Finally a major update for the Yamaha YZ125
What two-stroke enthusiasts have been waiting for for years is now happening. Yamaha finally gives their YZ125 the update it deserved. There will be more power, an improved chassis and a sleeker and more radical design. With this, Yamaha seems to want to close the gap on their competitors from Austria.
The brand with the crossed tuning forks had to do something about this YZ because, apart from changing some stickers and minor technical interventions, hardly any R&D has been applied since 2005. We have always thought it was brave that Yamaha kept the two-strokes alive, unlike Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki. The latter three continue to stubbornly stick to bone-dry accounting decisions, while the sales figures of two-stroke crossers have been on the rise for five years.
Delivering significantly higher power and better usability – offering more responsive handling, stronger braking power and improved ergonomics – the new YZ125 is designed to become the standard choice for emerging riders looking to increase their confidence, experience and take their performance to the next level. want to level up.
New 125 cc engine: Increased performance with improved usability
For 2022, Yamaha engineers have worked hard to create the most powerful engine ever fitted to a production YZ125. In their quest for stronger, successful performance, the design team has built an all-new 125 cc two-stroke engine that develops significantly higher power in the medium to high speed range.
Virtually every major part of the 2022 engine is new and the comprehensive redesign delivers a significant increase in maximum power, to give the YZ125 a real winning edge when the gate drops. The increased power, along with improved usability and over-revving sensation, allows motocross riders to take full advantage of horsepower gains and outperform opponents on all parts of the track.
Completely new head, cylinder and piston
The YZ125's cylinder head, cylinder and piston have been completely redesigned as part of the drive for higher performance and improved power characteristics. Key changes include a reshaped combustion chamber, a shorter exhaust port and revised cylinder ports that deliver a significant improvement in combustion efficiency.
Newly designed YPVS
To complement the changes to the head and cylinder, a new YPVS has been designed. The maximum lift on the new exhaust valve has been revised and the opening and closing timing has also been changed to improve engine performance and also improve drivability.
New Keihin carburetor and V-Force reed valve assembly
A key feature of the new engine is the use of a Keihin PWK 38,1mm carburetor equipped with a solenoid-controlled power jet that provides instant boost when required. The new carburetor is equipped with a TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) and a 3D map-controlled CDI that ensures optimized ignition timing. Together with a new V-Force reed valve and a revised manifold design, this new intake and carburetor give the YZ125 rider stronger acceleration out of the gate and more explosive power exiting corners.
Longer connecting rod and heavier crankshaft
Other internal changes contributing to the new engine's increased power include a longer connecting rod and a slightly heavier crankshaft. This results in increased inertia that optimizes engine behavior, and the revised crankshaft balance is designed to match the increased power of the new engine.
New and highly efficient air intake system
A key feature of the new YZ125 is the completely redesigned air intake system. By redesigning the rear frame and both side panels and reshaping the seat base, Yamaha engineers have reduced resistance to incoming air by 15% and managed to drastically increase the overall intake efficiency of the new model. Not only does this significantly help improve mid-to-high RPM pulling power and over-rev range, it also sharpens throttle response at low to medium RPM for more stable driving at lower RPMs.
New exhaust pipe and shorter silencer
The exhaust dimensions and shape have been changed for 2022 to match the other changes to the engine for optimized power and usability. The diameter of the expansion pipe is slightly smaller at the widest point and the silencer is 50 mm shorter.
Stronger and smoother shifting transmission
The YZ125's six-speed gearbox has been strengthened for 2022 to handle the increase in maximum power. The secondary reduction ratio has been increased slightly through the use of a 13/49 front/rear sprocket set – previously 13/48 – and for better handling characteristics the 5e in 6. e gears with a slightly lower transmission ratio.
A new shift shaft and redesigned return spring provide a much smoother shifting feel, and to handle the increased engine power the new YZ125 features upgraded clutch springs.
Athletic and more compact design
The 2022 YZ125 features a slimmer tank, new seat and revised graphics that give the motorcycle a radical, modern and athletic look to complement the improved engine performance and allow the rider to achieve an even higher degree of chassis control.
Flatter saddle
For improved riding ability, freer movement and easier body weight transfer, the top surface of the saddle has been flattened by lowering the front by 6mm and raising the rear by 5mm, while the new fuel tank fits seamlessly into the front of the saddle – and for easier maintenance there's also a new one-bolt seat mounting.
Narrower tank and radiator screens
The YZ125 is already one of the lightest and most agile dirt bikes in its class and the new model is even slimmer thanks to the use of a new fuel tank and narrow radiator shrouds, making this the most compact YZ125 ever. The width between the rider's knees has been reduced by almost 36mm to provide a real feeling of slimness and agility for improved ergonomics and rider mobility.
Newly designed fenders and side panels
To achieve the new high-efficiency air intake system, the side panels, rear fender and underside of the new seat have been redesigned to allow unrestricted airflow into the air intake housing. The shape of the front fender has also been revised for a more aerodynamic and dynamic look.
Newly designed rear frame
The YZ125's is equipped with a high-performance, high-quality and light aluminum semi-double cradle frame. And for 2022, the removable rear frame features a new mounting point for the shorter silencer, while a newly designed raised crossmember allows for improved intake efficiency by providing a clear route for incoming air. This new crossbar also includes the new one-bolt saddle mounting point for easier maintenance.
Revised suspension settings
The YZ125's KYB front and rear suspension is considered one of the best in its class, with a valving design that provides excellent damping at mid-speed. For 2022, these high-performance suspension systems are further refined, and both the front fork and rear shock feature revised low-speed damping characteristics for improved chassis performance.
More powerful front brake and lighter rear brake
For more braking power and a more precise feel, the new model features a new, stiffer double caliper and a redesigned 270mm diameter disc. With larger 25,4mm diameter pistons and new brake pads that increase the contact area with the disc by 30%, this new, more powerful front braking system allows riders to shorten lap times by braking harder and later.
New generation colors and graphics
The new YZ125 uses the latest Icon Blue colours, consisting of a duotone finish that combines Yamaha's famous Icon Blue with a dark matte blue. The all-new bodywork and new molded-in graphics accentuate the dynamic and athletic appearance of this new-generation 125cc model and clearly demonstrate Yamaha's commitment to offering the most competitive and attractive package to the champions of tomorrow.
YZ125 Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition
In addition to the Icon Blue YZ125, Yamaha has the YZ125 Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition created, offering every aspiring teen rider the opportunity to own and race a true factory look motorcycle. Featuring an exclusive black color scheme and graphics inspired by the motorcycles of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 team, the YZ125 Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition is Yamaha's ultimate 125cc production racing bike.
The technical specifications for the YZ125 and the YZ125 Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition are the same.
Technical features YZ125
- Faster and sharper model for 2022
- Completely new, more powerful 125 cc engine
- Stronger power at medium to high speed, with improved usability
- Increased maximum power
- New Keihin carburetor with TPS and power jet
- Redesigned YPVS
- Reformed exhaust and shorter silencer
- New highly efficient air intake
- Stronger 6-speed gearbox, revised ratios and improved clutch
- Improved shifting feel
- Light aluminum frame
- Redesigned rear frame
- New slimmer fairing – 36mm narrower between the knees
- Newly designed fenders and side panels
- Improved ergonomics with new fuel tank and flatter seat
- More powerful braking system
- Best-in-class KYB suspension with revised low-speed settings
- New Icon Blue duo-tone colors and molded graphics
- Also available in Monster Black factory colors
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