a CBT as that's illegal.
Interested to hear more on the brakes and suspension. Front brake is not as nice spec as YZF-R125 and MT125, the forks are also thinner / weaker as well. MCN comments were confusing, they slated the brakes but said the ride is excellent with same rear shock as R125. Well I own the R125 and on that bike its strongest most standout feature is the brakes, weakest the rear shock IMHO. On bumpy back roads forget NSL unless you like being kicked out of the seat from time to time, 45 smooth, 50 to 55 OK but 60+ she doesn't like the bumps and I am convinced its the rear shock more than anything else. The brakes though are amazing, two fingers from 60-30 is as quick as in a modern car (I used to race Porsches), you seemed happy with the brakes so maybe MCN had a bike that needed a brake bleed or pads bedding in? The fuel economy of this engine is genuine, even thrashing the thing cross country I see around 105, any ride that involves cruising speed or following traffic and she is back over 120 mpg again. I think low speed commuting would easily see 130+ mpg.
@123 Have a look on motorcyclenews.com, they criticised the braking. Like you I find it hard to believe. I am interested in this bike as a back lane and commuting machine, the R125 is a fantastic bike but clip ons and fairings are for fast roads and the track, not comfortable etc for sub 50 mph riding where a 125 is at its best.
@123 Thanks, fingers crossed for you and this bike. Personally I think the 2021 Duke probably has the best spec in this class now but the looks are not for everyone.
Hi Neil, the brakes and suspension on a bike like owes a lot to the size and weight of the rider. As mentioned in the video and accompanying review, Im 6ft and 14st where as the MCN reviewer is much smaller. For my size on the roads we were using on the test route, the suspension had a hard time... well, my bottom did. There was minimal rebound over cracks and pot holes but then again it's designed for the city streets or slower town riding.
The brakes were absolutely fine for the job they have been designed to do, on this type of bike and for the type of customer Yamaha has in mind. The initial bite is strong with little lever movement required with the stopping power very linear. I did't find the dual-channel ABS intrusive when hard on the front brake but it was eager to pulse on the rear - locking the rear was easy.
In terms of mpg, the claim is north of 130 which is entirely possible if the riding style suited. Frankly, an organised press ride will determine possible the worst economy - towards the end of the day it was firmly under 100mpg, hovering around 97/98.
You take the purpose of the bike into account when looking to buy - it's not a back road warrior but it certainly entertains in unchartered territory!
Hope that offers a little clarity and if you have any other questions just holler. Thanks, Michael
@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks Michael that's a brilliant reply. Timely reminder that I need to make the time and get my tests done if I am finding the suspension is slowing me down on our backroads. That and I get numb tingling hands on long rides from the single cylinder vibes. Still though despite moaning about the clip-ons love my bike to bits. I am 11 stone or 70 kg or thereabouts for reference for anyone reading, haven't had this much fun on the road since I started driving 3 decades ago.
@123 Simply put, pressing down hard on the rear brake will cause the ABS on the rear brake to pulse (demonstrating the ABS was working) so the tyre would still lock/release/lock/release, etc.
Too expensive for what it is, plus 125cc bikes are dangerous / inadequate for real world conditions anyways. Any and all kinds of highway and long distance work will ALWAYS be a problem. Also forget about riding 2 up. Yes, if you're poor, young, or stupid enough, you can make almost anything work, of course, but at what level of comfort and safety? I know from personal experience that motorcycles smaller than 250-300 ccs are just not worth it at all.
Well 17 year olds can't have anything else for 2 years so it's this or nothing. I do agree a 125cc does nothing a 250cc can't do better. An xr250 is actually lighter than a xr125. And the power of a 250 4 stroke single won't be to powerful. I've ridden loads of 125's most struggled to get 60mph. Best ones can get near 70mph on a flat with a tail wind in a tucked position. I've got a de restricted aprilia sx50 (2 stroke ) I think it's better really than a 125cc (4 stroke) the 125 let's you down when you need it most. I've done motorways on 125cc bikes it's very scary I was praying it would keep going fast enough I was pinned open.
And yet somehow there are people who have rode around the world on 125s.
@@XV250 some have even done it on a bicycle.
@@chrishart8548 Heck, I met a guy who rode from Vancouver to Ottawa (3,500 KM) on a unicycle!
125 is perfect for someone commuting into work if it's a reasonable distance who might not want to get access to the motorway so no real need to do a full bike license
Overpriced plastic tat, not a patch on the older better built bikes from 80’s 90’s and early 2000’s