Segment:
Performance Motocross Motorcycle
Competitors 2007:
Honda CR250R, Kawasaki KX250, KTM 250 SX, Suzuki RM250
Yz125 Advantage 2007:
Renowned for its sharp handling, potent 2-stroke powerband, and tractable power delivery. The 2007 model continued to refine the chassis and suspension.
Engine Technology:
Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) for enhanced low-to-mid range torque and broader powerband.
Suspension Technology:
Industry-leading Kayaba Speed-Sensitive System (SSS) front forks and Monoshock rear suspension for superior damping and adjustability.
Chassis Design:
Lightweight aluminum frame providing excellent rigidity and rider feedback.
Performance Focus:
Optimized for competitive motocross racing and aggressive off-road riding.
Engine System:
Complete overhaul, troubleshooting, component diagnosis, top-end, bottom-end, cooling system (liquid).
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning and overhaul (Mikuni VM34), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank.
Exhaust System:
Pipe and silencer maintenance, proper sealing.
Ignition System:
CDI unit, spark plug, ignition timing, stator and flywheel troubleshooting.
Clutch System:
Clutch plate replacement, clutch lever adjustment, hydraulic clutch system (if applicable to specific variants, though this is typically cable-actuated).
Transmission System:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, and reassembly, gear selection, shift mechanism, lubrication.
Suspension System:
Front forks (Kayaba 48mm Speed-Sensitive System - SSS) overhaul, seal replacement, oil levels and viscosity; rear shock absorber (Monoshock) overhaul, linkage maintenance, spring adjustment.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake caliper service, pad replacement, master cylinder overhaul, hydraulic line bleeding, rotor inspection.
Wheel And Tire System:
Wheel bearing replacement, spoke tensioning, tire mounting and balancing, rim maintenance.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting (if applicable for specific models), kill switch, basic troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Radiator maintenance, coolant type and capacity, water pump service.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, swingarm bearing maintenance.
Bodywork And Plastics:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, tank, fenders.
Preventative Maintenance:
Scheduled service intervals, lubrication points, filter replacements, spark plug checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Diagnostics:
Component testing procedures, specifications for key measurements.
Adjustment Procedures:
Carburetor jetting, clutch, throttle cable, suspension settings.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain procedures.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive - covers basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and suspension overhauls.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced, including electrical system diagnostics and component testing.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, reed valve, YPVS
Displacement:
124cc (7.57 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
54mm x 54.5mm
Compression Ratio:
8.2:1 (when TDC is 1.0mm)
Carburetor:
Mikuni VM34, single, with throttle position sensor (TPS)
Spark Plug:
NGK BR9ES or equivalent
Horsepower Estimated:
~35-38 HP (at crankshaft, estimated)
Torque Estimated:
~18-20 lb-ft (at crankshaft, estimated)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Mixture:
Pre-mix (50:1 ratio of gasoline to high-quality 2-stroke engine oil)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
7.0 Liters (1.85 US gal)
Transmission Type:
Constant mesh 6-speed
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, cable-actuated
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 2.615, 2nd: 1.933, 3rd: 1.500, 4th: 1.235, 5th: 1.045, 6th: 0.917)
Final Drive:
Chain drive (520 O-ring type)
Transmission Oil Type:
Yamalube 10W-30 or equivalent API 'SE' or 'SF' 2-stroke transmission oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.65 Liters (0.69 US qt)
Infotainment System:
N/A - This is a competition motocross motorcycle, not equipped with infotainment systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A - This is a competition motocross motorcycle, not equipped with driver assistance features.
Connectivity Features:
N/A - This is a competition motocross motorcycle, not equipped with connectivity features.
Throttle Position Sensor Tps:
Integrated TPS on the carburetor for optimized fuel delivery and YPVS control.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 15-20 hours of riding or annually. Refer to manual for specific schedule.
Air Filter Cleaning:
After every 5-10 hours of riding, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 10-15 hours of riding.
Chain Maintenance:
Inspect and lubricate chain every 5-10 hours of riding; adjust tension as needed.
Suspension Service:
Fork seal replacement as needed, fork oil change every 20-30 hours. Linkage bearings inspected every 20 hours.
Engine Oil Type:
Yamalube 2R or equivalent high-performance 2-stroke racing oil.
Cooling System Coolant:
Permanent type anti-freeze coolant (e.g., Yamalube Coolant) mixed 50:50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Piston, piston rings, clutch plates, brake pads, wheel bearings, fork seals.
Potential Engine Issues:
Carburetor jetting sensitivity to altitude and temperature; YPVS operation issues if not maintained; premature wear if pre-mix is incorrect or of low quality.
Suspension Considerations:
Proper setup is crucial for optimal performance; frequent fork seal replacement may be needed with hard use.
Yamaha Motor Cycle Division:
Founded in 1955, Yamaha Motor Company is a global leader in motorcycles, renowned for innovation and racing success.
Yz Lineage:
The YZ series has a long and storied history in motocross, dating back to the early 1970s. The YZ125 has consistently been a benchmark in the 125cc class.
Yz125 Key Milestones Pre 2007:
Introduction of liquid cooling, reed valve induction, YPVS, aluminum frames, and advanced suspension (like the SSS forks introduced in 2006) have marked its progression.
Production Location:
Japan
Model Introduction Year:
First YZ125 introduced in 1974.
Motocross Magazine Awards Past:
The YZ125 has consistently received high marks and awards from leading motocross publications for its performance, handling, and engine characteristics throughout its lineage.
Suspension Performance Rating:
Generally rated as top-tier in its class due to the Kayaba SSS components.
Competition Homologation:
Designed to meet FIM and AMA specifications for motocross racing, where applicable.