By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Yamaha YZF-R125 (MY2019) vs YZF-R125 (RE11)
2019 Yamaha YZF-R125 vs 2015 Yamaha YZF-R125: which one to buy for the riding you do.
Over a rippled patch mid-bend, the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R125 soaks it up on its upside-down fork and doesn't run wide. The 2015 Yamaha YZF-R125's taut chassis shrugs off those ripples, and it's still keen to change direction. Its front stays pinned to the line.
What makes each one tick
2019 YZF-R125
There's no step when the 2019 YZF-R125's single swaps onto its high-lift cam, and the pull keeps stretching as the revs climb. At corner entry, the bars barely need a push. It's quick to turn in. The steel Deltabox frame holds every lean steady.
2015 YZF-R125
Wringing it out is how the 2015 YZF-R125's single likes to work, and it'll use all six gears doing it. Its single fades at higher speeds. In stop-start traffic, the brake lever brings it to each halt while the clutch lever stays light. Its gearbox clicks home cleanly on every shift.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- ABS: standard on the 2019 YZF-R125, option on the 2015 YZF-R125.
- Rear Suspension Adjustable: standard on the 2015 YZF-R125, not offered on the 2019 YZF-R125.
- Slipper Clutch: standard on the 2019 YZF-R125, not offered on the 2015 YZF-R125.
Which one for the way you ride
For commuting, twisty roads, running costs, and a first bike, you won't find daylight between them. Let the test ride settle it.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
2019 YZF-R125
What owners say
Strengths
- Class-leading agile handling
- Excellent VVA engine with strong mid-range
2015 YZF-R125
What owners say
Strengths
- Comfortable sporty ergonomics
- Exceptional fuel economy
- Slick gearbox and light clutch
Trade-offs
- Limited top speed and overtaking power
What they share
- Displacement
- 125 cc
- Engine
- Single-cylinder
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Power
- 15 hp (11 kW)
- Peak power at
- 9,000 rpm
- Torque
- 9 lb-ft (12 Nm)
- Peak torque at
- 8,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front brake
- 292 mm
- Front tire
- 100/80-17
- Wheelbase
- 53.3 in (1355 mm)
Where the spec sheets split
| 2019 YZF-R125 | 2015 YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.5 in (825 mm) | 32.2 in (818 mm) |
| Wet weight | 313 lb (142 kg) | 309 lb (140 kg) |
| 2019 YZF-R125 | 2015 YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 2.9 US gal (11 L) | 3.0 US gal (11.5 L) |
| 2019 YZF-R125 | 2015 YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear tire | 140/70-17 | 130/70-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 2019 YZF-R125 | 2015 YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
| LED Headlight | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
