Yamaha YS125 2017 — Specifications

Who would have bet on the renaissance of a humble 125, the one that had been discreet for years under the name YBR? Yamaha decided to offer it a new youth, without denying its DNA of an economical and urban machine. The YS125 is not a revolution, but a well-considered evolution, which aims to seduce an audience seeking a simple, efficient, and now more stylish motorcycle.

The change is immediately visible. The YS125 abandons the somewhat shy silhouette of the YBR for a more assertive look, with a more tapered front and dynamic lines. The blackened engine and the entirely dark exhaust line give it a serious air. It does not seek to rival the aggressiveness of an MT-125, its role is different. It wants to be the ally of everyday life, the one that slips through traffic without stress and with a controlled budget. The Yamaha YS125 price, around 3000 euros, remains a significant argument in this category.

The real novelty is hidden under the fairing. Yamaha reworked the 125cc single-cylinder engine. By adopting a longer stroke (57.9 mm against 54 mm), they favored low-end torque, a crucial asset for urban stop-and-go riding. With 11 horsepower at 7500 rpm and 10.8 Nm at 6000 rpm, performance remains modest but sufficient to reach a top speed of around 110 km/h. This optimization, coupled with the 14-liter tank, promises serious range, ideal for daily commutes or first excursions. Facing the competition, like in the duel Honda CB125F vs Yamaha YS125, Yamaha plays this card of urban efficiency and more refined design.

Handling is no surprise, and that’s a good thing. With a weight of 129 kg fully fueled and a seat height of 795 mm, it is accessible and maneuverable. The steel tubular frame, the simple fork, and the two lateral shock absorbers constitute a basic but robust cycle. The braking, with a 245 mm disc at the front and another 130 mm at the rear, is assisted by Yamaha’s UBS system, offering welcome safety for a beginner. The five-speed gearbox is precise, and the presence of a kick starter, in addition to the electric start, is an appreciable nostalgic touch.

This Yamaha 125 YS, a direct evolution of the Yamaha YBR 125 custom 2019, does not seek to impress. It simply wants to be the most logical motorcycle for a novice, an urban dweller, or someone seeking a frugal and reliable solution. Its updated design and small mechanical improvements give it a necessary rejuvenation. It doesn't make you dream, but it makes motorcycle practice simple and accessible, and sometimes that’s all we ask for.