Revealed: Yamaha MT-125

YAMAHA has just unveiled this new surprise new 125cc addition to its MT range.

The MT-125 uses the engine and steel Deltabox frame from the R125 sports bike but with a revised steering head angle, upright riding position and styling in the vein of the bigger MT-07 and MT-09.

It means 15hp from the 124.7cc single.

It's got a new tank, seat and footrests, moving the rider 42mm forward, while the seat height has been lowered by 5mm to 820mm.

The steering head angle has been changed to 33.5 degrees for 'high agility', while the R125's low bars have been replaced with a wide tapered one on large aluminium clamps. The bars are 100mm higher and 35mm farther back than the R125's, for a 'low stress riding position'.   

It's got 41mm upside-down forks and a rear monoshock with preload adjustment.

Braking is courtesy of a 292mm single floating front disc with radially mounted caliper, and a 230mm rear disc.   

It's got new wheels with six thin Y-shaped spokes, running a 130-70-17 rear tyre and 100/80-17 front.  

Weight is 126kg dry and 138kg wet.

Yamaha says the LCD instrument panel is inspired by 'smart phone aesthetics' with bar-style displays. It includes a shift light, while an 'animated display' greets the rider when the key is turned.

An LED rear light and upswept tail unit help give the machine 'streetfighter looks' according to Yamaha.

It also has a compact number plate holder and redesigned silencer offering 'plenty of cornering clearance' and a 'throaty exhaust note', the firm says. 

The MT-125 comes in red, grey or blue and will be available from July.

Yamaha has already shaken up the market with the aggressively priced new MT-07, a 689cc parallel-twin, and MT-09, an 847cc triple.

The MT-07 undercut rivals with a price of £5,199 plus on-the-road charges, while the MT-09 is £6,949.

The UK price of the MT-125 has not yet been confirmed.

Yamaha's release on the MT-125 included:

'YAMAHA MT-125

'Don’t be afraid of the Dark!

'Yamaha's recently launched MT-09 and MT-07 have powered to the top of the sales rankings and captured the imagination of European motorcyclists who are looking for a new kind of riding excitement. Inspired by the Dark Side of Japan, these edgy new MT models are all about pure riding emotion. For 2014 Yamaha expand the MT range even further with the new MT-125 - its first streetfighter-style model in the 125cc category that aims to open the MT World to younger riders.

'Serious "full-size" bike image

'The new MT-125 has been shaped by the strong MT family DNA to give it a charismatic appearance and a commanding street presence that is reinforced by its genuine big bike looks and advanced technology. Every detail on this new streetfighter - from the angular headlight through to the upswept tail - has been shaped by its MT DNA to create a new kind of 125 with a serious ‘full-size’ bike image.

'Design Overview

'Streetfighter looks with supersport technology

'Being developed on the same platform as the 2014 YZF-R125, the new MT features a naked chassis that emphasizes its physical presence. Blending streetfighter style with supersport technology, the MT-125 brings real attitude to the class.

'Sports riding position for everyday use

'Like the larger capacity MT models, the new MT-125's ergonomics give a sporty and relatively upright riding position. Compared to the YZF-R125 supersport model, the MT-125 has a less extreme riding position for both the rider and passenger, making this radical new MT ideally suited to everyday fun in the city and on the open road.

'Imposing frontal area

'The unique character of the MT-125 is defined by the strong stature of the front end that features a low and angular headlamp with LED day lights whose aggressive image is emphasized by the high-shouldered air intakes. As well as giving a forceful and original face to the MT-125, the forward sloping headlamp and air intakes reinforce the dynamic downforce lines of the naked body...

'Strong looking engine area

'The MT-125's central area around the engine and fuel tank have been designed to be as compact as possible in order to accentuate the feeling of strength created by the aggressive silhouette and dynamic downforce lines. The single cylinder 125cc engine is equipped with a close fitting underguard that underlines the mass-forward image, and the impression of forward motion is highlighted further by the angled lines of the bodywork as well as the forward sloping cylinder. With the ducted side panels and matt black engine mounted closely around the Deltabox frame, the MT-125's tightly packed side profile projects an overall impression of strength and power.'