YAMAHA YZF R-125

INSPIRED BY GENIUS
One of Yamaha's latest stars is the new 2008 YZF-R125 which is set to compete head-on with Honda's highly popular CBR125R. Is it up to the task? Let's find out.
The CBR 125 R has sold strongly here in the UK and elsewhere but it has more than met its match with the new 2008 YZF-R125 according to motorcycling press pundits. The Yamaha is powered by an all-new liquid-cooled 124cc four-valve, short-stroke single cylinder engine which the manufacturer believes is the strongest 125 four-stroke machine currently on the market, producing more power than all competitors. The fuel injected unit is mated to a slick six-speed transmission and Yamaha fit a stubby exhaust with twin catalysts mimicking the style of the YZF-R6 Supersports model.
To leapfrog Honda's rival CBR125R, and to help make the YZF-R125 ride and handle in similar fashion to a full-size machine, Yamaha have used a full-size Deltabox beam frame along with an aluminium (banana style) swingarm, 33mm diameter forks, a 292mm front /230mm rear brake discs (Brembo calliper) and wider tyres. At 126.5 kg, the Yamaha weighs less than the Honda, and the chassis design combined with the 12% extra power and higher torque figures produced by the YZF's engine means that the Yamaha is a good deal quicker than its rival. There's excellent throttle response on tap with smooth power delivery from the fine, free revving engine.
* How Does It Handle?
The modern chassis design means that the Yamaha's handling is agile and exceptionally competent. The brakes not only pull the bike up well but offer plenty of progressive feel. The suspension set up is close to perfect for a 125 cc machine and the YZF125's ride comfort is exemplary. Overall, the manufacturer has succeeded in providing their new model with the overall feel of a full-size bike while the riding position appears to be better than that found on several rivals, although this does, of course, depend on personal tastes.
* What Does It Cost?
At £2,999.00 (inc VAT) the Yamaha is £300 more expensive than its direct rival, the Honda CBR125R priced at £2699.00. So, it's not cheap but many will think the extra expensive well worthwhile, as the new machine's lithe handling and excellent performance will be enough to close a deal for some. However, there's a good reason for why the Honda has outsold competitors, not only being the most popular in its class but the UK's best selling motorcycle in recent years. Competition will hot up later this year with the arrival of the eagerly awaited Suzuki GSX-R-125 which is expected to be a stormer.
* Styling
Yamaha have managed to carry out an excellent job with the YFZ's styling which is aggressive with its stunted tail and sharp-looking twin headlamp fairing. The bike's overall appearance is exciting and very pleasing to the eye. The 2008 Yamaha YFZ-R125 is available in colour combinations of blue/black, grey/black, red/white and yellow/black.

FACTS AT A GLANCE
BIKE: Yamaha YZF-R125
PRICE: £2,999 on the road
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled 124.66 cc four-valve, short-stroke single cylinder engine
LENGTH: 2,015 / WIDTH 660 / HEIGHT 970 / SEAT HEIGHT 818 mm
MAXIMUM POWER: 11.0 Kw (15PS) @9000 rpm
MAXIMUM TORQUE: 12.24 Nm (1.25 kg-m) @8.000 rpm
TANK SIZE: 13.8 litres
DRY WEIGHT: 126.5kg