Road test of YamahaMT-125 2015 Love at first sight?

01...03...07...09...

4 numbers that are so distinct from each other, yet so close. We're talking, of course, about the MT range, or Master of Torque to those in the know! These bikes have a totally unique and distinctive style. They've got a crazy look, an aggressive air and a ride that's sure to please, given the wide choice of displacements on offer!
But do you prefer city bikes that don't scare your sweetheart too much? That don't reach speeds in excess of 200 km/h? Well, Yamaha has thought of everything! And now, a 125cc has made its appearance among these monsters of madness!

The era of the "little" 125 has been revisited!

Now, a 125, it's got looks, it's imposing, it's got a size worthy of a large-displacement bike, it's got a way of getting around town, and it can even do 120 km/h on the freeway with ease.
A bit of a cliché, you may ask? I agree, but Yamaha wanted to raise the bar even higher with this little ball of nerves.

Engine-wise, it retains the same characteristics as its sporty sibling (the YZF-125). But when it comes to looks, there's no doubt: this is an MT! Small LED on the headlight, magnificent air intake, one of the most pleasant riding positions in the 125 cc series (even the passenger found the position very comfortable!). Braking is incredibly lively and efficient, thanks to the 292 mm floating disc and radial-mount caliper. And to top it all off, we're even treated to some very eye-catching stick rims!

I think I've fallen in love at first sight!

Let's take another look at the beast from a slightly more technical angle: a Deltabox frame, 41 mm diameter inverted forks that allow you to be very precise! Mono-shock rear suspension with spring preload adjustment, 125 cm³ liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder engine. And of course, the icing on the cake is the LED instrument panel! (No gear indicator yet, though...). The only downside so far)
It all adds up to a dream, and what's more, the MT-125's fairing is wider than the MT-07's... Enough to show off to friends with a full license ;-)
Don't worry, all eyes will be on you!
BUT, and yes, as usual, there is a "but", and fortunately! I'm talking, of course, about the price: €4,299. For my taste, that's still pretty high for a 125 cc...

Yes, the price is pretty high, but let's not forget that we're talking top-of-the-range here! When I say that, I'm talking about the whole package, not just the materials used. After a week of testing, I had to weigh up the pros and cons. And yes, it's worth it!
Whether you're a beginner, an amateur or an experienced rider, this bike will put a smile on your face in all circumstances!
(Except perhaps in the rain, when you're likely to get your back wet...). In town, it's a real snake, and one that's finally heard! Yes, the exhaust is still soft, given the engine, but give it a little throttle and you'll finally realize that this is a motorcycle, not a lawnmower! A real little lion, starting to roar but still making itself heard!
It's so precise, it'll go wherever you look, and don't be afraid to take an angle - the tires will let you!
This bike and I are a bit like an octogenarian couple! Inseparable, whatever the unexpected, it'll give you confidence, and best of all, it'll put a smile on your face from morning till night!
Let's get down to business!
Where do I sign?! ;-)
See you next time!

Nico le Belge.