Yamaha YZ125 2016 — Specifications

It’s impossible to talk about 125cc motocross without the name Yamaha YZ125 arising as an obvious fact. This machine, whose legend has been written since 1974, is much more than a simple junior category bike. It’s a riding school, a pure competition weapon, and for many, the absolute benchmark. Let's look at the 2016 version, which inherits the major developments from the previous year. It’s not just a simple facelift; it's a true technological transfusion from the larger displacement YZ-F range.

Beneath its redesigned bodywork with aggressive Speed Block graphics, you’ll find a heart that hasn’t aged: the famous 124cc two-stroke engine. With its 40 horsepower delivered by a liquid-cooled single cylinder and a six-speed gearbox, this engine is a lesson in liveliness. But the real secret is its featherweight feel. Weighing in at less than 95 kilograms fully fueled with its 8 liters of gasoline, it feels like a motorized bicycle. This agility, coupled with the explosive revving characteristic of a two-stroke, makes it the perfect tool for learning to manage power and mass transfer. For a young rider aiming for competition, it’s the ideal springboard before moving on to a 250F four-stroke. It’s far from beginner machines like the Honda CRF125F, reliable but docile; the YZ125, on the other hand, was born for the track.

The major work in 2015 focused on the chassis and suspension, precisely to control this liveliness. The semi-double aluminum frame receives 48mm upside-down forks and a fully adjustable rear monoshock, both directly inspired by the YZ-F models. This gives it handling and traction of a higher level, capable of absorbing whoops and jumps with surgical precision. The wide footpegs, the clutch free play adjustment knob, and the original Dunlop tires complete a coherent and ready-to-fight package. For those who wonder if the Yamaha YZ125 is automatic, the answer is no: it’s a six-speed manual gearbox, which fully contributes to the engagement and control demanded of the rider.

But a cross bike is also a playground for preparation. And in that area, the universe of the YZ125 is limitless. Specialized sites like CMSNL are a goldmine for finding parts, including for older models like a 1982 Yamaha YZ125. The value of a vintage machine can vary; generally, you can expect to pay around $2,700 for a 1990 Yamaha YZ125 in good condition. For the 2016 version, with its original new price of around 7100 euros, it now represents an excellent compromise to access modern and high-performance mechanics without breaking the bank. Because yes, the price of a new Yamaha YZ125, whether you’re looking for the 2024, 2025, or even a special Monster Energy edition, remains a significant investment, often exceeding 8000 euros, justified by its competitive vocation.

Ultimately, this 2016 YZ125 perfectly embodies why many consider the Yamaha YZ125 to be the most high-performing 125cc motocross bike ever produced by the Japanese manufacturer. It’s not the easiest, requiring active and precise riding to exploit its narrow powerband, but it trains riders. Faced with a competitor like the KTM 125 SX, equally light and nimble, the choice often comes down to team preference. The YZ125, with its solid heritage and refined chassis, remains a safe bet, a benchmark machine that continues to forge champions. It’s a demanding bike, but terribly fair, and that’s precisely what makes its greatness.