In 2008, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha YZF-R125, an exciting new member of the R family, which aimed at the number one position in the 125cc sports market.
Like its bigger brothers, the R125 model came in a Deltabox frame that delivered an optimum balance of strength and rigidity with class-leading performance. Also, the twin-spar Deltabox frame was one of the lightest and best-handling frame designs that suited the supersport category.
The bike rolled on a set of lightweight cast-aluminum wheels shoded with the widest tires in its class that ensured high levels of traction and also underlined its position as the main contender in the 125cc sports class for 2008.
Some of the technical highlights featured by the bike included the cast aluminum swingarm, aggressive R-series styling, full-sized chassis and bodywork, two R-series styled headlights, a compact taillight, and sports riding position.
In the power department, the 2008 Yamaha YZF-R125 took its thrust from a 124cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine, their first liquid-cooled 125cc unit ever built, which delivered an output power of 17 hp with a peak at 8,500 rpm and 15 Nm (11 lb-ft) of torque available at 7,500 rpm.
The YZF-R125 was the most advanced 125cc machine ever built by Yamaha, with its high-revving, fuel-injected engine developed by the same engineers who created the legendary YZF-R1 and YZF-R6 supersport bikes.