Yamaha 125 DRAGSTAR 2001 — Specifications

When Honda launched the Shadow in the 125 category, Yamaha’s Virago took a severe style lesson. Yamaha reacted as a major manufacturer knows how: by bringing out a strong name, that of the large-displacement Drag Star, to dress a completely redesigned machine. The Yamaha 125 Dragstar was born from this defensive calculation, and it shows in every detail of its silhouette.

The exercise in style is successful. The steel tubular double cradle frame, the side-mounted shock absorbers clearly visible, the 130/90-15 rear wheel, and this low seat at 670 mm that invites you to stretch out rather than sit down: all contribute to the impression of a real custom from a higher segment. At 3,965 euros, the new Yamaha 125 Dragstar price in 2001, the visual argument was solid. On today's market for used Yamaha 125 Dragstar, these aesthetic qualities have preserved the value better than other 125s of the time.

The Yamaha 125 Dragstar engine is another story. This 124 cc V-twin develops 13 horsepower at 10,000 rpm for a torque of 9.8 Nm at 8,000 rpm. On paper, that’s enough. In practice, with 144 kg dry weight on the scale, the 5-speed gearbox works hard to maintain the pace. Carburetor tuning on the Yamaha 125 Dragstar is a topic that every owner eventually addresses, as the original carburetion sometimes leaves room for improvement. Noticeable vibrations at high revs and a discreet mechanical noise do not contribute to the overall conviviality. The Honda Shadow offered a noticeably more refined experience in this respect, with a more flexible and better-insulated engine.

For a young license holder or a driver returning to the road, the 2001 Yamaha 125 Dragstar remains a healthy base. The stretched, chopper-style riding position requires an adaptation period, but the road handling does not reserve any unpleasant surprises. The 35 mm telescopic fork and the two rear shock absorbers cope correctly with daily urban use and weekend outings on small roads. The range with 9.5 liters is average, and the 110 km/h top speed logically restricts the machine to secondary roads and the city.

Twenty-five years after its release, the Yamaha 125 Dragstar chopper and its Yamaha 125 Dragstar bobber derivatives remain popular projects among amateur customizers. The tubular double cradle frame, simple to work on, and the correct availability of Yamaha 125 Dragstar spare parts explain this appeal. You can still find Yamaha 125 Dragstar examples reasonably maintained on Leboncoin, but it is necessary to check the condition of the Yamaha 125 Dragstar CDI, the Yamaha 125 Dragstar motorcycle battery, and above all the wear of the Yamaha 125 Dragstar engine kit before any transaction. The 2002 Yamaha 125 Dragstar shares almost all of the Yamaha 125 Dragstar motorcycle parts with this year, which facilitates searches.

Yamaha produced a visually well-made 125 custom, but insufficiently armed mechanically to dislodge the Shadow from its pedestal. For those seeking the image without demanding performance, it is a consistent choice. For those who want to ride fast and far on a 125, the math doesn't add up.