Yamaha YZ 125 Monster Energy Edition 2022 — Specifications

Who said two-strokes were dead and buried? Anyone who would ask that clearly has never ridden a YZ 125, let alone this Monster Energy edition, which smells of the paddock dust of the MXGP. Yamaha, true to its tradition, continues to fuel the sacred flame of the two-stroke single-cylinder engine, and this special version is nothing less than a vibrant tribute to its commitment to competition. The black and green livery, directly taken from the factory machines, is more than just a cosmetic touch. It's a mindset, a promise of seriousness for the young rider who dreams of red and white checkered flags. At €8299, it costs a little more than the standard version, but it mainly buys you the right to feel, for the duration of a ride in the woods, like a budding Jeremy Seewer.

Under this alluring look, Yamaha has not skimped on the fundamentals for 2022. The heart of the beast, this 125cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine, has been meticulously reworked. New carburetor, revised intake, optimized YPVS system… all to gain a few precious horsepower at the top of the rev range and offer an even more stinging response. With 42 horsepower for only 95 kg fully fueled, the power-to-weight ratio is simply obscene. The comparison with a small road bike of the same price is, in this respect, enlightening: here, we are talking about a pure competition weapon, not a toy for beginners. The aluminum frame, the Kayaba suspension with 300 and 315 mm of travel, and the powerful brakes form a chassis of precision and lightness that still sets the standard in the category.

Who is it for, then? Certainly not for the novice looking for their first motorcycle. The YZ 125 Monster Energy is a demanding machine, which rewards aggression and technique. It requires you to keep it in the revs, to master the clutch and to dare to lean into the corners. Its 7-liter tank reminds you that it is made for the track or trails, not for long rides. It is the ideal mount for the young racer looking to get started.