2022 Yamaha YZ125: Top Speed & Specs
Yamaha has stood the test of time when it comes to the motocross market. Their newest update to the fan favorite YZ125 ensures they’re here to stay.
With a top speed of about 70 mph, the Yamaha YZ125’s 125cc single cylinder engine is sure to provide plenty of kick while maintaining its lightweight build. Stocked with an advanced Keihin PWK38S carburetor and a 48 mm speed-sensitive KYB inverted suspension, this bike is built ready to tackle any terrain.
Table of Contents
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2022 Yamaha YZ125 Key Specifications
- How The Yamaha YZ125 Stacks Up
- 2022 Yamaha YZ125 Top Features
- Yamaha YZ125 New Upgrades
- Updated Engine
- New Brake System
- Improved Rider Ergonomics
- Revised Suspension Damping
- Yamaha YZ125 Unique Features
- Yamaha YZ125 Detailed Specifications
- Yamaha YZ125 Engine and Transmission
- Yamaha YZ125 Chassis and Suspension
- Yamaha YZ125 Brakes, Wheels, and Tires
- Yamaha YZ125 Dimension and Capacity
- Conclusion
2022 Yamaha YZ125 Key Specifications
| Price | $ 6,899 |
| Engine | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke |
| Displacement | 125cc |
| Transmission | 6-Speed |
| Power | 33.53 hp |
| Seat Height | 38.6 inches |
| Curb Weight | 207 lb |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.8 gallon |
How The Yamaha YZ125 Stacks Up
Yamaha has been producing the YZ125 motocross racing motorcycle since 1974. Since then, they have seen their fair share of championships, thrill rides, and of course, upgrades. It was originally built with dual rear shocks for the first two years before switching to a monoshock. Its engine was air cooled from 1974 to 1980, and liquid cooled from 1981.
But it has remained consistently a two-stroke 124.9 cc (7.62 cu in) displacement single-cylinder engine ever since its debut in 1974, and with good reason. Five AMA National Motocross Championships and numerous AMA Regional Supercross Championships have been won on the YZ125.
Many riders have made this their preferred machine. Including Kyle Ford, an X-Games medallist, and brothers Dom and Nick Barbuto, AMA champions. Additionally, Richard Rich, an 11-time Nationals champion has made the Yamaha YZ125 his preferred ride.
A number of improvements have been made over the years. The Yamaha YZ125 2022 model includes a new and improved 125cc liquid-cooled two-stroke engine boasting increased top-end power over previous models. It features improved riding ergonomics and comes with an updated suspension system, to name a few.
2022 Yamaha YZ125 Top Features
- Lightweight aluminum semi-double-cradle frame
- Removable aluminum rear subframe
- 48 mm Speed sensitive KYB inverted front forks
- Fully adjustable KYB rear shock absorber
- Full lock oil rebound system
- Aluminum handlebar with adjustable clamp
- Adjustable clutch lever
- Front and rear disc brakes with redesigned rotors
- Race-ready Bridgestone Battlecross X20 tires
- Reed-valve inducted 2-stroke engine
- Liquid cooling
- Updated air-intake design
- Yamaha power valve system
- Close-ratio 6-speed transmission
- Hitachi Astemo Keihin PWK38S carburetor
- 3D map-controlled CDI unit
Yamaha YZ125 New Upgrades
Updated Engine
- The mid- and top-end power of a newly revamped liquid-cooled 125cc two-stroke engine have been increased compared to the 2021 model.
New Brake System
- An upgraded lightweight brake system with larger front pistons, a more robust caliper, a new 270mm front rotor with a 30% increase in pad contact area, and higher friction pad material, all work together to deliver remarkable stopping power and feel to complement improved engine performance.
Improved Rider Ergonomics
- A new flatter seat and more narrow fuel tank design, along with smoothly integrated body panels and slimmer shroud width combine to enable greater freedom of movement forward and back, allowing the rider to easily shift body weight for increased control and confidence.
Revised Suspension Damping
- Taking the YZ125’s class-defining suspension and handling characteristics to a new level, front and rear suspension has been revised to further improve bump absorption and cornering performance. KYB® inverted front fork now includes a leaf spring in the mid-speed valve for increased performance and comfort.
Yamaha YZ125 Unique Features
The brand-new Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S carburetor features a power jet, a throttle position sensor, and a CDI unit controlled by a 3D map for exact ignition timing. As a result, the throttle response is clean and snappy, and the rideability and over-rev character are great.
An improved air intake design enables a straighter, more effective air pull into the intake tract. This of course lends itself to overall more reliable riding experience.
In order to showcase the YZ’s unrivaled racing heritage, the 2022 YZ125 was designed with new radiator shrouds, smaller, more aggressive bodywork, new front and rear fender designs, and slimmer body panels. The graphics are now integrated in premium Yamaha Blue and dark blue, which Yamaha states provides enhanced durability and scratch resistance.
Although they have been a favorite of professional motocrossers for many years, the Yamaha YZ125 also stands as a terrific beginner’s bike. The new 2022 upgrades make them even more so. Its lightweight, highly tuned chassis results in nimble handling, better control, and less rider fatigue, making it the perfect foundation for developing abilities and increasing confidence.
Yamaha YZ125 Detailed Specifications
Yamaha has outfitted this bike with a 125cc, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine that has undergone a thorough redesign. The liquid-cooled Yamaha YZ125 engine has a large capacity radiator that provides effective cooling. It has a modern Keihin PWK38S carburetor that provides a smooth and immediate throttle response.
Thanks to the Yamaha power valve system, this motocrosser has incredible midrange and top-end performance. The Yamaha YZ125 has a top speed of about 70 mph and has quick acceleration. It is connected to a 6-speed close-ratio gearbox, allowing the rider complete access to its broad powerband. Yamaha has also improved the layout of its air inlet, enabling a straighter air draw.
On the YZ125, Yamaha continues to use the race-tested aluminum semi-double-cradle frame. Along with being lightweight, its frame also offers the ideal balance of flexibility and strength.The Yamaha YZ125 has a gasoline tank capacity of 1.8 gallons and weighs 209 lb when it is ready to ride.
The most recent Yamaha YZ125 model costs $6,899 in the US, destination fees not included. There is also a $7,099 Monster Energy Racing Edition of this motocrosser available. It competes with models like the Husqvarna TC 125, Kawasaki KX125, Honda CRF150R, and KTM 125 SX.
Yamaha YZ125 Engine and Transmission
The two-stroke engine in the new YZ125 has more power and usability than the model from 2021. From the cylinder body, cylinder head, piston, piston pin, connecting rod, crankcase, expansion chamber, to a modified cylinder port shape and updated cylinder port timing, nearly every functional component of the engine is new.
A more direct and effective air draw into the intake tract is made possible by the updated intake architecture. Crisp, powerful bottom-end acceleration is combined with a strong mid-range and top-end by the Yamaha Power Valve System, which is patented.
A new, improved six-speed close-ratio transmission with bigger transmission gear teeth has been optimized for maximum performance.
| Engine Type | 2-stroke, Single-Cylinder, SOHC, Reed Valve |
| Engine Displacement | 125 cc |
| No. of Cylinders | 1 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Fuel Supply | Mikuni Fuel Injection |
| Cooling System | Liquid Cooling |
| Bore | 54 mm |
| Stroke | 54.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.6-10.7:1 |
| Valves Per Cylinder | 2 |
| Starting | Kick |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Transmission | 6-Speed, Close Ratio Gearbox |
| Clutch | Wet Type |
Yamaha YZ125 Chassis and Suspension
A highly developed, race-proven aluminum semi-double cradle frame is designed to have the ideal blend of strength and flex for stability and cornering performance. Square-section tubing is used in the construction of the removable aluminum rear subframe to minimize weight.
The Speed-Sensitive System 48mm inverted KYB® fork has 11.8 inches of travel and a leaf spring in the mid-speed valve for more precise damping, improved performance, and better comfort.
Redesigned fully adjustable KYB® rear shock has 12.4 inches of travel, Kashima CoatTM internals for decreased friction, separate adjustments for high- and low-speed compression damping, and a full lock oil rebound system for improved comfort. All of this results in excellent rear wheel control and capability that leads the class.
| Body Type | Motocross |
| Chassis | Aluminum Frame |
| Front Suspension | KYB Speed-Sensitive System Inverted Forks |
| Rear Suspension | KYB Fully Adjustable Single-Shock |
| Front Wheel Travel | 11.8 Inch |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 12.4 Inch |
Yamaha YZ125 Brakes, Wheels, and Tires
Exceptional braking power and feel are provided by an upgraded lightweight braking system that includes larger front pistons, a more robust caliper, a revised 270mm front rotor with a 30% increase in pad contact area, and higher friction pad material.
The revised rear rotor reduces unsprung weight even more while maintaining performance while reducing outer diameter from 245mm to 240mm.
Leaving no detail overlooked, Yamaha outfitted the YZ125 with Bridgestone® Battlecross X20 premium tires to provide excellent cornering grip and performance honed for racing.
| Front Brake | Single Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear Brake | Single Hydraulic Disc |
| Front Brake Diameter | 270 mm |
| Rear Brake Diameter | 245 mm |
| ABS | No |
| Front Wheel | 21 Inch Spoke Rims |
| Rear Wheel | 19 Inch Spoke Rims |
| Tire Type | Tubed |
| Front Tire Size | 80/100-21 Dunlop® MX52 |
| Rear Tire Size | 100/90-19 Dunlop® MX52 |
Yamaha YZ125 Dimension and Capacity
| Wheelbase | 56..8 in |
| Length | 84.1 in |
| Width | 32.6 in |
| Height | 51.0 in |
| Seat Height | 38.4 in |
| Ground Clearance | 14.4 in |
Conclusion
The Yamaha YZ125 is a tried and true staple of the motocross market. Having been ridden to victory in many championships and enjoyed by countless fans, this bike is not one to overlook. Each revision since its inception in 1974 has brought with it many new tweaks and upgrades. Each rendition is a little different, but rest assured that no matter which model you may be interested in, the Yamaha YZ125 is a fine choice.
