I got my black one last week and I pretty much agree with everything in this review. I would def recommend spending a bit extra over the chinese bikes and going for this, it's much much better.
I just bought a black one too. I put on the resto style sports cowl and I love it! Yeh I was about to buy a Chinese bike as well but then was advised against it and thank goodness I went with Yamaha.
@@jezyong6980 Congrats, I have been thinking about the sports cowl, the lack of aerodynamics is a slight weakness with this bike, when you've only got 15bhp to play with, you need all the help you can get! The only only other thing I noticed is that there are a couple of tube clamps on the hydraulic tubing that have rusted, but cheap and easy replacement
@@jezyong6980 Also the heel of my shoe tends to meet with the huge EU regulation exhaust silencer housing, leaving a bit of a permanent mark, would love to upgrade to the Akrapovic exhaust!
Fantastic bike to learn on, had mine for a year did 2,000 miles and was offered almost full cost when I was looking to sell it when I got a larger bike. Decided in the end to keep it, as nothing like being able to give it 100% throttle and not having to worry about my license.
Fantastic review, thanks. I'm a 57 year old male who's always driven cars, but always dreamt of riding/owning a bike.I've no intention of owning a big bike, so I feel that this is the bike for me. Once again, great review.
iv just got a blue 1 just at end 2023 done around 800 miles I'm over the moon the acceleration is fantastic if u give it the bean's iv never had so much fun col PS lv yr review thank u
thanks. that was a proper bike review from a real rider. covered all the bases in making ownership decisions as restricted license class rider. performance pros and cons (minor), costs and alternatives new & 2nd hand ... great job! 👍
had a new WK 125 scrambler for 3 months and its now been in and out of the garage /shop for same problem of cutting out digitally and mechanically on the move at speed 4 times. lemon!!!! told the shop i want my money back or another bike as not fit for purpose. so had to get a new one, xsr legacy. spend the money on an xsr you wont regret it. im 45 years old btw
Looks a great value proposition. As pointed out elswhere, this is derived from the XSR155 here in Thailand. [At a touch under 2000 sterling!] I am looking closely at that bike for my 16yo son as a replacement for his current '05 Honda Wave 125. No ABS availablity on the Thai model has been my biggest concern: From your less than glowing review, is it worth waiting for ABS on the '22 model?? - and hey I might even throw a 64yo leg over it as well from time to time!
Light controls, narrow seat and a friendly engine should make this a good bike to learn on, but it also feels roomy enough for larger, experienced riders. Very tough for me to comment on it being suitable for someone of your height though - as I'm only 5ft6in on a good day! Pop into a Yamaha dealer and have a sit on one to be sure. Thanks for watching. Dan, MCN.
@@motorcyclenewsdotcom Everytime I see a blog from you, someone feels they have to make a comment on your voice and physical size, please ignore them,these people are stupid! Keep enjoying your great job,I would love to be in your position,thanks for your reply.
just got my cb125f mot the guy said you can't get 2 strokes anymore they don't "want" you driving them and the price of the oil is stupid he only keeps 2x1ltr in stock nobody buys it :( rip my old RD125LC&250LC
@@FOGSmokebeer 2 strokes disappeared due to pollution in the carb era. I think fuel injection gave them a way back, and KTM introduced a two stroke off-roader, (at least in Europe)
More power? Buy the cylinder and head kit ECU and etc from ASEAN market. I rode R15 (R125 in UK) in trackday it's easily doing 99 mph on speedometer maybe it's around 90 mph in real speed but it's mind boggling for 155 cc stock engine though
PS when u buy this first get the sxr 125 do yr Tyre pressure as when u get it it should be 29 psi back and 26 psi in front this makes it a much better ride and I think the breaks r perfectly OK we can all find something wrong with anything but trust me it's a fantastic motorcycle col
@@BulldogMack700rs 700 is a big engine in my book. I do not need that. I want the bike to be economical. I really like the looks of the little XSR, but 125 is too weak
I’ve seen yesterday in Lisbon a brixton and a mash, both Chinese, that are kept outside. Both were a rust bucket. On the other hand, all of the Japanese bikes seem to be doing much better.
It would have been nice to see more pictures of the bike stationery with voice over commentary instead of a squeaky David Beckham look alike on camera for most of the time. As for the price of MCN don't go there you will not like my answer.
A challenge to MCN if you've got any guts or balls which ever fits I imagine you've got restrictions on introducing young folks to hooliganismn much as I appreciate the soulful sounds of these little four bangers knocking about it makes me laugh that they think they is the cats pyjamas with having loud pipes an less restrictions than we endured during learner legal 70 mph two strokes. Can you get a bunch of riders of modern 125 four stroke to ride 125 two strokes say rg gammas tzr yamahas kr kawasakis, an my old ride the Yamaha Rd125 lc which would touch 110 mph when on song keep up with 250 gammas I know as I had one of them also, the rd was insane it'd go Nippon in every gear blew up the rev counter melted the electrics regularly as it went beyond the regulators ability to limit, its just mental how you couldn't ride one slowly just powerband after powerband I feel it'd make an addictive introduction to that sensation of lighting the red tape an holding on, only time a 125 out sped me was a chap on a deristricted tzr, an my LCD needed new rings even then it'd still pull 95 just a daft idea but it'd make good reading ridding ect, sammy miller has a porting diagram for Yamaha 125 I followed that with yz125 piston an single rings knife edge the barrel it was quicker in third than my rs yam big deal when your 17 still a big deal now miss that crazy bike.
@@johnludmon7419 I agree with you, yet, on this specific segment I see A LOT of Sym, Um, Benelli, Bullitt, Keeway, and rarely, if ever, a honda CB 125, or equivalent Japanese bike. On the 125 market price is pretty much all that matters, plus looks, since performance is pretty much the same
@@Bugside Sadly true and though the Chinese bikes are now sold through more dealerships (rather than eBay) the quality and finish is still very poor I don’t know about the spares back up. The price of the Japanese 125’s is over the top (they are often built in China or some other low wage country) but you do get more back when you sell the bike . Yes over £4K is too much for a 125 but if I was funding a new bike for my son or daughter I would pay up . Oh for a modern day CG125 !
I got my black one last week and I pretty much agree with everything in this review. I would def recommend spending a bit extra over the chinese bikes and going for this, it's much much better.
I just bought a black one too. I put on the resto style sports cowl and I love it! Yeh I was about to buy a Chinese bike as well but then was advised against it and thank goodness I went with Yamaha.
@@jezyong6980 Congrats, I have been thinking about the sports cowl, the lack of aerodynamics is a slight weakness with this bike, when you've only got 15bhp to play with, you need all the help you can get! The only only other thing I noticed is that there are a couple of tube clamps on the hydraulic tubing that have rusted, but cheap and easy replacement
@@jezyong6980 Also the heel of my shoe tends to meet with the huge EU regulation exhaust silencer housing, leaving a bit of a permanent mark, would love to upgrade to the Akrapovic exhaust!
Fantastic bike to learn on, had mine for a year did 2,000 miles and was offered almost full cost when I was looking to sell it when I got a larger bike. Decided in the end to keep it, as nothing like being able to give it 100% throttle and not having to worry about my license.
Now they need an XSR400 to fill in the gap between the 125 and the 700
or a 200/250
It would certainly spice up the A2 class! Thanks for watching. Dan, MCN.
I've seen a few rumours of an XSR300...
Wish they had in between cc as I was attracted to this but would like to upgrade from 125. Ended up buying a used Honda cb500f
Fantastic review, thanks. I'm a 57 year old male who's always driven cars, but always dreamt of riding/owning a bike.I've no intention of owning a big bike, so I feel that this is the bike for me. Once again, great review.
In my country this bike comes up with 155cc VVa included. Its power increased by 5 horsepower and 3 Nm of torque than 125 version.
iv just got a blue 1 just at end 2023 done around 800 miles I'm over the moon the acceleration is fantastic if u give it the bean's iv never had so much fun col PS lv yr review thank u
Thank you for an informative video.
Very thorough review, thanks
It had to be Dan Sutherland on board; he looked massive on it 🤣😂
He's built like a racer, that's for sure! Good job he can ride like one too
I'm in a tossup between this and the CB125R. Pretty much the same price for a used one. Any thoughts?
Xsr is way cooler and nicer looking.
thanks. that was a proper bike review from a real rider. covered all the bases in making ownership decisions as restricted license class rider.
performance pros and cons (minor), costs and alternatives new & 2nd hand ... great job! 👍
Your right. I'm picking mine up very soon...after a couple of years with the xsr my target . BMW R Nine T.
Need more pictures and videos of the bike.
could have done with a few non-close-up still shots of the bike in its different colours but thanks for the review.
Thanks for the feedback and for taking the time to watch. Ride safe! Dan, MCN.
This is a 155 in Thailand. That extra 30 cc makes so much difference.
yes, asian market has 155 cc and 19HP, but Europe beginner license is limited to 125cc and 15HP
Excellent Review and knowledgeable !
Awesome bud cheers 👍🏻
Thanks 👍
had a new WK 125 scrambler for 3 months and its now been in and out of the garage /shop for same problem of cutting out digitally and mechanically on the move at speed 4 times.
lemon!!!!
told the shop i want my money back or another bike as not fit for purpose.
so had to get a new one, xsr legacy.
spend the money on an xsr you wont regret it.
im 45 years old btw
Great looking bike , 125 looks bigger than it is . 😊 great review. 👍
Great review. Looks like a nice bike.
Where do you get them though I find them very hard to find
mpg?
A reversal of the extortionate costs for under 25s to get a full license may also help lol
Looks a great value proposition. As pointed out elswhere, this is derived from the XSR155 here in Thailand. [At a touch under 2000 sterling!] I am looking closely at that bike for my 16yo son as a replacement for his current '05 Honda Wave 125. No ABS availablity on the Thai model has been my biggest concern: From your less than glowing review, is it worth waiting for ABS on the '22 model?? - and hey I might even throw a 64yo leg over it as well from time to time!
The wife's learning and I want a winter hack,I'm 6ft would it meet both our needs??
Light controls, narrow seat and a friendly engine should make this a good bike to learn on, but it also feels roomy enough for larger, experienced riders. Very tough for me to comment on it being suitable for someone of your height though - as I'm only 5ft6in on a good day! Pop into a Yamaha dealer and have a sit on one to be sure. Thanks for watching. Dan, MCN.
@@motorcyclenewsdotcom Everytime I see a blog from you, someone feels they have to make a comment on your voice and physical size, please ignore them,these people are stupid!
Keep enjoying your great job,I would love to be in your position,thanks for your reply.
@@lakest7573 You're very kind! Thanks for taking the time to watch. Ride safe. Dan.
Hello MCN do you do CBT please?
We have a how-to guide here: ruclips.net/video/mxdE3Y-uPZw/видео.html
@@motorcyclenewsdotcom thank you
It definitely attracted me.
I am 165cm, 5ft5, can I stand two feet solid on the ground?
Yes you should be fine
Nice bike to travel the world with
I want a small cc bike but want it two stroke, why can’t I have this
About 30yrs too late.
KTM has two strokes. Just sayin...
just got my cb125f mot the guy said you can't get 2 strokes anymore they don't "want" you driving them and the price of the oil is stupid he only keeps 2x1ltr in stock nobody buys it :( rip my old RD125LC&250LC
@@FOGSmokebeer 2 strokes disappeared due to pollution in the carb era. I think fuel injection gave them a way back, and KTM introduced a two stroke off-roader, (at least in Europe)
More power? Buy the cylinder and head kit ECU and etc from ASEAN market.
I rode R15 (R125 in UK) in trackday it's easily doing 99 mph on speedometer maybe it's around 90 mph in real speed but it's mind boggling for 155 cc stock engine though
PS when u buy this first get the sxr 125 do yr Tyre pressure as when u get it it should be 29 psi back and 26 psi in front this makes it a much better ride and I think the breaks r perfectly OK we can all find something wrong with anything but trust me it's a fantastic motorcycle col
Now make one that looks exactly the same, but 10% bigger and with a 400 twin.
The 700 is almost the same size as this 2inches wider and 1.5 inches longer wheelbase.
@@BulldogMack700rs 700 is a big engine in my book. I do not need that. I want the bike to be economical. I really like the looks of the little XSR, but 125 is too weak
@@momchilyordanov8190 I see your point tbf I think half the world wants manufacturers to start making 400s again.
The XSR 125 is not Japanese made, it is French made at the ex MBK plant.
I’ve seen yesterday in Lisbon a brixton and a mash, both Chinese, that are kept outside. Both were a rust bucket. On the other hand, all of the Japanese bikes seem to be doing much better.
torque monster
👍👍👍
Well, it did attract me :P
On a private road! Lol
Well done for making the review of a dull as ditchwater bike last 17.25. Not many people could have found so much to say
- fashion t-shirt 👨
Sorry not for me......
I rather ride my Honda NSR150RR.....
It would have been nice to see more pictures of the bike stationery with voice over commentary instead of a squeaky David Beckham look alike on camera for most of the time. As for the price of MCN don't go there you will not like my answer.
A David Beckham lookalike? Best compliment I've had all day! Thanks so much for watching, Dan MCN.
Sorry I was about hard .
80mph... On a private road 😂
why u wear makup u eyes
A challenge to MCN if you've got any guts or balls which ever fits I imagine you've got restrictions on introducing young folks to hooliganismn much as I appreciate the soulful sounds of these little four bangers knocking about it makes me laugh that they think they is the cats pyjamas with having loud pipes an less restrictions than we endured during learner legal 70 mph two strokes.
Can you get a bunch of riders of modern 125 four stroke to ride 125 two strokes say rg gammas tzr yamahas kr kawasakis, an my old ride the Yamaha Rd125 lc which would touch 110 mph when on song keep up with 250 gammas I know as I had one of them also, the rd was insane it'd go Nippon in every gear blew up the rev counter melted the electrics regularly as it went beyond the regulators ability to limit, its just mental how you couldn't ride one slowly just powerband after powerband I feel it'd make an addictive introduction to that sensation of lighting the red tape an holding on, only time a 125 out sped me was a chap on a deristricted tzr, an my LCD needed new rings even then it'd still pull 95 just a daft idea but it'd make good reading ridding ect, sammy miller has a porting diagram for Yamaha 125 I followed that with yz125 piston an single rings knife edge the barrel it was quicker in third than my rs yam big deal when your 17 still a big deal now miss that crazy bike.
On a private road HAHAHA
There's plenty of good looking Chinese bikes for half the price
Yes there are but they are never the quality of a Japanese bike or for that matter the new royal enfields.
@@johnludmon7419 I agree with you, yet, on this specific segment I see A LOT of Sym, Um, Benelli, Bullitt, Keeway, and rarely, if ever, a honda CB 125, or equivalent Japanese bike. On the 125 market price is pretty much all that matters, plus looks, since performance is pretty much the same
What would you suggest? Thanks for watching. Dan, MCN.
@@Bugside Sadly true and though the Chinese bikes are now sold through more dealerships (rather than eBay) the quality and finish is still very poor I don’t know about the spares back up. The price of the Japanese 125’s is over the top (they are often built in China or some other low wage country) but you do get more back when you sell the bike . Yes over £4K is too much for a 125 but if I was funding a new bike for my son or daughter I would pay up . Oh for a modern day CG125 !
@@motorcyclenewsdotcom I would suggest the Zontes G1, Neevsy had tried it and liked it, how about a group test?
The Honda looks way better.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To my eye, this is the better looking of the two.
No
Fair enough
Why?
These single pot 125 4 stroke have no character