Yamaha XT 125 X 2005 — Specifications

Do you remember your first true motorcycle crush, the one that made you save up from your summer jobs? For many in the 2000s, it was her: the Yamaha XT 125 X. Yamaha, capitalizing on the success of its larger XT 660, had the good idea to create a miniature version, a concentrated dose of supermotard attitude for the A1 license. This is far from a simple factory customization; it's a machine designed for the road, with its 17-inch rims and a featherweight weight of 120 kg fully fueled.

Under the 10-liter tank, beats a 124 cm3 four-stroke single-cylinder engine. The figures, 13 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 11.7 Nm of torque, are those of the segment. They are enough to reach 110 km/h top speed, but don't dream of epic demonstrations in acceleration. Where this 125cc shines is in its cat-like agility. This contained weight, this 86 cm seat height, this simple steel tubular frame, everything is designed to weave through the city with obvious pleasure. The fork and rear shock absorber, offering nearly 200 mm of travel, swallow road imperfections without a murmur.

Faced with the competition of the time, such as the DT 125 X, which is more rigid, or the WR 125 X, which is more radical and expensive, the Yamaha XT 125 X positioned itself as a stylish and accessible alternative. Its major asset? This look borrowed from its big sister 660, with an aggressive front fairing and an upright posture. The disc brakes, a 260 mm at the front and a 220 mm at the rear, were more than correct to control the lightness of the whole.

Today, looking for a used Yamaha XT 125 X, whether it's a 2007, 2009, or 2010 model, remains an excellent idea for a young license holder. It's a reliable machine, mechanically simple, and incredibly fun. The new price at the time, around 3000 euros, made it a reasonable investment. Its drawback? An engine that is sometimes a little tight compared to more lively competitors, a compromise for foolproof reliability. It won't make you a track champion, but it will teach you the basics of active riding with the biggest of smiles. A supermotard for beginners, simply iconic.