Yamaha TW 125 2005 — Specifications

Are you looking for a motorcycle that defies convention, a machine that scoffs at power and price to simply offer you pure fun? The Yamaha TW 125, this little Japanese scrambler, is exactly that creature. Imagine a simple steel tubular frame, balloon tires worthy of a tractor, a high seat at 805 mm, and a fuel tank of only 7 liters painted in often improbable colors. It weighs only 118 kg dry, and its new price, around 3000 euros at launch, placed it in an accessible category. It's not a performance machine, it's an accessory of freedom.

Its engine is a 124 cc 4-stroke single-cylinder engine, declaring 12 horsepower at 9000 rpm and a torque of 9.5 Nm. The Yamaha TW 125's official top speed is 100 km/h, but in reality, it's more of a philosophical concept than a technical specification. This little single vibrates frankly when stressed, and its 5-speed gearbox requires commitment. However, it is incredibly economical and robust. For those considering a used Yamaha TW 125, be aware that the classic points of attention are the carburetor, often the Yamaha TW 125 carburetor type 1 or type 2 depending on the year, and the battery. But it is a simple mechanism, which is easy to understand and repair.

In the city, it is a star. Its lightness, its seat height which provides an unbeatable view, and its agile handling make it perfect for beginners or urban dwellers seeking fun. But its true playground is elsewhere. With its generous suspension (160 mm at the front, 150 mm at the rear) and its specific Yamaha TW 125 tires (130/80-18 and 180/80-14), it devours sidewalks, dirt roads, and even beach curbs without a second thought. The braking, with a 220 mm disc at the front and a drum at the rear, is correct for its weight, but you really only rely on the front caliper. The rear drum serves more as decoration.

That's where the TW 125 becomes a cultural phenomenon. The Yamaha TW 125 technical specifications reveal a basic, almost rudimentary machine. But this simplicity is its canvas. It is the ideal base for custom projects. Whether you dream of a sleek Yamaha TW 125 cafe racer, a minimalist Yamaha TW 125 bobber, or a more elaborate scrambler, this frame is a call to creativity. Yamaha TW 125 used listings - Le Bon Coin are full of these transformations, testifying to its status as a starter kit for builders.

In comparison, the only contemporary rival in terms of spirit was the Suzuki Van Van. But the TW had that taller, more "bike" silhouette, which gives it a different authority. Its major flaw? It is not comfortable for long highway rides, and its tiny tank limits range. But it never claims to be. The Yamaha TW 125 is an antidote to complexity, a machine that reminds you that an engine, a frame and two wheels can be enough to create enormous memories. For its price, new or used, it offers a disproportionate dose of fun.