Upcoming Thriller - Yamaha R125, a detailed preview

Yamaha is on a roll now and we really mean it! First the YZF R15, then the FZ 16 and then we might also be getting the Yamaha Scooters that we carried an article about and finally we land up here-the YZF R125,  a smaller brother to the R15.

Yamaha is not giving up and it wants to be seen as making performance bikes, the position that it had vacated once the 2-stroke RX series went out of production. The R125 is a scaled down version of the R15 which itself is a scaled down version of the all conquering R1. It actually looks much better than the R15 and whether Yamaha will bring the R125 as such is still skeptical.

Gallery

Tech Specs, Performance specs, more pics and info after the break

Engine

Yamaha’s first liquid-cooled 125cc 4-stroke 4-valve single cylinder

The R125’s all-new 124cc 4-stroke engine is the most advanced in the category, and just like its larger-capacity R-series brothers, it has been developed to deliver class-leading performance. Relate this to its elder brother, the R15.

In order to achieve this goal, Yamaha’s engineers have created the company’s first ever liquid cooled (the R125 was built first) 4-stroke single-cylinder 125cc SOHC engine. The new R125 benefits from a 4-valve cylinder head which delivers high levels of intake and exhaust efficiency (lower pumping losses) for ultra-responsive performance.

Fuel injection

For instant throttle response, this new high-tech 125 features a compact fuel injection system fed by a large-capacity airbox which, combined with the two inlet valves, delivers optimum intake efficiency together with excellent throttle response across the rev range-another Yamaha trademark.

Free-revving short-stroke engine

Featuring bore and stroke dimensions of 52mm x 58.6mm, the compact short-stroke engine has a free-revving character which enables it to deliver strong acceleration. This short stroke layout – combined with the performance-boosting qualities of the 4-valve head, fuel injection system and free-flowing exhaust – gives the R125 the strongest overall performance in the 125 4-stroke class. In fact this might even beat all the bikes in the Indian 150cc class (not considering the R15 of course).

R6-style mid-ship muffler

Performance is also enhanced by the fitment of a free-flowing large-capacity R6-style mid-ship muffler, whose location helps to centralize mass for neutral handling performance. The exhaust system accommodates dual catalysers, as well as an air induction system which introduces air into the exhaust to enable more complete combustion of any unburnt gases, and in doing so it helps to reduce emissions to even lower levels.

6-speed transmission

To optimise the class-leading performance characteristics of its all-new high-tech 125cc liquid cooled engine, the R125 is equipped with a 6-speed transmission which ensures strong acceleration and a superlative top speed.

Technical highlights

• Liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke
• SOHC 4-valve cylinder head
• Wet-sump lubrication system
• Fuel injection
• Electric start
• 6-speed transmission
• R6-style mid-ship muffler
• Dual catalysers
• Air Induction system

Chassis

Full-sized chassis with Deltabox frame

Just like its larger R-series brothers, the new R125 features a lightweight Deltabox frame which delivers an optimum balance of strength and rigidity for class-leading handling performance. The twin spar Deltabox design has proved to be one of the lightest and best-handling frame designs in the supersport category, and its use on the new YZF-R125 underlines Yamaha’s total commitment to building the best-handling machine in the class.

One of the most significant features of the new R125 is that it has been constructed with a fullsized chassis, which is unique in its segment. For example, the wheelbase on the new Yamaha R-series is 1,353mm, over 58mm greater than a typical Indian 150, which helps to enhance stability.

The larger physical size of the machine also allows our designers more freedom in creating a sporty yet comfortable riding position. And finally, the larger chassis gives the machine far greater presence on the street.

Aggressively-styled full-sized supersport bodywork

With its unmistakeable R-series styling, the R125 stands out in the crowd, and is easy to mistake for a much larger capacity machine. The dual headlights have a distinctive R-series look, while the low frontal area and small tail are clearly influenced by the bigger R-series bikes. And like the chassis, the bodywork is full-sized, making this new sportsbike the most impressive looking machines in the class.

Aluminium swinging arm

Complementing the race-bred Deltabox frame is a cast aluminium swinging arm. By keeping un-sprung weight low, this high quality swinging arm allows the link-type rear suspension system to operate more efficiently and deliver more responsive handling qualities.

33mm diameter front forks

Equipped with large-diameter 33mm tubes, the smooth-action front forks are designed to deliver accurate steering together with good rider comfort. For easy manoeuvrability this high quality front suspension system features a steering angle of 24.2degrees and trail of 86.1mm. And with 130mm of wheel travel – over 20mm more than some other models in the class – the full-sized forks on the new R125 perfectly complement the Deltabox frame and aluminium swinging arm to deliver stable yet responsive handling.

Large diameter front disc

High build quality is evident wherever you look on the new R125, and the front braking system is another example of Yamaha’s commitment to using only high-specification components.

The large diameter 292mm front disc is slowed by a compact twin-pot caliper which delivers strong and progressive braking performance for good controlability over a wide range of speeds. The large single front disc is complemented by a 230mm rear disc, giving the R125 rider accurate control in town as well as on the open road.

Lightweight alloy wheels with wide-section tyres

As well as ensuring that the unsprung weight is minimised in order to enhance the front and rear suspension performance, the distinctive 10-spoke alloy wheels give the R125 a unique look.

The lightweight wheels are fitted with some of the widest rubber in the class, with a 100/80-17 tyre at the front, and a massive 130/70-17 tyre at the rear, which ensure high levels of traction and underline the YZF-R125’s position as the main contender in the sports 125 class for 2008.

Range of quality accessories

Yamaha have developed a range of quality accessories for YZF-R125 owners wishing to customise their bike. The line-up includes a double bubble screen, a yoke, a seat cover, roller protectors and a tank pad.

Technical highlights

• Lightweight steel Deltabox frame
• Cast aluminium swinging arm
• Aggressive R-series styling
• High quality components
• Leading build quality
• Full-sized chassis and bodywork
• 1,355mm wheelbase
• Sports riding position
• Dual R-series style headlamps
• 292mm diameter front disc brake
• 230mm diameter rear disc brake
• Ultra-compact tail cowl
• Compact LED tail light
• 33mm diameter front forks
• 130mm front wheel suspension travel
• 130/70-17 rear tyre; 100/80-17 front tyre
• Range of accessories:

• Double bubble screen
• Seat cover
• Carbon yoke protector
• Roller protectors
• Tank pad

Available colours

• Burning Blue
• Sports White
• Impact Yellow
• Midnight black

Specifications

Engine

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve, single cylinder, SOHC
Displacement: 124.66 cc
Bore x stroke: 52.0 x 58.6 mm
Compression ratio: 11.2:1
Maximum power: 11.0 kW (15 PS) @ 9,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 12.24 Nm (1,25 kg-m) @ 8,000 rpm
Lubrication system: Wet sump
Fuel System: Fuel injection
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-disc coil spring
Ignition system: TCI
Starter system: Electric
Transmission system: Constant mesh, 6-speed
Final transmission: Chain
Fuel tank capacity: 13.8 L
Oil tank capacity: 1.15 L

Chassis

Chassis: Steel Deltabox
Front suspension system: Telescopic forks
Front travel: 130 mm
Rear suspension system: Swingarm (monocross)
Rear travel: 125 mm
Front brake: Single disc, Ø 292 mm
Rear brake: Single disc, Ø 230 mm
Front tyre: 100/80-17 M/C
Rear tyre: 130/70-17 M/C

Dimensions

Length: 2,015 mm
Width: 660 mm
Height: 970 mm
Seat height: 818 mm
Wheel base: 1,355 mm
Minimum ground clearance: 155 mm
Dry weight: 126.5 kg

IAB

Source : Top Speed