Incredibly it is exactly 25 years since Yamaha rocked the motorcycle world with the unveiling of the very first R1 in front of a stunned audience of journalists who could barely believe what Yamaha had created. With its ultra-lightweight, remarkably compact dimensions and class-leading power output, this iconic motorcycle represented the beginning of a truly amazing new era for Europe’s Supersport riders.
The arrival of the first R1 was just the beginning. R1M, R6, R3, R125 and more recently the R7 were to follow in its tyre tracks, each of them created in the image of R1 – the undisputed King of Supersport. By bringing genuine race bike technology and performance to the street, Yamaha’s R-Series models have been inspiring many thousands of riders for a quarter of a century.
Yamaha’s R-Series continues to set the agenda with the widest range of exhilarating Supersport models from 125cc through to 1000cc. With a winning track record in the world’s most prestigious racing championships, R-Series has established itself as the definitive family of high performance machines. And for 2023 the launch of the next generation R125 reaffirms Yamaha’s commitment to offering every rider the most exceptional high performance riding experience.
When Yamaha launched the very first R125 in 2008 it brought advanced Supersport design and technology to the 125cc A1 license class. Setting new standards for thrilling performance, handling agility and aggressive style, this best-in-class bike became an overnight success – and has maintained its position as the premiere high performance lightweight to this day.
During the past 15 years this iconic machine has consistently evolved to maintain its superstar status amongst performance minded riders who are looking for the ultimate race-developed motorcycle. Designed for young and uncompromising Supersport riders at the beginning of their relationship with the R-Series, R125 continues to show the way ahead.
Every Yamaha Supersport is developed with the same pure R-Series DNA that has made the flagship R1 the dominant bike in World and British Superbike racing. Race-bred technology is also evident throughout the 2023 R125, from the dynamic new body design through to its Deltabox frame technology and radial mount front brake caliper.
Featuring an instantly recognisable new face that is directly inspired by the R7 – and equipped with connected TFT instruments as well as a range of chassis refinements and new electronics – the 4th generation Yamaha R125 gives every rider a real taste of where R/World can take them.
R125 gets a whole new look that underlines its status as Yamaha’s ultimate lightweight Supersport and reinforces the R-Series family ties that make it such a special motorcycle.
A powerful new bi-functional LED headlight sits centrally in the M-shaped nose and delivers a brilliant low and high beam for excellent vision and visibility. The headlight’s ultra-compact dimensions and low weight have enabled the fitment of a highly aerodynamic front cowling with R7-inspired LED position lights to give the R125 a radical new ‘big-bike’ appearance.
Featuring a more aggressive face as well as an aerodynamic new fairing and redesigned vented tank covers that convey the feeling of a strong horizontal flow, the all-new body transforms the appearance of the lightest Yamaha Supersport. This reshaped bodywork gives a fully coordinated and refined look that underlines this best-in-class bike’s status as the premium high performance 125.
The new 2023 R125 benefits from the very latest 5-inch full colour TFT instruments inspired by the flagship R1. Two different graphic themes are featured: the rider can select either ‘Street’ theme or ‘Track’ theme to match different riding situations. ‘Street’ theme features a central digital speedometer and a bar-type tachometer as well as an array at the base that includes flasher/main beam/temperature warning lights. ‘Track’ theme is a more focused layout featuring a central lap timer with a 25 lap memory and bar-type tachometer above – providing the rider with key information when they’re on a race circuit.
Both screen themes feature a programmable shift light at the top of the display – and ‘Track’ theme incorporates a programmable rpm meter range, enabling the rider to customise the visuals to match their riding style and individual preferences.
Staying in touch is now even easier for R125 riders because the 2023 model is equipped with a Communication Control Unit (CCU) that enables smartphone connectivity. To activate the connectivity, the rider’s smartphone firstly needs to be linked to the machine via Bluetooth® using Yamaha’s free MyRide app. As soon as the owner has linked their smartphone, they can see notifications of incoming calls and text messages on the new 5-inch TFT screen, as well as monitor key parameters of the bike via the app.
Riders can also access information including smartphone battery status, and in the event of any technical issue with the R125, the system can notify a Yamaha dealer or any other designated contact that has been selected by the owner.
For the highest level of confidence and control the R125 is equipped with a traction control system. Together with the A&S clutch and the optional quick shift system, the traction control enables the R125 rider to experience a high degree of controllability especially during full throttle acceleration. The status of this switchable system is displayed on the new 5-inch TFT instruments, and it can be turned off to suit certain situations such as track riding.
Overall feel and appearance of the R125’s cockpit is elevated to a whole new level with the new 5-inch TFT instruments as well as new R1-inspired high quality upper triple clamp that reinforces the bike’s pure R-Series DNA. The clip-on handlebars are equipped with new R1-inspired ergonomic switches that enable the rider to control intuitively various functions including the new TFT screen theme.
Pre-wired for quickshifter
Every Yamaha R-Series is a race-bred machine that is inspired by the no-compromise spirit of the winning R1M and constructed with the latest race developed technology. The 2023 model is prewired for a quick shifter, making it straightforward for R125 riders to fit a Genuine Yamaha quick shift system that enables seamless full throttle upshifts for stronger acceleration.
The 2023 model is equipped with Michelin Pilot Street tyres that have been developed to offer sporty handling together with strong performance in the wet and dry – while their latest tread design offers an excellent grip / wear balance. Running on a 100/80-17 front tyre and a wide 140/70-17 rear tyre, this combination provides the R125 with excellent roadholding and agile cornering.
R125 Technical Highlights
New dynamic R-Series body design
New bi-functional compact LED headlight
New R7-inspired LED position lights
New R1-inspired 5-inch dual-theme TFT instruments
New programmable shift light and rpm range
New smartphone connectivity via CCU using Bluetooth
New traction control system
New R1-inspired upper triple clamp and handlebar switches
New pre-wiring for quickshifter
Sporty, comfortable and commanding riding position
Torque rich 125cc EURO5 4-stroke engine with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation)
A&S clutch
KYB 41mm upside down front forks
292mm floating front disc / 220mm rear disc
Lightweight cast aluminium swingarm
11-litre fuel tank
2-channel ABS
Radial mount front brake caliper
Deltabox frame with optimised geometry
2-piece rider/passenger seat, 825mm rider seat height
Michelin Pilot Street tyres: 100/80-17 front / 140/70-17 rear
New generation R-Series colours and graphics
The 2023 R125 will become available in Europe from February 2023. Please contact your national Yamaha distributor for more detailed information on availability and the local price. Color options include an Icon Blue and Tech Black
