1st "review" of '05 YZ125 & pics.

[tman88g]

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"First Ride: 2005 Yamaha YZ125
Lightweight Weapon




2005 Yamaha YZ125

Even though Yamaha started the four-stroke wildfire that is sweeping motocross, they also were first to production with many innovations in the two-stroke world. And the drive and talent pool that led them to sell the first reed valve and power valve two-stroke engines still motivates. As a result, Yamaha has not stopped development of the two-stroke YZ's, and the '05 YZ125 is ample proof. An all-new aluminum chassis and a motor minimized in weight and proportion but maximized in performance shaved a whopping nine pounds off the 2004 bike, and there are other weight savings. So much that Yamaha hasn't even claimed a dry weight, but have weighed the bike that same way that the AMA does at national level pro races: Tank empty but otherwise wet and ready to ride. If their claim is close, the Yamaha will be an easy 10 pounds lighter than other bikes in the class. Add a drastic design change in the KYB fork, and you have a machine that is ready to give the four-strokes fits.

What's New!

• Aluminum chassis with the same basic geometry and ergonomics as the 2004
• A more compact engine that returns to a six-speed gearbox to make the power delivery more forgiving
• A new clutch actuation system that makes lever pull far less of an effort
• Twin-chamber, sealed cartridge-type KYB forks with 48mm tubes
• A "Honda-style" front brake hose routing
• Renthal aluminum handlebars come stock
Yamaha claims a light overall weight, and from the first instant you move the bike around, it feels feathery, as if maybe something important—like the crankshaft was left out! Lifting it off the stand, rolling it around and riding it on the track emphasizes the light feel. Another early impression is that there is none of the harsh and unforgiving feel to the Yamaha aluminum chassis that plagued early Honda CR alloy-framed machines. The '05 YZ125 feels like a very light, fast and trick version of the '04. Like all recent Yamaha it steers with surgical precision, yet offers ample stability at speed. Our initial ride was at Perris Raceway and the track was fast, but too well prepped to be super rough. Still, the chop the track developed didn't hinder the bike at all. It stayed plush and composed through anything we threw at it.



So far the YZ's aluminum frame is a hit. It lightens the bike nearly 5 lbs with little difference in the feel.

Yamaha has had a great 125 engine since at least 1997, and this newest version is another winner. The power hits hard and pulls strongly, but with the six-speed the response is even more solid and predictable. Even when you aren't in the perfect gear, the engine still pulls. The six-speed didn't mean noticeably more shifting either. We shifted about the same number of times per lap, but the bike pulled harder more of the time during each lap. Add in a new clutch pull that is one of the lightest in the business, and sweet shifting with no hit of past Yamaha notchiness, and you have a reason to buy two-stroke oil again.


Showa-equipped machines have had a decided advantage in comparison tests during the last few years, but this year my be a new story. The twin-chamber fork is smooth and controlled with excellent bottoming feel. The rear shock is likewise very nice with no notable bad habits. Both ends responded well to external adjustments to allow the bike to fit a variety of riders of different abilities and physical profile.


Look for a full test in an upcoming issue of Dirt Rider Magazine."

[CDN_YZee]

sounds good...looks good...im intrested to see what REAL WORLD riders will have to say about it when it hits mainstream market

[Blitz393]

bye-bye RM hello YZ

i found my new dream bike LOL

looks nice. it;s nice to know the alum. frame isn't harsh.

[yzernie]

Yamaha has tested that engine, frame and suspension both privately and in public for years. The company has historically done extensive testing and pre-production work before making the public aware of the bikes existence. The YZ400F is a perfect example of that thinking.


This is not to say that it may not have teething problems. I have a lot of confidence in YMC and their R & D.

[MotoMojo17]

Nice!! DANGIT now i will be even more bummed to have to get a used bike

[Woody_393]

Wow, that bike even makes me excited. It appears to be awesome. TC KYB's is cool too.

[Z mann R2]

hi, my name is Tim, and i'm a dumbass for buying a 2004 YZ125.......:

[Woody_393]

LOL, yeah, but who would have know. This bike is unheard of... The 2 stroke 125's have remained the same for so long, that who would have though the '05 would come in 10lbs lighter :

[Aus_Rider_22]

I hope the other manufacturers follow Yamaha in the continual re-designing of the 2-strokes. But I don't think it will be like that for long!

[tman88g]

Who knows...All I can say is that within the next couple of years, things are going to get reallly interesting in the bike world.

[Aus_Rider_22]

Here is another very interesting one! From TransworldMX.

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"This bike is fast. How fast? It’s the fastest stock 125cc motocrosser we’ve ever ridden."

I was going to put some more very nice quotes but I will let you read it! s

[Woody_393]

Wow, that bike really does seem like it will be a HOT ticket.

Thanks for posting the link

[steiner]

actually its only three pounds lighter

[dirtytrixx400]

i'm wondering if they really will have a smooth shifting trans like the claim thats made.when you ride something,you get used to how it does,shifting,handling,etc. and it just feels normal to you,but try out a rm or cr and one of the first things you notice is how great they shift.i've always wondered why yamaha and kawasaki has never matched honda and suzuki on that.

[Silver_Fox]

Originally posted by aus_rider_22
Here is another very interesting one! From TransworldMX.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Good article.

Click on their home page and go to the "THursday Theatre", good video of the 05 YZ125 at the track

[Z mann R2]

Originally posted by steiner
actually its only three pounds lighter

????

[CRacer]

"This bike is fast. How fast? It’s the fastest stock 125cc motocrosser we’ve ever ridden."

I don't want to take anything away from how cool this is and I'm really impressed with Yamaha pushing 2 strokes back into the game. BUT, whenever a new bike comes out it is always the best and fastest bike ever. Almost every magazine is the same that away. Before I believe that is really a great bike is when the first Motocross Action Mag test comes out. That is a magazine that knows how to tell the truth.

[Blitz393]

i dont care, if its the slowest 125 out there... the way the guy rode it (REEEEVVVV) is the way i ride... they said it's got lots of insane rev's so i think i may have a 05 Yammie in my garage after a while

Rob

[kxdude258]

why do they advertise 3 pounds lighter wow why dont u just lose 3 pounds in a week?

[MotoMojo17]

why would it say 10 pounds if it was only 3 pounds? i have a hard time thinking that its only 3 pounds lighter...remember, they actually weigh the bikes, they dont just take the manufacturer claimed weight. Most manufacturers claim a lot less than the actual weight.