Yamaha has lifted the lid on the striking new MT-125 – a welcome addition to the MT range, albeit something of a surprise.
Sharing the same Deltabox frame and 125cc engine as the R125 sports bike, the MT-125 differentiates itself with a design more similar to the much larger MT-09.
The rider’s position has been edged forward 42mm to make way for a new tank, while the 124.7cc engine is good for 15BHP. Yamaha has promised ‘high agility’ from the new33.5 degree steering head angle, while championing a ‘low stress riding position’ by pulling the bars back 35mm and raising them 100mm.
The MT-125 weighs in at 138kg wet and 126kg dry, sports a 292mm single floating front brake disc and a 230mm disc to the rear.
According to Yamaha, the MT-125 features a stunning new LCD readout that’s been designed in accordance with today’s highest-end “Smartphone Aesthetics” to give a sense of familiarity. Along with a helpful gear change indicator light, it also features a fair few animations just for the fun of it.
To the rear end, the MT-125 has what Yamaha is calling ‘street fighter looks’ courtesy of an upswept tail and a new LED tail-light. The size of the license plate holder has been reduced and the silencer has been totally redesigned, which according to Yamaha will help ensure optimum cornering clearance.
Slated for a release date sometime in July, the MT-125 will be on the UK market in blue, grey and red variants. Sadly, there’s no official word on the price of the thing yet, but chances are Yamaha will be looking to once again undercut its closest rivals as it did with the MT-09 and the MT-07.
Here’s a summary of the official press release from Yamaha announcing the launch of the MT-125:
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Emma Ward
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