Yamaha XTZ 125

The Yamaha XTZ 125 is an unmistakable dual-purpose motorcycle in the way it looks. With a lean profile and off-road design bits, it surely looks like it has been designed for the purpose. However, the XTZ 125 looks a bit basic by today’s standards, with a lack of a number of features and modernity.

The front profile of the Yamaha XTZ 125 has minimalism in its design and has a small tooth-shaped headlamp, which has curved edges on all of its sides. The headlamp is encased within a small bikini fairing which has wide edges on its sides and gets amber coloured turn indicators mounted on its side edges. In a traditional way, the XTZ 125 has a high mounted front fender above its front wheel with ample clearance.

The side profile of the Yamaha XTZ 125 has a slim approach to it, with a small fuel tank that is laid vertically and gets large C-shaped fuel tank extensions which form a majority of the side profile here. The bike gets sufficient ground clearance and its height is further accentuated in a better way with the help of large spoke wheels on both the ends. Here, the engine is finished in light grey as in the motorcycles of the bygone era.

The Yamaha XTZ 125 gets off-road tires and rectangular swingarm, which are displayed in their full glory, thanks to the under seat-mounted side exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe gets a large and wide shroud which acts as the side body panels and covers a majority of the under-seat area as well. The single-piece seat here is flat and surprisingly can accommodate two people with ease. 

At the back, the Yamaha XTZ 125 gets a very functional large tubular carrier, which is a unique addition to the motorcycle. The bike gets a small tail lamp that sits below the extended portion of the tailpiece at the back, flanked by amber coloured turn indicators.

The instrument console of the Yamaha XTZ 125 is a tad too basic by today’s standards and consists of only a speedometer and an odometer within it, assisted by a few telltale lamps on its right side. The rearview mirrors and handlebar are placed very ergonomically, and while the switchgear looks basic, they have good fit and finish levels.

The Yamaha XTZ 125 comes with a simple suspension setup comprising of hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and a hidden monoshock at the back. Now, backed with off-road tires wrapped around 21-inch wheel at the front and an 18-inch wheel at the back, the ride quality is on a firmer side, but this is a motorcycle that has been engineered for taking rough stuff with ease. For braking duties, the XTZ 125 gets fitted with a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear.

The Yamaha XTZ 125 sources its power from a four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 124cc engine, which produces a maximum power output of 12.5 PS and a peak torque output of 11.6 Nm. Coupled to a five-speed gearbox, the engine feels refined for its class, and has ample grunt down the rev range.

The Yamaha XTZ 125 is a basic bike in terns of equipment and that reflects in its safety aspect as well. The motorcycle gets only a front disc brake in the name of safety, and misses out even on the essential ABS as well.

For taking on bad roads and even no roads, the Yamaha XTZ 125 feels like it has been engineered for this very purpose. For its size and engine, the XTZ 125 has a powerful engine and mechanical hardware which feels quite enough for the job.