2022 Yamaha YZ125 Two Stroke TESTED - Motocross Action Magazine

#motocross #action #racing #insane
Possibly the most anticipated 2022 model of the year is the 2022 Yamaha YZ125 two stroke. This bike received a host of changes including Vforce Reeds, new suspension settings, new air box , new body work, new sprocket, new chain, new seat, new carb, new cylinder, new head, new brakes, and more. Motocross Action was over the moon the throw a leg over a completely updated two stroke from Yamaha. It has been a long time for the blue brand and we're just happy to see the Japanese manufacturer still in the mix of premix motorcycles. Josh Mosiman breaks down all the details in this video and explains the changes, similarities between the 21 model, and what it was like to ride this bike on the track. Crank the volume and enjoy the most in depth video you'll find on the 2022 Yamaha YZ125 right here on MXA's KZbin Channel.
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[@tcparker2]

So happy to see yamaha updating their 2 strokes! Another reason I love the blue boys

[@Aint1S]

I'm just glad to see that they chose a better approach to going full goofball ECU on a 2T and only used a tunable CDI without a bunch of junk on top. I'm tempted by this one... KTM's going full CC fuel injected on too many 2T bikes and if it breaks during these days, good luck fixing it without the parts.

[@vwsandvettes3253]

Yes!!! They got my blood pumpin' for the first time since 2006!

[@g00niez]

@@Aint1S my new husky/ktm 300 is fuel injected. I love it. No mixing gas. Always runs crisp. Can idle like a 4t. But I hear ya. When something goes wrong good luck lol

[@SONDAEY]

I love how the 2 stroke never dies

[@jimsgym4468]

When power to weight ratio matters, it shouldn't die.

[@AKDEO]

Yep, the unique feel 2 stroke gives. That's y more People are restoring old rusted 2T & bringing back to life.

[@joshmosiman1955]

Very excited to release this video, we have had some serious fun on this thing so far

[@Aint1S]

No kidding, 22 minutes is a full feature film for a dirt bike and that was time well spent! Thanks man 👏🏼👍🏼

[@SreidMX]

Josh over here with the different color boots!! Very insightful review! Thanks for diving deep!

[@dr00andrew]

is the mxa wrecking crew gonna do a 125 shootout on the 22 models?

[@joshmosiman1955]

@@dr00andrew most likely! Haven't gotten it scheduled yet, but we probably will. We did a 125 shootout last year and this bike might warrant another. We also have a 2021 vs 2022 YZ125 video coming and a YZ125 vs Husky 125 video in the works too

[@gregmulfort9577]

Great video, it is the best review I've seen yet for this bike. I'm wondering about the X model and if they'll make any changes to the motor for the off road version?

[@WTF-sh4is]

I’ve been riding a YZ 250 since 05 when the aluminum frame was brand new. Yamaha always keeps it so real and OG. This yz125 in 2022 is proof!!!! Long live Yamaha

[@vwsandvettes3253]

Shoot, now I want one of each, a '22 YZ125 and a '22 YZ250!!! Maybe when the money tree sprouts haha.

[@truthbetold8425]

Want to make your 125 fly with significantly more high rpm power, more bottom end and more mid-range? Here is a basic step by step - try it, you will be amazed. First, bump up compression ratio to about 16:1 (requires C12 race fuel); 2nd, Machine the cylinder head so that it has 0.050" squish clearance at the 17;1 ratio. Next, taper bore the carburettor to 40mm on the outlet side. This means start taper bore from the outlet side of the needle (this allows the engine to breath better without effecting throttle response); Install V-Force Reed Valve - they flow a lot more air; Install a Pro circuit pipe with shorty silencer; Go up 2 teeth on the rear sprocket from stock. Use all the transmission gears when riding. Guys, you do all this and you have a rocket 125.

[@Davido50]

Let's give Yamaha a big Thank-you for continuing to built new 2-stroke dirtbikes AND sport quads!! #Blueboys

[@Ateyoshmoes]

Ive been waiting for this vid to come! Super excited

[@Kawiboy]

Great job Josh. Appreciate ya MXA 👍.. Old G

[@aklaunch]

Thanks for the video. I have been waiting for this!

[@shondeckracing]

Great video! You guys are by far the best test magazine/group out there. Really informative. Thanks a bunch!

[@joshmosiman1955]

Thank you very much, we do our best! It's a team effort

[@ar2043]

I agree wholeheartedly. It is amazing how much information they give about each and every bike. On a sidenote… I can't believe how many changes Yamaha made on this little blue beauty. Man… Everything is new inside that engine. Hopefully that's a good thing. Lol.

[@FlowJunkie65]

Awesome review and exciting updates on this bike and the fact that with some minor tweaks your time actually bested that of the TC-125(!). Should be interesting to see how they start doing in races against the Husky and KTM!

[@petelamps6055]

I have been looking forward to this review

[@brunostudley2191]

Yamaha’s are built to last, best dirt bikes by far

[@FirstGendodgegarage]

Meh 😕

[@Nikolasz_]

Nope

[@bikesnguns1616]

Great bikes for sure, but bike life, imo, really depends on maintenance

[@andy5786]

Hay guy's at Moto cross action thanks for your great reviews like the new Yamaha yz 125 awesome 😀

[@olivercreighton9005]

this has to be one of my favourite bikes of all time I really think I’ll get one for my next bike

[@oceanchristensen4655]

I'm getting one of these amazing bikes mid January I can't wait

[@myricastillo5097]

That’s very good that it got little heavy 🔥 i bet it gets a lot more traction and the power jet is also cool 🔥 wow this so awesome I would love to get my hands on one

[@gonzo5738]

Would like to see shorter SX races with a 2-stoke class

[@joshmosiman1955]

Now you're talking! That would be epic

[@racingfuel28]

They do the 125 dream race at Washougal, so it might make its way to supercross one day. I do not think we will ever get a full class that does the whole series, but getting maybe two or three fun exhibition races might be a possibility.

[@mikehemens9359]

Great comments on the ergonomics of the bike boys, thanks.

[@amcgee-dl3cj]

yes please test pipes! fmf and pc like you mentioned and i'm sure several others will surface not too long here. and please keep testing like you do with a lack of bs. thank you.

[@tcoll1233]

They need to do an update video on all the major mechanical problems they have in the transmission. Mine has been worked on 3 times and the case split twice in 8 engine hours.

[@ryanbarker4422]

I use the Boyson power reed's and flote bowle and never had to jet it.

[@loneventhorizon]

Man you could make a sick little metal clip snipping all the on bike clips in this vid

[@Yodumeee]

Nothing better than watching a wide open 125 ripping around a track, besides listening to it

[@rodymonster]

Great one!

[@pabloserrano709]

Nice video I’m getting one tomorrow 😅

[@abutler0311]

Long live the YZ125 2 stroke! Best 125cc bikes ever made

[@derhaddi]

NICE VIDEO!

[@stephenburns3222]

Wow great video

[@codyfeatherstone3901]

I want one now. I think awesome!

[@johndoug4794]

Long live 'em smokers!! Love this one a lot!

[@brianwills4398]

I was just thinking about getting a new husky 125. You may have just changed my mind..🤔 I'm hoping you guys do a shootout with all the 22 125's.

[@joshmosiman1955]

We have a YZ125 vs Husky 125 video coming! Keep your eyes on our website and KZbin.

[@Intel.kalong.sampiran]

Amazing brow , i am fans yz 125 😁😁

[@NateDogMXtv]

Has there ever been a bike MXA didn't add one tooth to the rear sprocket?. The 48 works good on the older model

[@CoolcatAMA-Pro]

Hopefully seeing the 3 other brands are still putting research & development into there 2 strokes Yamaha will eventually follow there a market

[@nickg0411]

KTM says they sell more 2 strokes than all the 4 strokes combined i read somewhere recently

[@bradley_mx_4312]

What jetting did you find the best and what gearing?

[@CormandelBoyNZ]

awesome

[@vinceedwards3978]

The one test this year that I have been waiting for. I just found a riding area close to where I live in Brooklyn. I have not ridden in the dirt in over 25 years. I need to know

[@paulygood6665]

Hell yeah man, I just went to the track after 15yrs. I’m hooked again and did it on my 1998 yz125 I bought when I was 17yrs old🏁💪

[@vinceedwards3978]

@@paulygood6665 Hey enjoy my friend!!! I have not owned a dirt bike since a 92 CR 250! I have yet to ride a 4 stroke. I love the smell of Castor in the afternoon!!

[@paulygood6665]

@@vinceedwards3978 I rode a friends 4stroke down the street once. I should of kept gong to the landfill with it😂🤣

[@vinceedwards3978]

@@paulygood6665 Good lord, your reply almost had me laughing to my grave!!!!!

[@vinceedwards3978]

@@paulygood6665 A few years back I ran into my old riding buddy. He even then was telling me to buy another bike!!! I explained that I do not know where you can ride since the......ahem Trump Links took over our spot!! I still love the moto, and follow all the points, stateside or abroad!!!!

[@motocrosspk]

Love and Respect all the way from Pakistan 💚

[@paulygood6665]

Those KYB shocks are great. I rode the other brands. I don’t like AIR shocks at all. If I had a Husqvarna I would swap the shocks out.

[@phat-kw9ox]

Shocks aren’t air the forks are goober

[@minibikemadman]

Factory vforce v4 Reed cage..thats awesome. I bet with a pipe its going to rip even harder.

[@rowieg2148]

The bog stock jetting seems very Rich . I’m going to try your settings and should be close . Very informative as usual thanks . The 22 model bike seems perfect except jetting

[@joshmosiman1955]

Give it a try! Obviously elevation and weather will affect the jetting wherever you live. But the trend for us not to far above sea level in Socal was to go leaner

[@tylerwildman243]

what jet specs have you come up with?

[@petethescalemodeller6130]

LOVE 2 SMOKE

[@sameddy5760]

Dont wanna wait 14 hours but it’ll be worth it

[@mebeasensei]

Go Yamaha!

[@LifeWideOpen780]

I was hoping for a huge increase

[@jalancarlson7932]

So i just purshesed the yz 125 and am having troubles figuring out the jetting. What are you guys using to jet the bike for serten elevations? Thanks!!!

[@holmsey1]

Anyone had problems with the gear shift spring popping out and causing false neutral yet ???

[@derekgray1633]

I said I was going to get a 4 stroke finally but then I saw this video and the price, going to the dealer today

[@dustins.4666]

I was born in 97. 2 strokes were race bikes and 4 strokes (air cooled) were trail bikes. I fuckin love 2 smokers!!!

[@vwsandvettes3253]

Its crazy that that is a brand new bike but after MXA got done with it it looks 10 years old lol!!!! I'm very eager to see one of these things in person.

[@joshmosiman1955]

Haha we definitely put some serious time on it in two days! And this thing is just getting started, lots more testing to go. We have a Pro Circuit pipe and that thing is next in line to get tested on it

[@vwsandvettes3253]

@@joshmosiman1955 I can't wait to read more about it. I know you probably hear people say it a lot, but I'm going to subscribe asap. Ya'll keep up the great work!!

[@joshmosiman1955]

@@vwsandvettes3253 thanks for subscribing and supporting man! We appreciate it.

[@interstellaraxeman4468]

Lucky little dust rats don`t know how good they have it these days....Not only do they have such great bikes, they can peruse the technical marvels in advance with stunning 4K clarity on you-tube....trillion $ energy drink sponsors,...In my day we had to buy a Slurpee just to pretend we were going to buy MXA magazine to find all this stuff out, ....

[@pilsnerfamilymotorsports3275]

Yes then later you could afford to actually go buy one, which is a dy8ng thing, great all this info is at my fingertips, i cant utalize any of it without massive budget

[@bobbymaner4113]

Those were still and will always be the good ole days!!

[@bmxfu419]

Lol yea but houses were more affordable then so you're still winning

[@monkeymanisbanned4313]

They buy their own bikes though. And earn their things

[@hpgdawnpatrol9456]

Oh yeah you nailed it!

[@jpslayermayor9293]

Why is there not a single shot of the entire bike in-frame? A bunch of close ups with most of bike out of frame, and the bike on a track relatively far away. Is there a media embargo or something ? Very strange

[@surendrareddy2375]

Can someone tell what is the piston dimensions in it. Need one for older Yamaha RX 135

[@onewayzheng9012]

I’m 5’7 would this be a good fit for me?

[@LinuxShortsidk]

Yo I'm 5"8 and I'm wanting to try out a 2 stroke. Currently riding a 2022 ttr 230 and want a model with a kick stand

[@Poptart889]

How does it feel riding the yz125

[@motomadness8549]

It sucks that it's illegal in CA

[@chriscardoza9785]

Does it still only have one Piston ring or two now..

[@moparone7962]

They should have put the radiator behind the front number plate....anyway, this was a great test. Glad to see a Japanese manufacturer doing something with their two smokes.

[@acrazedtanker1550]

Pretty sure yamaha is USA built but yeah, but maybe that's just utvs and atvs

[@dylanneal6363]

They tried that back in like 1983ish. It added alot of weight to the top of the bike and it also made your front suspension handle like crap. Plus it was easier to puncture the radiator. That's why they swapped to where they are today. To lower the center of gravity a little bit.

[@abhishekmunda3lol]

Fly flying around my ears

[@RedBullOficialSupport]

I'm twelve and this would be perfect for me!

[@iandavin9224]

how tall are you first

[@greysonriegel9403]

How tall are you? Because I’m 13 and I ride a Ktm 85 big wheel

[@Ateyoshmoes]

I'm 15 and I got a yz125

[@iandavin9224]

@@greysonriegel9403 I’m 13 too and I ride both a cr125 and Kx85 and I need big wheels on it and we are getting bigger wheels and I’m 5”6.5

[@steadygwap7470]

I’m 2 amd I ride a cr500😂😂😂😂

[@codygoodwin1097]

Key points: A singular half pound more of Torque Slower throttle response Heavier One singular HP more A la, buy an 05-20 and change the suspension settings and do the GYTR motor kit, and you have a better bike than the "re-designed" 2022.

[@darylsmioth1904]

An all new engine for one HP? Come on man. I was hoping for 37 at least.

[@georgecustanzza56]

All these engine changes and anticipation for only a 1 HP gain? Good lord.

[@tylerwildman243]

japanese 2 stroke bro bike is sick

[@jgs1703]

The old bikes were already sick af clown boy.

[@tylerwildman243]

@@jgs1703 stick to the old one then idgaf

[@jgs1703]

@@tylerwildman243 either one is a great bike and the best 125 on the market clown boy!

[@TurbodanNM]

Need to see the dyno chart before you write anything off. The torque curve will tell the story.

[@AngelGarcia_420]

Still got my 02 yz125, keeps my old ass from getting lazy on a 4 stroke. Dont get me wrong, those 450's are ridiculous fast.

[@RACESPECLICKY]

As soon as I heard it rev up you can tell it has more beef

[@brettfrimmer6567]

So crisp

[@johnnydangerously9426]

Japanese brands . Can’t beat the value and quality 😎research who is making parts for the more expensive bikes

[@motomania3094]

It always cracks me up when the Yamaha engineers act like they don't know exactly how much the bike weighs. Don't kid yourself, they know the weight down to the gram. Great bike though and great test!

[@ryancumiskey2320]

what graphics are those???

[@stefenvincent8051]

Please build a yz159 bored and stroked

[@stefenvincent8051]

I Always go big bore. 125.

[@rogermelling8941]

Before I watch this does it get a tooth added at back ?

[@AUSTIN_457]

I lol'ed

[@tcmx712]

Whilst I did giggle at this Keefer did the same aswell

[@kosailin8665]

👍👍

[@DoctorMotorcycle]

The PWK38 carb alone is enough reason to buy the '22 over the '21.

[@tylersvensson4468]

This bike looks so good and sounds it, it is cheaper then the Austrian models but in retail it’s not worth it especially the extra few horse power difference from stock. But they offer the GYTR kit which here in Europe it’s €2700 and Yamaha claims it adds 5 more hp which is crazy numbers for a 125 but for that same price you get better suspension, motor, reliability and can adjust the power on the Austrian bikes

[@jgs1703]

The yamaha has more power in alot of the powerband.

[@tylersvensson4468]

@@jgs1703 have you ever rode a Austrian bike before? I can assure you they don’t come close to the power of a built Austrian bike. Best way in describing is a built motor for a yz125 is like riding a stock Ktm

[@jgs1703]

@@tylersvensson4468 I have. The yamaha was a much more refined motor on top of having much better suspension, better low and mid, better handling, better braking etc.

[@tylersvensson4468]

@@jgs1703 you must have road a really old Austrian bike out then because if you have asked someone who has rode both they would choose the Ktm from a racing perspective, suspension isn’t really a thing on small bores because of the bikes being so light and you don’t really go far enough where you would feel anything. The Brembos are the best on the market and anyone would say that even with a Yamaha like myself, ktms have a way better mid-top due to it being a small bore which the whole point of having a 125 is to Rev out. I think your just lying but I guess we will see in the shootout

[@jgs1703]

@@tylersvensson4468 prepared to get bitch slapped by the review, they already pretty much said the yamaha was better in a review I watched and that they are doing a yamaha vs ktm shootout and pretty much hinted the yamaha is better. They also said the yamaha is putting up much better lap times. Suspension does matter on a 125, ask anybody with junk air forks. The yz125 stops amazing and jets out perfectly unlike the ktm clown boy

[@servdavis]

According to Yamaha the suspension is updated and new,

[@landonduff195]

omg!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rjbcscs69]

You guys are missing the mark on the jetting big time. I've been tuning one up in Washougal, WA the last few days. I've uncracked the code with the stock needles and it's not even close to the factory provided jets. Feel free to get in touch if you'd like me to work with you on it.

[@tylerwildman243]

looking for good jet specs let me know what you got.

[@simby787]

what jett settings did you find where better?

[@mareksumguy1887]

I prefer the older YZ

[@paulelm4645]

How much HP does it have

[@chrymix3179]

Yamaha is already a KTM killer it just depends who you put on the bike

[@thomastommygun8487]

So basically going off a 2021 model you get a 1HP gain for $300 extra on the 2022 model even though it has a 250 carby and so call better engine parts sound piss poor from Yamaha KTM and Husky all the way for me.

[@jehovanysmilian343]

Does anyone know how long can a top end last on a yz125 if it is never raced or ridden on the streets? . Just trail riding and not abused . Please let me know i just want to have an idea , more or less.

[@Yodumeee]

If your not gonna abuse it and trail ride why not get a 4 stroke. We won't tell uncle Ron

[@jehovanysmilian343]

@@Yodumeee I already own a 4 stroke bike but I just want to explore more the 2 strokes bikes because I never owned one and I want to know more about them

[@g00niez]

They last fine. They rev out higher but you can slap a piston and re nikosil cylinder for so cheap it's not even a big deal

[@jehovanysmilian343]

@@g00niez thanks for the info . Ended up getting an rm85 big wheel 2t

[@g00niez]

@@jehovanysmilian343 not bad man. Just picked up a 22 husky 300 2 stroke while back

[@enhesohendra560]

What the price in your country?

[@1keykneedeep]

Love yamaha brand - but for less than $1000 for the KTM and more hp - KTM for the win.

[@junkyardboost8372]

Ktm has a higher peak hp but the yz has more power over a broader rpm range.

[@vwgtdturbo]

how may hours hold this engine before go must rebuilt it?

[@azkrie5246]

On OEM pistons I’ve seen 100+ hours mainly racing J-Days

[@vwgtdturbo]

@@azkrie5246 100 hours on a 125 piston?

[@denniswilder3014]

They made the con rod longer by 3-4 mm.i wonder if yamahadid that to complement a 144 kit.

[@joshmosiman1955]

I don't think so because they don't offer a big bore GYTR kit and they don't plan on doing one anytime soon

[@motobrostv1761]

@@joshmosiman1955 bro nobody buys them from Yamaha they buy them from Athena 🥱

[@darylsmioth1904]

I might make it easier to port. I would like to see that cylinder.

[@Jacksonflax]

@@motobrostv1761 The quality of athena cylinders is literal dogwater compared to OEM yamaha lol. Just ride a brand that offers a 150 kit for their 125s I guess...?

[@johnwadsworth4916]

It's not a stroker it's a long rod

[@yowill3730]

good bike for a beginner?

[@virginiabeachhero1007]

125's are SO FUN but they also love to blow up.

[@Plitzy]

how the hell is that clutch so freaking easy give me the cheat code

[@K20rotrex]

It sounds more like an already tuned yz 125 the old engine didn’t sound that good with a stock pipe.

[@joshmosiman1955]

The new silencer sounds like an aftermarket shorty silencer, it's 2-inches shorter than last year!

[@loneventhorizon]

Can we get Bubba on this please

[@andrewacton5885]

I feel like we need to remember that all these tiny changes in the motor for a minuscule of extra hp. The real difference we'll feel is the new seat and riding position, its a way bigger change than some gearing or half a horsepower

[@EF.BE.I]

The fact that they even upgraded it marginally is still better than Suzuki and kawai and Honda💀

[@Deezarehairy]

Spending all that money why buy a 125 Kids who can throw a leg over a 125 can ride a 250. Price of mx bikes is ridiculous nowadays. I remember buying new bikes in late 80s and thought $5500 was ridiculous. Look at the price now. Yeah its ok if you're make gazillions every year. But the manufacturers lost touch with the average person.

[@dickfacepeterson]

Really? Inflation is a producer’s fault ? Bought my first house for 10k in 1920. Now it’s a million. Damn carpenters

[@mouthofpower8492]

What kills the Austrian brands are the air forks/air suspension and commitment to WP. It’s trash, they suck. Why put complicated and expensive trash on an uncomplicated and cheap machine? It’s a contradiction in design principle and it shows after 1/2 a day on any Austrian bike

[@dickfacepeterson]

Yep dumping 1.2-5k$ for suspension upgrades on a 12k+$bike.

[@g00niez]

Idk man I love my 22 husky 300 air forks... Ride hard terrain air down so on. BUT I have tried previous air forks on other brands and what not and felt weird as shit

[@michaeltrower6792]

They could only get one more hp SMH

[@jgs1703]

It was already a good bike.

[@jgs1703]

@Peace Everyone the yamaha has more low and mid power

[@paulhetherington3854]

I don't, see any YSP, on the shrouds? AKA-- not Yamaha motorsport tech! One: moto = wizards!