Yamaha introduced the 2021 edition of its 125cc fully-faired motorcycle, the R125, last month. Although we know it won't come to India and will be limited only to the international markets, it comes across as an interesting package. And if it was to land on our shores, it would've made for an ideal rival to the KTM RC 125 sold here. Anyway, for our curious readers who want to know the bike better, here are all the details explained.
Styling and new colours
Despite being a 125cc machine, the R125 looks closely similar to its much bigger counterparts like the R6 and R1. There's a sleek, twin-pod headlamp setup, angular fairing, sculpted fuel tank and a sharp tail section. For 2021, although the overall design has remained unchanged, Yamaha has introduced two new colours - Racing Blue and Black. Interestingly, the latter gets golden front forks which look eye-catchy.
Engine
Powering the R125 is a 124cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder engine which has now been revised to comply with the new Euro5 emission norms. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, it churns out 15bhp at 9,000rpm and 11.5Nm at 8,000rpm, which is nearly the same as the KTM RC 125.
Hardware
The MT125 is equipped with profoundly premium components for a 125cc machine. Underpinned by a steel deltabox frame, it rides on 17 inchers which are suspended by upside down forks and a monoshock. Braking is handled by a 292mm disc up front and a 220mm disc at the rear.
Launch
Yamaha will launch the 2021 R125 in some European and Asian countries in a few days. In India, the smallest Yamaha motorcycle available is the 155cc, YZF R15 V3 and the company won't go any lower down the displacement spectrum in our country.
