Yamaha YS125 Road Test Review | BikeMatters First Impressions!

Alex was recently given the chance to take the Yamaha YS125 out for the day for a road test review, being ever the opportunists and quick thinkers that we are here at BikeMatters, we recorded the lot! Take a look at Alex's first impressions of this lovely little commuter.
A huge thank-you to Tinkler's Motorcycles for helping make this review possible! Check them out here: www.tinklersmotorcycles.co.uk/
The views and opinions shared in BikeMatters videos are that of the creatives and presenters and are not necessarily that of Lexham Insurance Consultants Ltd.
Like our video content? Make sure to follow the BikeMattersTeam on social media!
BikeMattersTeam
bit.ly/BikeMattersTeamInstagram
BikeMatters Powered by Lexham Insurance
Lexham Insurance are Moped, Scooter & Motorcycle Insurance Specialists in the UK and help keep this channel fuelled and revving out content! For BikeMatters they also have an exclusive £20 discount off a moped, scooter or motorcycle insurance policy! Terms & Conditions apply.
** For the Lexham Insurance £20 Discount Use:
www.lexhaminsurance.co.uk/products/motorcycle-insurance/?aff=LEX6611
Keep up to date with Lexham on:
www.lexhaminsurance.co.uk/blog/
bit.ly/LexhamInsuranceInstagram
LexhamInsurance
bit.ly/LexhamInsuranceFacebook
Alex’s Motorcycle Gear - Provided by Oxford
Motorcycle Helmet: HJC I70 Elim Black & Grey - www.oxfordproducts.com/motorcycle/brands/hjc/full_face/hjc_i70_elim_black_and_grey/
Jacket: Oxford Montreal 3.0 Textile Jacket Desert - www.oxfordproducts.com/motorcycle/brands/oxford/rider_wear/textile_jackets/oxford_montreal_30_textile_jacket_desert/
Trousers: Oxford Montreal 3.0 Pants Desert - www.oxfordproducts.com/motorcycle/brands/oxford/rider_wear/textile_pants/oxford_montreal_30_pants_regular_leg_desert/
Boots: Oxford Warrior Boots - www.oxfordproducts.com/motorcycle/brands/oxford/rider_wear/boots/oxford_warrior_boot/
#Yamaha #YS125 #Motorcycle

[@BikeMatters]

If you are interested in the Yamaha YS125 check out Yamaha's website here: www.yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en/products/motorcycles/urban-mobility/ys125/

[@thomaswarren2699]

Well done on a great video, Alex. I agree, this bike has a great "first impression". I've done 4,200 miles on this bike. Here's what I think: Pros: -Like you say, very light and agile - perfect for absolute beginners and people filtering on city streets. -Its light weight makes it very manoeuvrable, and the stock tires are good on both wet and dry roads. -The green ECO light is a good idea, like you say; if you ride in a way that keeps that light illuminated permanently, you will get 100mpg EASY. -On one ride, I filled up in Sittingbourne, then rode down to Hastings, then along the coast to Shoreham-by-sea via Beachy Head, up to Petworth and then home (around 120 miles total) and I used about a third of a tank. OUTSTANDING fuel economy. -I financed this from new; very low minimum deposit (£300 i think), under £30 a month PCP, £19 road tax for a year, and I paid under £300 to insure it for the year. VERY affordable entry level bike. -The drum brake on the back does a good enough job. You don't need a disc on the back of a bike like this. -The gear indicator, ECO light and fuel gauge are all good; the fuel indicator even starts to flash when the bike gets thirsty. -I live in the sticks, so I'm surrounded by winding B roads and this bike handles them all very happily. -Great fun in the corners, very little effort required to get it round. Cons: -I don't know who told you this bike will do 70, but they either modified theirs or they were lying. It won't do 60 on even a gentle uphill climb. Don't even dream of 70. This is poor even for a 125. -Very low power; that can also be a positive depending on who is riding it. -The "surprising amount of poke" ends before 40mph. It flounders from there. -The linked brakes are a terrible idea. They had me off on a patch of sand; I was only using the back brake, and the front wheel locked and sent me flying. Stupid, stupid idea. -On that note, as it's a fairly new bike, OEM replacement parts are still a bit dear. -The seat is badly designed, it tilts the base of your spine forward if you sit towards the rear; taller riders BEWARE. -The seat is also quite hard and becomes very uncomfortable on longer rides. -Those plastic cowlings either side of the petrol tank are purely aesthetic and serve no purpose other than to give the illusion of a bigger bike. A bit silly to me, but some people might like it. -Quite easy to hit a false neutral between 4th and 5th gear. The gear indicator goes blank, then it clunks back into 4th with a jerk. Not good on a bike designed for beginners. -No storage. None. Even with all the cons I have listed, I still love this bike. It has a real character. If you're rarely going to take it out of the city, you can't go far wrong, but when national speed limit applies, it's weaknesses really start to show. Dual carriageways are feasible, but the bike tops out at around 65, and it will be screaming at you to stop the whole way. Don't take it on a motorway. You will regret it within a mile. Overall, this is a commuter through and through. If you ask it to do anything else, the cracks start to show. Perfect if you're on a tight budget, but if you can afford more, get more. The power output of around 10bhp (7.5kw) isn't even close to the A1 license restriction of 11kw, and you notice this straight off the bat once you get beyond 50mph. Personally, I think I should have gone with either the MT-125 or the YZF-125. Both have 11kw. On a side note, the fact that they chose to name the colour "power red" is laughable. "Powerless crimson" has a much better ring to it. Ride safe. -T

[@BikeMatters]

Thank you! I appreciate it - and also really appreciate you taking the time to write your comment/in depth review! Good to hear from someone who can let us know what the bike is like after owning it and riding it around for 4200 miles. It's a shame the bike dips out at the top end, but I'm not overly surprised to hear that at all - and riding it around the city meant I never really got to try it out on any of the faster roads - but as you say, if you're looking for maximum power in this category, then perhaps consider the MT125 or YZFR 125 instead. Cheers again!

[@DashRendar308]

true, I thought about disconnecting the brake linkage for the winter, because I also want to decide when to use the front brake and when not, especially on icy roads.

[@thilo7546]

@@BikeMatters the ktm duke duke 125 pulls very nice even with a +200pound rider on it, it does 75mph (120kph) with me on it... Which is good. Good bike all around I

[@DashRendar308]

@@thilo7546 yeah, the duke 125 is watercooled, needs like 25% more fuel and is even used more expensie than the YS125, so no big surprise there.

[@BikeMatters]

@@thilo7546 We'd love to get our hands on some KTMs to test

[@mekonn1]

2 months ago I sold my GS1150 and bought a white ys125!!! Just wanted an easy light 125 to run around on - ITS GREAT. Having more fun on it and just smile all the time . I don’t need a big tourer at the moment and this is a hoot!

[@BikeMatters]

Glad to hear it - enjoy!

[@robertnoble3768]

not bad but why fuel injecter & not carbereter!

[@mustard92]

Good review. I've thoroughly enjoyed it as a pre-A license runaround and would recommend it to any beginner. Just don't expect to get above 60 in a hurry!

[@richardcollins586]

My first bike, bought from new. It was the bike that allowed me to make mistakes, and I did make a few as a learner I have to admit. I probably shouldn’t have commuted to work in the snow, though I couldn’t stop riding it and it was the perfect commuter bike at the time. After 3000 miles it gave me the confidence to pass my full test on an MT07 and I did eventually trade it in and bought a Ducati 797, which I still have. Nice review 👍

[@BikeMatters]

Thanks Richard! The YS is so forgiving and a great bike for a starter - plus seems to hold its value fairly well. How's it going with the Ducati 797?

[@richardcollins586]

BikeMatters it’s going well, bought an ex demo model with 350 miles on the clock. The neutral issue was annoying, though apparently all Ducati’s are like that. Soon as I got to 1200 miles miles the issue disappeared and it’s easy to find now. My back brake become non-existence after about 800 miles, so changed to dot 5 fluid and it’s been ok since. The power is very linear so there is nothing scary when you wind on the throttle and being my first big bike it’s been perfect in that respect.

[@Lacehairwigs]

I'm a 37 year old woman and will be getting my cbt this summer and get this bike.

[@zen.life66]

Im 58, and im buying a red one tomorrow with only 3000 miles on the clock. It looks like a showroom condition still. My last bike was a honda Cb125f, which is also a great, tried, and tested bike. I like everything about this, ys, from what I've seen, so im very excited to get one. Great video, sir 👍

[@BikeMatters]

Enjoy, that'll be a lovely bike to ride around on. Appreciate the comment - though this was a number of years ago!

[@acampervanwithaview5718]

I went to the dealer to see this bike today and I loved it. A little over £3000 in today's money. I have my CBT next month and will be heading straight to the dealer to get one of these bikes.

[@robthomas3634]

Just bought my wife one to learn on because this is what she been having her lessons on.

[@BikeMatters]

usually a dependable 125, hope your wife enjoys and gets on well with the YS.

[@zen.life66]

You've just sold it for me. I'm buying one tomorrow. Cheers 👍

[@LeoSaraja]

Hello from croatia Just had my first leason on this thing (im 15, and have no bike experience) And I must say I love it, might actually buy one

[@dandy4394]

ja razmisljam sta da si uzmem, mislio sam mt 125 ali kad vidim koliko kosta ovaj ys125 i uzmem u obzir da ce mi 125cc kubikaza brzo dosadit vjerovatno mozda uzmem ovo

[@LeoSaraja]

@@dandy4394 tak i ja, sad cu 16 i onak vjv mi bude zanimljiv samo do 18 dok bum mogel auto ili nekaj jace od motora

[@RJHMotorbikeTraining]

We use the YS125cc for CBT Training. Great 1st bikes to learn on.

[@BikeMatters]

Great to hear! They are definitely very popular 125s.

[@neilg4208]

I used to ride a 50cc bike (not a moped as it didn't have pedals) in my teens and not ridden a bike since. Nearly forty years on 😂 I wanted to get a bike again and chose the YS125. I can only recommend it. It's reliable, economical and good fun. I've been on 500-mile round trips and found it a good experience. I've had 74mph out of it although it struggles on hills. A bit slow on hilly parts of motorways to be honest. But for most of my riding it is comfortable and reasonably speedy. After nearly three years it has never once broken down I like it

[@youraveragejoe1]

Defo considering this as my first geared bike (probably 3 years old ish), alongside the Honda CB125F. The thing that’s making me lean towards the YS is the Digital Speedo which I’d be able to get on the used one

[@BikeMatters]

Let us know how you get on

[@DashRendar308]

Nice bike. Got mine a bit over one year and 8000 km now - no issues at all. Doing all maintainance myself, super simple super easy. Rear tire lasts only about 6000 km, but they are cheap as well. Fuel consumption is just awesome, 2,4 ltr per 100 km. You might get cheaper bikes, but they will all have more fuel consumption than the YS 125 and CB125F, because they use older, less refined engines. So if you are planning to do a lot of miles on your 125, then the Yamaha and Honda will be cheaper at the end, compared to chinese brands, also parts availability will be better, when they come from a big manufacturer. Plus you get a center stand for free, which is very useful for maintainance. I am also using my YS 125 for a lot of dirt roads, that I use on my way to work, its got not that much ground clearance but when you go slowly, you can get almost everywhere with it, since its made for the asian and middle eastern market, where there are lots of bad roads.

[@BikeMatters]

Glad to hear you are getting on so well with yours!

[@bigt43]

Thanks for the insights, I've just decided I want to get on two wheels, and trying to work out what bike would be a good start for me, and this video has helped, cheers.

[@BikeMatters]

Glad to help!

[@rasanincccc]

i'm doing 6000 km on my red ys125,all i can say : best bike for that money

[@BikeMatters]

Glad to hear you have got on well with you YS!

[@markpikeboy15]

Have just ordered one from DRD in north Walsham wich are a part of Tinklers in Black

[@BikeMatters]

Great to hear let us know how you get on with it.

[@markpikeboy15]

@@BikeMatters my all black ys is sweet going in for its first service in two weeks would recommend as a starting point .....im doing my direct access and getting a MT-10

[@steve00alt70]

Would you choose this over the cb125f?

[@corybrayshaw9927]

Looks like a good little bike, got a Ninja 125 myself but I was seriously looking at these for a while

[@BikeMatters]

How are you getting on with the Ninja?

[@corybrayshaw9927]

@@BikeMatters It's a good little bike, was a little uncomfortable at first but now I'm used to it, it's a good little bike

[@Jimmytakala]

@@corybrayshaw9927 ”little bike” wtf man?

[@corybrayshaw9927]

@@Jimmytakala It is a little bike...

[@buddyshergill5903]

I'm thinking about getting one so thanks for your review. I was thinking of getting R125 orMT125 but they are too high for me. The YS is a better height. I'm taking my CBT on Monday. Looking for a fun bike.

[@BikeMatters]

Great to hear, let us know how you get on with your CBT - best of luck!

[@buddyshergill5903]

@@BikeMatters I got through the CBT!

[@buddyshergill5903]

@@BikeMatters Have you tried out Suzuki GSX-S125?

[@BikeMatters]

@@buddyshergill5903 Congrats!!

[@BikeMatters]

@@buddyshergill5903 No we haven't unfortunately, but definitely one we want to get our hands on. Maybe this year..!

[@johnfinnegan8474]

I own two small commuter bikes this one the Yamaha YS 125 and the Suzuki Address 110. To be honest there isn't a lot of difference in top speed between them, the Suzuki Address being about 29 kg lighter to compensate for its slightly smaller engine capacity. In town riding I prefer the Suzuki Address 110 because it is a twist and go scooter with no gears to be constantly shifting up and down. On the open road travelling between towns I prefer the Yamaha YS 125.

[@patrickjohnson5658]

Just bought myself this bike recently and I noticed one thing you forgot to mention in your review. Regarding the eco light, it only comes on when a person is travelling at a speed of 70 kph or less, at least on my bike. Travel at a speed of more than 70 kph and it will go off. I would also like if the handlebars were a little higher, having being used to the higher handlebar position of the Suzuki GN 125 I rode previously.

[@mo-toro-ckmotostorosyrock1255]

Any 2021 updates are expected for this bike?? Euro 5, LED... ? restyling? Thanks.

[@marccutirella]

I love everything about this bike and i really want to buy it but is it just me or are the wheels a bit too thin?

[@BikeMatters]

Genuinely I had the same concerns as you looking at the tyres, but it was no problem at all on the road - if anything it helped the bike feel more nimble and turn in quicker. If you can test ride one before buying I would recommend it!

[@marccutirella]

BikeMatters okay thank you 😊

[@giwrgosfourountzhs7496]

I want to buy cbf125 (2018 edition) or yamaha ys(2020 or 2021) but im not sure which is faster and who got the best design? If anyone have drive one of those pls answer

[@diogoveiga1093]

We have a lot of them here in Brazil, but almost all in the 150cc version

[@BikeMatters]

Do you own one yourself?

[@martinhartley7927]

I am only 5 ft 3 inches tall with inner leg 27 inches will it to tall for me ?

[@vasilispirpiniadis4003]

I bought the Ys April 2021, before this i owned a Xt 660r. Having 40 years of motorcyclie history i surprised pleasant.Easy to handle for every day movements inside the city and for short trips. My only objection could have a rear disc brake. It gives everything it promises. Bill Pirpiniadis ATHENS GREECE 🏍️👍

[@acb1429]

This one or the benelli bn 125?

[@milivojcekada1952]

It's a shame they don't make it anymore ... It would be great to see a Yamaha ys 250 parallel twin aircool engine with maximal weight of 130 kg ...

[@AshleyPomeroy]

Yeah - they went to the trouble of upgrading the YBR125 to Euro4 and then discontinued it after just four years. There aren't many cheap, "ordinary" 125s left.

[@tobias13100]

Great bike but think it'll struggle a bit with sales now Honda have the new cb125f 2021 model,they have really uped the game when it comes to a small commuter bike. £200 cheaper than the Yamaha too.

[@nz540im3]

Seriously looking at a yammy for when I get my NZ learner bike license. Either gonna go this route for bang for buck or an MT 03 which should keep me entertained for longer. Currently on an 82 RD 50 🙃 cheers for the great review

[@UK_Outdoors.]

Hi Mate, nice video. How tall are you? I'm 6'3", just wandering if it's going to be a comfy fit for me...

[@BikeMatters]

Alex is 6' 4. I definitely recommend checking one out at a dealers and have a proper sit on one to see how it feels for you.

[@UK_Outdoors.]

@@BikeMatters thanks for that.

[@lukejp6338]

Just come across this vid as I’m looking at getting my first bike my journey to work by road is anywhere from 12-14 miles depending on the route I take and that’s almost impossible on a pedal bike 😂 the ys125 is one I like the look off but not sure how competent I am with a manual so in your opinion would you say I’m better getting a 125cc moped Lexmoto enigma for example or would you recommend the YS125 ?

[@BikeMatters]

Hiya Luke, great to hear you are thinking of getting yourself on 2 wheels, that commute will certainly be a lot easier on a scooter or motorcycle 🤣 To be honest it's up to you and what ever you would find easier - riding a manual can be a daunting thought to begin with, but on the day of the CBT you will be taught how to ride a geared bike and won't be let on the roads until the instructor thinks you are safe to do so. I would say if you plan to ride bigger bikes once you have completed your CBT then definitely go for the YS125, so you can learn to ride manual. If it's just for your commute until you can drive then go for the Lexmoto!

[@ΜάριοςΝίκοςΠιτσινής]

Hello there. Is yamaha ys convinient for someone who is 1.70 tall?

[@BikeMatters]

I'm only 5' 6 and I'd sit on it fine. Always worth going to have a sit on one if interest to make sure it feels right for you.

[@nz540im3]

Is the joint braking only for euro market?

[@DeiotarusBlogspotEs]

Título y descripción en español y sonido en inglés ?¿

[@ris_bo3456]

I don't know which color is better. I'm between white and black...

[@mark36735]

White

[@ris_bo3456]

@@mark36735 thanks for the reply, unfortunately I didn't buy this bike, instead I bought Peda Tek 125. It's a Chinese bike but it's much cheaper and I don't need anything better for my first bike :D

[@ahmadchohan9900]

This is best for Pakistani market .

[@BikeMatters]

Hopefully Yamaha will think about it soon, a lot of interest in the YS from Pakistan.

[@booshallmighty]

I didn't think Pakistan had roads. I thought they only had dirt tracks. I thought a Camel was the best form of transport, if they step on a IED then you should stand a better chance because of their high ground clearance and all that explosion absorbing guts

[@Taran2007]

Is it manual, if yes how many gears

[@BikeMatters]

5 speed manual

[@Taran2007]

@@BikeMatters thx a lot for replying man, I never thought that u will still reply commest after 10 months later this video was apploaded, I appreciate Mann. Keep up ur work

[@karan_latwal00]

When this bike will release in india

[@BikeMatters]

We are in the UK, I have no idea for other countries sorry!

[@karan_latwal00]

BikeMatters so kindly please get to know about that and inform me

[@peterasmussen2933]

do you really think people don't know what a motorcycle is used for?

[@oliverr1158]

Does this bike have automatic gears?

[@BikeMatters]

Hi there, the Yamaha YS125 is a fully manual bike with 5 gears!

[@oliverr1158]

@@BikeMatters oh, ok thanks for the answer!

[@shaktideodwivedi955]

When launching in India?

[@BikeMatters]

You'd have to speak to Yamaha.

[@harryrudge7157]

Can you fit a topbox on it ?

[@BikeMatters]

Yup, indeed you can.

[@jutttarar4640]

Hello. I think Yamaha company Yamaha ys 125 launching in pakistan

[@chameleon932]

Suitable for over six feet tall people?

[@BikeMatters]

Depends how much taller than 6'. Always best check out in person to see how it fits. Alex who tested this was 6' 4.

[@chameleon932]

@@BikeMatters I'm 6'1, thank you

[@erwinferreras6402]

How to replace clutch lining of yamaha DT 125 thank u sir...

[@BikeMatters]

Hi! Thanks for the comment, but we're not able to do any maintenance tutorials at the moment (and I wouldn't know where to start with a Yamaha DT 125). I'm sure there are videos on KZbin of the process! Thanks ~ Alex

[@ahmadchohan9900]

Please tell me about price .

[@BikeMatters]

It starts from £2,899.00 in the UK

[@muhammaddaniyal5441]

Ye Pakistan main kb ay gui

[@SlickMotoMike]

Does it have gear indicator?

[@BikeMatters]

Yup bottom left of the display.

[@SlickMotoMike]

@@BikeMatters Perfect. I always forget what gear I am locked into so it's always great to have a reminder also helps in those times when in shock. Thank you!

[@BikeMatters]

@@SlickMotoMike No worries at all.

[@deepakkumardeepak672]

Well doneAlex but no Indian market

[@BikeMatters]

Seems like a lot of people in India would love this bike, hopefully Yamaha might think about bringing it to that market.

[@truedesi3839]

Yamaha, introduce the same one India ASAP, it will be instant success in India. Younger generation is looking for RX 100 kind of bike, this one may be substitute for the same. Introduce this one if you want give real competition to Honda Shine SP. Thanks.

[@BikeMatters]

There seems to be a lot of interest from India in this bike, seems a shame it isn't available there currently.

[@jamesdequincey9857]

Could you test a nmax 125 and visual spec

[@BikeMatters]

Hi James! We will add it to our list of potential bikes to review in the future!

[@nilkanthmeshram298]

PRECESSION FUEL INDICATORS NEEDED. A BIOLOGIST, A BIOLOGIST, A BIOLOGIST AND AN ENGINEER.

[@jayakrishna8423]

Relege this bike in india amezing sale's

[@BikeMatters]

Is their much talk of the YS becoming available in India? We are based in the UK so don't know much of the on goings elsewhere.

[@mudassariqbal9366]

I love it

[@wadimor4749]

indonesia love wr 250f/450f

[@BikeMatters]

Iconic bike!

[@atifmughal925]

I got Yamaha ybr g 125 .I am from Pakistan .

[@BikeMatters]

Enjoy! Happy riding

[@narendrakumarkhuntey6248]

Good very good. Please details on screen.

[@BikeMatters]

We'll have spec on screen more in future videos. Thanks for your suggestion.

[@nilkanthmeshram298]

PEOPLE TOO CALL ME ALEX.

[@rajchavda1383]

India me kab aayega I m waiting

[@BikeMatters]

a lot of people in India showing interest in the YS!

[@crazymotorcycle]

Your view was so gd I went and got yamaha ys125 the over all perform is so poor cant believe how poor. I am 6ft4 and there is enough space but can't see out the mirror. I px my honda pcx 125 for it and I regret it I only had the bike for a day to me if you want a gd quality bike don't go for this one. It only got the name yamaha but nothing else is of Yamaha quality.

[@michlmuller3237]

Its very slow - 90 kmh max.

[@Music_guru123]

I get 115 and 120 down hill

[@DesmondBXChen]

Get a MT-125

[@BikeMatters]

On ours list of bikes we want to test ride soon! Do you own a mt-125 already?

[@DesmondBXChen]

@@BikeMatters Did

[@BikeMatters]

@@DesmondBXChen What have you moved onto now?

[@gezgincafer5130]

Bunu bu fiyata Türkiye de satamazsın

[@nilkanthmeshram298]

IN INDIA, PEOPLE PREFER ECONOMY AND ECONOMICS, SO, . ,,, .,,, IT'S BETTER IF MODEL GOES FOR ROUND HEADLIGHT AND RECTANGULAR HEADLIGHT TOOO, .,,, . ,,, It's INDIA, . ,,, . ,,, BIKE, BIKE IN SUCESSION MATTERS, DESIGN THE BIKE LINEAR AERODYNAMIC, WITH THE CLEAR VIEW O ROADS IN ALL CLIMATES AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS, . ,,, . ,,, It's INDIA 125 CC BIKE MATTERS, MATTERS THE MOST TO GO UPHILLS, TO, TO THE RICE HILLS. ANY FEEDBACK NEEDED CAN CONTACT ON ON MY E MAIL. A BIOLOGIST, A BIOLOGIST, A BIOLOGIST AND AN ENGINEER.

[@jogehlala9018]

Only Yamaha rx 135

[@BikeMatters]

Is that what you own?

[@jogehlala9018]

I like rx 135 only

[@suascb5042]

Not good