Reviews/ Yamaha/ Yzf-r125
Yamaha Yzf-r125
8.0/10 Sport

Yamaha Yzf-r125 Review

"The smartest used 125 buy if you inspect it properly."

New riders wanting quality that lasts beyond CBT $2,500-$4,500 used 2014-2023
search Inspect a Yamaha Now

Used Buyer Review

The R125 is genuinely the best-looking 125 you can buy used, and Yamaha's build quality means even tired examples hold together reasonably well. That VVA engine is smooth and rev-happy, pulling decently to its 10,000rpm limit once you're past the flat spot around 6,000rpm. It's not fast — let's be clear about that — but for city commuting and A-road blasts it's more than adequate, and the chassis is surprisingly planted for something this small. Used, you need to check three things hard: the exhaust collector, which rots from the inside out on pre-2019 bikes; the front forks for oil seepage; and whether anyone's fitted a non-standard exhaust and potentially invalidated the insurance. Service history matters more here than on bigger bikes because neglected oil changes punish the little engine fast. Avoid anything above 20,000 miles unless the price reflects it significantly.

Pros

+Bulletproof Yamaha build quality
+Sharp, confidence-inspiring chassis
+Strong resale value retention
+VVA engine genuinely engaging
+Excellent parts availability

Cons

-Exhaust corrosion issues pre-2019
-Power cliff below 6k rpm
-Seat comfort deteriorates fast
-Premium price for a 125
warning
Avoid if

You need genuine A-road or dual-carriageway pace

description View full specs, facts & rivals for Yamaha Yzf-r125 →

Similar Sport Reviews

Kawasaki Ninja H2 Sx
Kawasaki Ninja H2 Sx 9.0/10

"The most thrilling all-rounder money can currently buy used."

Experienced riders wanting one exceptional all-purpose motorcycle $14,000-$20,000
Kawasaki Ninja 400
Kawasaki Ninja 400 8.5/10

"The benchmark small-displacement bike that rewards riders of all experience levels."

New riders wanting to avoid re-buying quickly $4,500-$6,500
Yamaha Yzf-r3
Yamaha Yzf-r3 8.5/10

"The benchmark small-displacement sportbike that actually delivers on its promises."

New riders wanting genuine sportbike DNA cheaply $3,500-$5,500
Suzuki Sv650 S
Suzuki Sv650 S 8.5/10

"The used bike market's most dependable answer to almost everything."

Intermediate riders wanting real performance without drama $2,500-$5,500