Yamaha Ybr 125
The Yamaha Ybr 125 has a top speed of 110 km/h, produces 9.8 hp and weighs 121 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Yamaha YBR125 was introduced in 2005 as an affordable, reliable entry-level commuter motorcycle aimed at developing markets in Asia, Latin America, and Europe. It became one of Yamaha's best-selling small-displacement bikes globally due to its fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and durability. The model saw updates over the years including fuel-injected variants and was widely praised as an ideal beginner and urban commuter motorcycle before being phased out in many markets by the mid-2010s.
9.8 hp
Power
10.1 Nm
Torque
121 kg
Weight
110 km/h
Top Speed
2.5 L/100km or approximately 40 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Bulletproof Engine Reliability
The YBR 125's air-cooled SOHC engine is renowned for exceeding 50,000 km with minimal issues when given basic maintenance. It's one of the most reliable 125cc commuters ever built.
Watch the Cam Chain
A common issue is cam chain tensioner wear, which causes a rattling noise on startup — budget for replacement around 20,000–30,000 km. Catching it early prevents costly engine damage.
Strong Resale Value
The YBR 125 holds its value exceptionally well due to high demand and its reputation for longevity. A well-maintained example can retain 60–70% of its value after 3 years.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original air-cooled SOHC 124cc single-cylinder, carburetor, classic styling, basic drum/disc brakes introduced.
"Bulletproof commuter that asks almost nothing of you."
I put 18,000 km on a 2007 YBR125 across city traffic and rural B-roads, and the thing simply refused to break. The carburetor needs a clean every winter and the front drum brake is genuinely worrying in the wet — you learn to brake early or you learn the hard way. Above 90 km/h the single starts buzzing through the pegs and you feel every vibration in your wrists, so motorway stints are miserable, but for everything under 80 it's relaxed, economical, and oddly satisfying to ride smoothly. Fuel economy sits around 2.8L/100km without trying, which matters when you're using this thing daily.
Pros
Cons
Revised bodywork, updated instrument cluster, improved carburetor tuning, minor frame and suspension refinements made.
Fuel injection option introduced in some markets, updated graphics, revised seat, Euro 3 compliance achieved.
Euro 4 / BS6 emissions compliance, fuel injection standardized, minor cosmetic updates, revised exhaust system.
Used Buyer Review
"The most dependable commuter £2,000 can realistically buy you."
$1,500-$3,000 usedThe YBR125 is about as exciting as watching paint dry, and that's actually its greatest selling point. It starts first kick every morning, sips fuel like it's scared of the pump, and asks almost nothing from you mechanically. Yamaha built something genuinely bulletproof here, and the used market is stuffed with neglected examples that still somehow run perfectly. Buying used, you need to check the chain and sprockets first — owners of these bikes are notoriously lazy about maintenance precisely because the bike forgives everything. Look for oil leaks around the cylinder head and inspect the fork seals. Budget around 300 bucks for a proper service and you'll likely ride it for two years without touching it again. Avoid anything with dodgy electrics or crash damage to the frame. This isn't a bike you'll brag about at the pub. It's transportation with two wheels, and in that role it genuinely excels. Commuters rack up 30,000 miles on these without drama, and resale holds surprisingly well.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Yamaha Ybr 125 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
Rough idle, hard starting, poor throttle response
Ticking noise on cold start from engine top
Slow cranking, warning lights dimming at idle
Oil residue on lower fork legs near seals
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid budget bike, easy and cheap to maintain
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Yamaha Ybr 125
Honda Wave 125
Suzuki Gn 125
Hero Glamour 125
Bajaj Discover 125
Honda Blade 125
Compare Yamaha Ybr 125 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Yamaha Ybr 125 vs Honda Wave 125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Ybr 125 vs Suzuki Gn 125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Ybr 125 vs Hero Glamour 125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Ybr 125 vs Bajaj Discover 125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Ybr 125 vs Honda Blade 125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Yamaha Ybr 125 Guides
More from Yamaha
View all Yamaha models →Community Reviews
Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Yamaha Ybr 125? +
Carburetor clogging from stale fuel: Rough idle, hard starting, poor throttle response (moderate) | Cam chain tensioner wear and rattle: Ticking noise on cold start from engine top (moderate) | Corroded or weak battery from neglect: Slow cranking, warning lights dimming at idle (minor)
Is the Yamaha Ybr 125 a good motorcycle? +
The most dependable commuter £2,000 can realistically buy you. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: New riders wanting cheap, reliable daily transport. Avoid if: You crave any performance or riding excitement.
What is the horsepower of the Yamaha Ybr 125? +
The Yamaha Ybr 125 produces 9.8 hp @ 7,500 rpm, with 10.1 Nm @ 6,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 110 km/h.
Is the Yamaha Ybr 125 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Yamaha Ybr 125 is a reasonable choice for new riders (9.8 hp is manageable), weighing 121 kg. New riders wanting cheap, reliable daily transport
Is the Yamaha Ybr 125 reliable? +
The Yamaha Ybr 125 has no widely-reported critical reliability issues. 4 minor issues are documented — see the Common Problems section above.
Is the Yamaha Ybr 125 good for daily use? +
New riders wanting cheap, reliable daily transport Fuel: 2.5 L/100km or approximately 40 km/L (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Yamaha Ybr 125? +
The Yamaha Ybr 125 reaches a top speed of 110 km/h, producing 9.8 hp at 121 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Yamaha Ybr 125? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Yamaha Ybr 125, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/yamaha/ybr-125/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
