Yamaha's recently launched MT-09 and MT-07 have certainly captured the UK’s imagination with their blend of affordability and old-school simple riding pleasure, and now Yamaha has released another new MT into the market.
The new MT-125 is heavily based around the engine and running gear of the YZF-R125, which has also received a host of updates for 2014.
Highlights
• ‘Full-size’ bike image
• YZF-R125 engine and chassis
• Naked street-bike styling
• MT family DNA
• Fully-digital cockpit
The family resemblance to the bigger MT’s is blatantly apparent; gifting the new baby in the range with a commanding-looking street presence. This is no toy-like 125, and looks set to provide a really viable alternative to KTM’s excellent Duke 125.
Yamaha says that the ergonomics give a sporty but relatively upright riding position, and certainly a more relaxed perch for the rider than the sportier YZF-R. While the engine and main chassis components are shared with the YZF-R, the MT features a new tank, seat and footrests to allow for a more upright riding position. The rider is positioned 42mm further forward, while seat height is reduced by 5mm to 820mm. Tapered handlebars with large aluminium clamps also contribute towards the new street-focused ergonomics, being 100m higher and 35mm further back than the YZF-R125’s clip-ons.
The low and angular headlamp with LED day-lights makes it the absolute spit of its bigger siblings from the front, and makes for an aggressive face, and full LCD instrumentation is apparently “inspired by smart phone aesthetics”, and features bar style displays, and a shift light.
The MT-125's supersport-derived technology includes 41mm inverted fork, while the front brake system features a single floating 292mm disc, equipped with a radially mounted caliper. New race-style wheels feature a multi-spoke design consisting of six sets of thin Y-shaped and run with a 100/80-17 front tyre and a 130/70-17 rear.
Technical highlights
• Developed on the same platform as the 2014 specification YZF- R125
• Newly designed shorter tank, lower seat and minimalist bodywork for a more “urban” riding position
• Wide handlebars and revised steering angle for high agility in traffic
• Supersport-style 41mm diameter inverted fork
• Linked monoshock rear suspension with spring preload adjustment
• Single 292mm diameter floating front disc brake with radial caliper
• New racing style thin-spoke wheels
• 125cc single cylinder liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valves
• Steel Deltabox frame for strength and light weight
• Dry weight 126kg / Wet weight 138kg
A wide range of Genuine Yamaha accessories will be available on launch, including an Akrapovic exhaust judging by some of the press shots. Read a full launch report in MCN on June 11, while bikes will arrive in UK dealers in July. Colours available will be Matt Red, Matt Grey and Race Blu.
No price has been set for the UK yet, but we’d expect it to come in at a shade less than the YZF-R125’s £4349. If Yamaha can manage to constrain it to sub £3999, matching or beating the KTM Duke, it could be a real winner.
More at
www.yamaha-motor.eu
