Yamaha XTZ125 Owner Review
Introducing a passionate story of "Joni-san" who ride XTZ125, from Webike Community's "My Beloved Moto" campaign.
He shared his review of the XTZ125, including the advantage and the disadvantage, which he understands well because he is the owner.
Brief self-introduction
Motorcycle history and how I usually enjoy my motorcycle.
I've been riding motorcycles for 12 years! I got my regular motorcycle license at the age of 16 and was riding a CB400SF. Since then, I have been longing for a liter sportbike, so at the age of 18, I got my large automatic license! I switched to the CBR1000RR. One of the things I enjoy is going out to various places, and of course, doing my own maintenance to deepen my understanding of the motorcycle. While riding a complete motorcycle, I want a motorcycle that can be a toy or an assistant. That's how I ended up adding a new motorcycle to my collection.
How long I have been riding this motorcycle?
It's been almost two years since the motorcycle was delivered in the summer of 2018. It is a wonderful toy and will continue to ride around.
Motive for purchase and use
Torrential rainfall disaster in western Japan in 2017. There was a mudslide in the vicinity of our house, and the usually familiar beautiful paved road was reduced to a tragic state. At that time, I only had a small motorcycle and a CBR1000RR at home, and everywhere I went was dangerous. I've been thinking about how I would like to have something easy to ride.
I've also heard that 125cc off-road motorcycles are good for on-road practice. So I thought this would be a good opportunity to buy one. It's also a commuter motorcycle! So, I took delivery of the motorcycle with the rear box installed.
Satisfaction
For applications
I think it's a great motorcycle that can go anywhere on public roads other than highways, such as just riding around the neighborhood, poorly flowing roads, and narrow roads. With the rear box installed, you can sneak in a load of luggage, so it's perfect for shopping!
You don't have to worry about parking space, so it's a motorcycle you can easily go out with. I've used it a few times to commute to work, and as you'll see below, it's very fuel-efficient! My family's rides were generally all high octane designations, so just the fact that it's a regular designation is like an angel. (lol)
Also, surprisingly, it has the potential to ride on unpaved roads, even flat off-road! Even though it's a 4-stroke, it's still a 125cc!
And in recent years, carbureted motorcycles have become an extinction It can kick-start, but it has a cell motor too! It's a great little toy! Most importantly, the best part is that maintenance costs are extremely low!
For riding
The fuel economy is extremely good! Even at 125cc, the 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine is a very wallet-friendly motorcycle that can go over 30km per liter no matter how much you open the gas pedal. It comes stock with semi-block tires, but of course, you can drive it on the pavement with no worries whatsoever. But even on a beastly road in the countryside, this is also a no-frills ride. I wonder if this is a true all-rounder. No matter how hard you try, the motorcycle's limits are so low that it doesn't require severe maneuvering, and the non-powered motorcycle is made to feel like a very fun ride as such.
For appearance
It's a full-size body, despite being 125cc! If you don't look at the license plate, you wouldn't believe it's a 125cc (lol). The fact that it's off the gutsy looking thing just gives you a sense of ownership. (Although it looks a little disappointing when the rear box is attached...)
It's more than cost effective!
Dissatisfaction
For applications
I can go out and about anywhere, but I am reminded of how inconvenient it is for people who live in a highly civilized world to use a carbureted motorcycle. Especially in the winter, I don't know why this motorcycle won't start even if I open the choke a little.
I have to work hard with the throttle to keep the choke open just enough so that the engine doesn't stall for a while. I tried tweaking the fuel tune, but it didn't help much.
I wonder if this is the kind of motorcycle it is. My old carbureted motorcycle was not that bad. It's the style of the motorcycle, but if the engine doesn't start, it's a bit of a bummer. More than anything, it's embarrassing when you're in a public place. LOL!
For riding
There are a lot of favorite points, but this motorcycle made in China has some disappointing points. First, the engine area. It has plenty of power and speed for city driving, but when you want to play off-road, for example, it inevitably feels lacking in power. I'm not sure if there's any way to go off the road in earnest. Also, the clutch is poor and no matter how gently I mute it, I get a judder. It's not a problem at the moment, but I'm a little nervous that it might break sooner or later. Well, if that happens, I'll have a good DIY story to tell. (lol)
For appearance
The finishing of the parts is also a bit of a mess in a way that only Chinese manufacturers can do! The welds are burr-like and the rust floats up from various places, which makes me think it's made in China. We'll just have to divide that up now! Let's start over!
Summary
I think it's a great motorcycle for commuting to work or just plain off-riding. It gets great gas mileage, and you can use it as a commuter! The power is small, so you can ride it around without hesitation, and it has a very small toy feeling. I may think that it is a hobby motorcycle in the true meaning. It's also simple to build, so it's good for DIY.
It's not that I want to drive it 100%, but I want to go out and do some maintenance. I would recommend this motorcycle to those who have a moderate lifestyle.
If you are not looking for a full-fledged off-road feeling, this is a very fun motorcycle. However, once you ride it, you'll want to get a real off-road motorcycle, right? (lol)
Thank you, Joni-san, for your narrative that shows your love for the XTZ125!
