2009 Yamaha YZ125 Review

Introduction

Just like virtually any other bike that is built to compete, the Yamaha YZ125 would have first been launched by following the simplest formula ever: a light package powered by a very capable engine. There was no mistake in doing that, but it would have been a shame not to take it further and get the most out of it.

It is exactly what Yamaha did during these last years, ending up launching a 2009 model year that only needed an aluminum frame housing, ProTaper handlebars and front brake hose clamp, also made of aluminum, in order to reach a weight of 208 lb wet. Add titanium footpegs, gripper seat and you’re good to go.

History

1983 Yamaha YZ125

The YZ125 is a well known model name at Yamaha as it has been on the scene ever since 1974 when it was recognized as being one of the best dirt bikes of that time. Originally powered by an air-cooled two-stroke engine fed through a Mikuni 32 mm TMX carburetor, all hosted by a steel backbone frame, there were no doubts that the new dirt bike will have a long and wonderful life, introducing many teenagers, and not only, to motocross.

In 1981, the powerplant was introduced to liquid cooling and case-reed so that the extra power and heat that came together with the 38 mm TMX Mikuni carburetor would be properly dealed with. The frame had a longer life on it (30 years, to be precise) before it would be replaced by the twin spar aluminum alloy frame. A benefic result was the significant weight reduction (190 lb dry), but this also made it harder to ride on tricky surfaces so riders who were familiar with earlier models were about to go through an accommodation period which often introduced them to the track’s mud.

Another important unit that saw several changes during the years is the gearbox. The engine was small, so it couldn’t be mated to a four-speed tranny, leaving fifth and sixth speeds to be the solutions for faster sections of the track.

Perfect for AMA Championships, the Yamaha YZ125 has made a big name of itself and it keeps on going strong for 2009.

Competition

Racing against the Yamaha YZ125 and one against the other is any 125cc two-stroke motocross bike and 250cc four-stroke motorcycle ever to be produced by makers who actually feel like selling their products. It is a very well known fact that the podium dictates the sales charts and that is precisely what Yamaha aimed at.

So you’ll ask about the YZ250F and find out that this is THE Yamaha bike created as an alternative to the much older YZ125.

2009 Honda CRF250R

Honda is on the bumps and jumps with the 2009 CRF250R, but we would have loved to see the CR125 going strong today as the YZ125 does. The same thing applies to Suzuki and Kawasaki. They only offer four-stroke 250cc dirt bikes (the RM-Z250 and KX250F) instead of sticking to their former smokers.

Exterior

2009 Yamaha YZ125

Refreshing its design, Yamaha aimed towards a slender look with great finishing touches. Although it looks like all of the other, bigger bikes in the lineup, it is easy to identify on the track due to the specific two-stroke exhaust and, if it has the luck of riding alone in the front, the two-stroke noise.

It stands for aggressiveness and style, pure performance and modernity, something that not many Japanese dirt bikes manage to achieve by simply showing themselves at the start line.

As a 2009 model, it comes with new side panels and decals. These units blend perfectly together with the new two-tone grip seat and I didn’t even mention about the fenders. They stand up tall from the filthy tires, announcing those jumps that the wheel travel on this think can take on everything out there.

Not like the other Yamaha dirt bikes, the YZ125 comes only in the Blue and White color combination, something that takes a decision off your mind when willing to buy it.

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