Compact and Easy to Maneuver Jog 125. Also Very Fast and Agile!

Motorcycle

Lightweight, compact, and easy to get on and off, the Jog 125 weighs 95 kg, making it the lightest Yamaha 125cc scooter. Equipped with the BLUE CORE engine, the first in the Jog series, it was developed as a standard moped motorcycle model with low fuel consumption and excellent cost performance.
The Japan model was launched in November 2022, with new colors, red and light blue, added in March 2024.

Text: Hiroyasu Ogawa 
Photo: Yuko Koizumi

Simple but well-equipped for convenience

The Yamaha Jog first appeared in 1983 with the catchphrase Stylish Sprinter. The air-cooled 2-stroke 49cc engine at the time had a maximum output of 4.9ps, but with a dry weight of 49kg and an ultra-light chassis, it became very popular for its nimble and sporty ride. The model changed to a 4-stroke engine in 2007, while adding met-in storage and increased power.
Since then, it has complied with exhaust gas regulations and has been a long-selling model for more than 40 years.

The Jog 125 is equipped with a 125cc air-cooled BLUE CORE engine that combines environmental performance and fun to ride in a compact chassis typical of the Jog series, achieving the top fuel economy among Yamaha 125cc scooters at 51.9km/L and the lightest weight at 95kg. It is equipped with SMG (Smart Motor Generator) for quiet engine starting and UBS (Unified Brake System), which allows the front brake to be linked to the rear brake operation, although the front and rear brakes are drum brakes. It is also equipped with a 21.3-liter under-seat storage compartment, front pocket, convenience hook, and other features that enhance its convenience as a commuter.

jogogawasan02

The Jog 125's body is compact, being between the size of the 50cc Jog and the Axis Z. The red in the image is the 2023 model.
The 2024 model is available in four colors: new light blue and red, and continuing colors of black and white.

jogogawasan03

New light blue color for the 2024 model year.

jogogawasan04

Also a new color red for the 2024 model year.

jogogawasan05

Headlamps are 12V, 35/35W halogen. Bulbs for both position and indicator.

jogogawasan06

Sporty tail lamp with YZF-R series image. The bulb is a light bulb, but it has good visibility.

jogogawasan07

A pocket for a 600 ml plastic bottle has space for a USB socket for OEM accessories. Keyhole with shutter, convenience store hook with 1kg load capacity, and fueling port for 4L tank.

jogogawasan08

Seat with adjustable cushion hardness for good ride comfort.

jogogawasan09

With a load capacity of 5 kg and a capacity of 21.3 liters, it could hold one jet helmet.

jogogawasan10

Analog display of speed, total distance, and fuel. Indicators are engine warning, indicator, and high beam only.

Check the foot grounding of JOG125!

jogogawasan11

The rider is 172 cm tall. The seat height is 735mm, and the rider's soles are placed firmly on the seat. The floor is tight, and the seating position seems to be fixed in one place.

jogogawasan12

The soles of both feet land firmly on the ground, and both knees bend lightly. The width of the vehicle is slim, and there is plenty of legroom.

jogogawasan13

The rider is 156 cm tall. Even in a relaxed riding position, he wears his soles sticky.

jogogawasan14

The width of the vehicle is slim, and it can be worn snugly to the soles of both feet. The weight of the motorcycle is also light, and he has no worries at all.

No stress in practical riding range!

jogogawasan15

The JOG 125 has good acceleration extension after the torque starts up. It offers stress-free riding in town.

The engine of the Jog 125 is based on the air-cooled BLUE CORE engine of the Axis Z.
It is also equipped with an SMG that directly rotates the crankshaft, and the engine starts quietly with a single push of the cell switch.
However, while the Axis Z had no unpleasant vibration at idle, the Jog 125 felt vibration at idle.

As the throttle is opened from idle, after a brief pause, the engine rpm rises and torque builds up. From there, acceleration is good, and the motorcycle can lead the flow of traffic stress-free, with no vibration to worry about. The gear ratio of 2.175~0.735 is higher than that of the Axis Z, and the Jog 125's acceleration in the practical range of 30~60 km/h seems smoother.

Although the tires are small in diameter (10 inches front and rear), the specially developed frame and light vehicle weight are well balanced, and the front wheels feel well grounded. The front wheels did not cut in too much when cornering or at intersections, and straight-line stability was felt when riding. On rough pavement or bridge joints, the front and rear suspension could not absorb large inputs, and the impact was felt by the driver.
However, on paved roads in good condition, the machine behaved flatly without pitching, and we felt no vibration from the engine, making the ride more comfortable than expected.

jogogawasan16

The BLUE CORE engine complies with the latest emission regulations despite being air-cooled. The transmission ratio specially designed for the JOG 125 provides good acceleration extension.

jogogawasan17

Upright forks that provide a comfortable ride in the normal use range. The handling is not too sharp, and the bike feels stability oriented.

jogogawasan18

The rear shock is only on the left side of the body. Although the vehicle thrusts up under heavy input, it provides a flat ride in the normal use range.

Compactness that is exceptionally easy to maneuver

The Jog 125, weighing 95 kg, was light enough to be felt by pushing and pulling, but the compactness of the chassis was also impressive. Its body size, which is close to that of the 50cc class, makes it easy to turn around and park in tight parking spaces. The small turning circle and good footing make it easy to make U-turns, and it can step into narrow alleys without hesitation.

However, the compactness also results in a narrow flat floor. The tight underfoot space tends to limit the amount of leg room, and the tandem seat is raised, so the seating position is easily fixed. The riding position is not tight, but it feels a little tight, and since it is difficult to change the seating position, the rider has to maintain the same posture for long periods or over long distances, which can lead to fatigue. However, for commuters who tend to ride for short periods or over short distances, the advantages of the compactness of the bike are more likely to be felt than its disadvantages.

The front and rear brakes are drums, and when the lever is operated, braking force rises with a gnarly touch. Although it is difficult to control the braking force as delicately as with disc brakes, the light weight of the motorcycle makes the braking force sufficient. I felt a sense of nostalgia when I felt the front drum for the first time in a long time.

The equipment has been kept as simple as possible to enhance reliability, and the lightweight chassis contributes to low fuel consumption, resulting in a very good cost-performance ratio. Although it lacks the latest digital equipment and outstanding specifications, its compact chassis is well-balanced with engine power, and its stress-free acceleration and nimble maneuverability make it a pleasure to ride. For those seeking a lightweight commuter that is easy to maneuver, the Jog 125 is a recommended machine.
The Jog 125 still has the agility that is typical of the Jog series, which made me wish it came in the TECH21 color.

jogogawasan19

The drum brakes have sufficient stopping power but are vague to the touch. Both front and rear tires are made by Censhin.

jogogawasan20

When the rear brake is applied, the front brake also works together. There was no discomfort in the front-rear distribution of braking force.

Main specifications of the 2024 YAMAHA JOG125

Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height:1740 x 675 x 1090mm
Wheelbase:1205mm
Weight:95 kg
Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 2-valve single cylinder 124cc
Maximum output: 8.3 PS at 7000 rpm
Maximum torque:1.00kgf/m/5000rpm
Fuel tank capacity:4.0 liters
Transmission: V-belt continuously variable/Automatic
Brakes: F=Leading trailing drum, R=Leading trailing drum
Tires: F=90/90-10, R=90/90-10
Price:(approx.) 1740 USD

Copied title and URL