Yamaha's small-displacement lineup is expected to be busy in 2023. The possibility that the YZF-R125 will be added to the 125cc class of sportbikes, which has been thin on the ground in Japan until now, is becoming more and more likely. And not only that, the new 2023 YZF-R125 is likely to be remodeled with a YZF-R7 face equipped with a headlight inside an M-shaped duct.
Not only YZF-R125 and XSR125 but also MT-125 will be introduced in Japan.
Yamaha has a platform consisting of a liquid-cooled single-cylinder 125cc and a twin-tube frame, which has been used in Europe for the supersport YZF-R125 and naked MT-125. In 2021, this will be joined by the XSR125, completing the same series as its big brother YZF-R7, MT-07, and XSR700.
And it is likely that this entire supersport/naked/neo-classic 125cc series will be introduced to Japan, where environmental standards are in harmony with those in Europe. More on topic, the YZF-R125 will be remodeled into a new model in 2023, which will be introduced to Japan as well.
The new YZF-R125 is expected to replace the two-lens headlight on the current model with a bi-functional LED headlight built into the same M-shaped duct as the new YZF-R7. It would also comply with Euro 5 emission regulations, like the XSR125 and MT-125.
Since meeting Euro 5 regulations is the same as complying with Japan's 2020 emission regulations, the YZF-R125 can be released in Japan almost without modification. The YZF-R125 will be available as an official model in Japan along with the XSR125 and MT-125 from late 2023 onward.
YAMAHA 2022 R125 European specs. The conventional YZF-R125, styled similar to the YZF-R15, which got a LED twin-lens headlight in the 2017 model year, will be available from 2019. The information is that this model will be remodeled and unveiled at the Mila show in November.
YAMAHA 2022 R15 India spec. The new 2023 YZF-R125 will look like this.
The new YZF-R125 will likely adopt the style and equipment of the new YZF-R15, which features LED headlights inside M-shaped ducts similar to those on the new YZF-R7.
YAMAHA 2021 XSR125. A scaled-down version of the XSR155 was released in Thailand and other countries in 2018. This model is also likely to be introduced to Japan in 2023. An additional XSR125 Legacy with spoked wheels is in the lineup for 2022.
YAMAHA 2022 MT-125. The European version of the MT-125 was remodeled into the current model in 2020.
This model is also likely to be introduced to Japan in 2023.
It also has traction control and a quick shifter.
The YZF-R15, which is the basis for the YZF-R125 that we are hearing about being newly released in Japan, is a familiar model that YSP, a Yamaha specialty dealer, imported independently and sold in Japan in 2012. The YZF-R15 and YZF-R125 are sibling models that share the same engine with different displacements and the same delta box frame for the chassis.
This YZF-R15 will undergo a full model change in the fall of 2021, with new features including Yamaha's first traction control on a small MT model, the first quick shifter on a Yamaha single-cylinder model, YZF-R7-style bi-function LED headlights, and an LCD meter compatible with the Y Connect application.
In recent years, the YZF-R15 has been remodeled first, and the same content is later rolled out on the YZF-R125, so it is only logical that the 2023 YZF-R125 will inherit the changes made to the 2022 YZF-R15. More details will be revealed at the Milano show in Italy, which opens on November 8.
India's YZF-R15, which previously used upright forks, now uses inverted forks. Brakes are equipped with 2-pot calipers and a single 282 mm-diameter disc. ABS is independently controlled front and rear. The photo shows the YZF-R15 Indian version.
The twin-tube delta box frame will be made of steel. The photo shows the YZF-R15 India spec.
The swing arm is made of aluminum to reduce unsprung weight and promote suspension operation. The photo shows the YZF-R15 India spec.
The engine is a SOHC 4-valve, Euro 5 compliant 125cc version that delivers 15 PS, equivalent to the CB125R and GSX-R125. The variable valve timing VVA is equipment that has already been introduced on the current YZF-R125.
The photo shows the YZF-R15 India spec.
The bifunctional LED headlight, which can switch between high and low beams, is installed in the M-shaped duct.
The photo shows the YZF-R15 India spec.
The top bridge has a YZR-M1-inspired butchering. The photo shows the YZF-R15 India spec.
The meter features an LCD display that can also display lap times. The photo shows the YZF-R15 India spec.
2020 YZF-R125 Main Specifications for Europe (Reference)
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height:1955 x 680 x 1065 mm
Wheelbase: 1355mm
Seat height: 825mm
Weight: 144 kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder SOHC 4-valve 124.7cc
Maximum output:15 PS at 10,000 rpm
Max. torque: 1.16 kg-m/8000 rpm
Fuel tank capacity:11.5 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tires: F=100/80-17, R=140/70-17
