Yamaha TW 125 2001 — Specifications

Can a motorcycle be a mechanical crush while also being perfectly rational? The Yamaha TW 125, this small 4-stroke single released at the beginning of the 2000s, proves that it can. It doesn't seek to impress with figures: 12 horsepower at 9000 rpm and a torque of 9.7 Nm at 8000 rpm, it's modest. But this simplicity is precisely its strength. Its dry weight of 118 kg and its 815 mm seat height make it an accessible machine, a true mount for beginners or for those looking for a second motorcycle without any fuss.

With its miniature scrambler look and balloon tires, the Yamaha TW 125 displays a custom and adventurous character that contrasts with the gloom of scooters. Its simple cradle frame and telescopic fork give it a robust, almost toy-like appearance for adults. But don't be fooled, this motorcycle is serious. It swallows sidewalks, dirt roads, or cobblestones with a bewildering ease. Its small 7-liter tank and reasonable consumption make it an ideal companion for urban rides or countryside getaways, even if its maximum speed is around 100 km/h. That's enough for the ring road, but you won't chase a BMW GS on the highway.

Compared to the competition of the time, the TW 125 holds its own through pure versatility. It lacks the sophistication of a Honda, nor the nervousness of an Aprilia. Its single-cylinder engine vibrates frankly at high speeds, and its 5-speed gearbox requires a bit of finesse. Braking, with its front disc and rear drum, which is rather decorative, requires driver anticipation. The minimalist dashboard refers you to the essentials: the characteristic "poum-poum" of its exhaust and the feeling of freedom it provides. For the new price at the time, around 3000 euros, you mainly bought a state of mind.

Today, finding a Yamaha TW 125 used on Le Bon Coin or elsewhere is a piece of cake, and that's where its potential explodes. Its simple and reliable mechanical base makes it a perfect canvas for customizers. Whether it's transforming it into a streamlined café racer, a basic bobber, or a more assertive scrambler, the projects are numerous. Changing the seat, adjusting carburetor type 1 or type 2, mounting more aggressive tires, personalization is within everyone's reach and for a modest budget. Even the battery can be changed without an electrician's diploma.

Ultimately, the Yamaha TW 125 is not an extraordinary motorcycle, and that's precisely what makes it brilliant. It doesn't claim to be the fastest, the most comfortable, or the most technological. It is simply incredibly faithful, fun, and liberating. For a young license holder, an urban dweller seeking simplicity, or a handyman wanting a canvas for a custom project, it remains a safe bet. Its technical specifications, although dated, describe a philosophy more than a simple machine: that of the pleasure of riding without complication.