In Europe, young, first-time riders are limited when it comes to the performance of their first motorcycle. Most European countries employ a tiered licensing system that requires first-timers to hop aboard a bike no bigger than 125cc, and with 15 horsepower of performance. The Yamaha MT-125 has long been a popular choice, and has recently been updated to offer a more premium riding experience for first-timers.
The Yamaha MT-125, the smallest member of Yamaha’s Master of Torque family, has been updated with a range of new features for the 2023 model year. The newly unveiled motorbike is equipped with innovative and interesting segment-first improvements that set the standard for high-end, entry-level motorcycles. It has been released for the European markets, and unlike other bikes in the same segment, the entry-level naked sportbike includes a traction control system (TCS).
Additionally, a new five-inch TFT console has been added, which gives it an advantage over all other entry-level bikes in the market. This is another significant improvement, as the user's smartphone can be connected to the screen through Bluetooth to display alerts for calls, texts, and other notifications. Of course, the radical style of Yamaha's MT line of motorcycles is one of the things that draws people to them, and the MT-125 is no exception. The MT-125 is still offered in a variety of fancy exterior color schemes, giving it a somewhat contemporary and commanding appearance in comparison to other bikes in the segment.
As for technology, a 124cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 15 horsepower and eight ft-lbs of torque at 9,000 rpm powers the motorbike. A six-speed gearbox is linked with the engine, providing smooth, confidence-inspiring shifts. Yamaha includes a pair of non-adjustable upside-down forks up front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the back to go along with these respectable performance numbers. At either end, a single disc brake that comes standard with dual-channel ABS handles the braking duties.
