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Yamaha a reputation for dependability. Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly, so as to enjoy all advantages of your YZF-R125. The owner’s manual does not only instruct you in how to operate, inspect and maintain your motorcycle, but also in how to safeguard yourself and others from trouble and injury.
This manual should be considered a permanent part of this motorcycle and should remain with it even if the motorcycle is subsequently sold. Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most current product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and this manual.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY INFORMATION ....1-1 OPERATION AND IMPORTANT Checking the front brake lever RIDING POINTS......... 5-1 free play ........6-20 DESCRIPTION ........2-1 Starting the engine ......5-1 Adjusting the brake pedal free Left view ..........2-1 Shifting ........... 5-2 play ........... 6-20 Right view ........2-2 Tips for reducing fuel Checking the front and rear...
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Replacing a turn signal light bulb ...........6-31 Replacing the license plate light bulb ...........6-32 Replacing an auxiliary light bulb ...6-32 Supporting the motorcycle ....6-32 Front wheel ........6-33 Rear wheel ........6-35 Troubleshooting ......6-36 Troubleshooting charts ....6-37 MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE ..........7-1 Matte color caution ......7-1 Care ..........7-1...
SAFETY INFORMATION EAU10281 AND/OR WHEN MADE NECES- • Ride where other motorists can SARY BY MECHANICAL CONDI- see you. Avoid riding in another MOTORCYCLES SINGLE TIONS. motorist’s blind spot. TRACK VEHICLES. THEIR SAFE USE Many accidents involve inexperi- AND OPERATION ARE DEPENDENT Safe riding enced operators.
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Modifications made to this motorcycle other motorists can see you. the single most critical factor in the pre- not approved by Yamaha, or the re- The posture of the operator and vention or reduction of head injuries. moval of original equipment, may ren- passenger is important for proper Always wear an approved helmet.
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Maximum load: been specifically designed for use on create instability due to improper 185 kg (408 lb) this motorcycle. Since Yamaha cannot weight distribution or aerody- test all other accessories that may be namic changes. If accessories When loading within this weight limit,...
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SAFETY INFORMATION tor and may limit control ability, Always turn the engine off before or clothing, immediately wash the therefore, such accessories are leaving the motorcycle unattended affected area with soap and water not recommended. and remove the key from the main and change your clothes.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU10460 EAU10660 To unlock the steering Main switch/steering lock All electrical systems are off. The key can be removed. EAU10690 LOCK The steering is locked, and all electrical systems are off. The key can be re- moved.
This warning light comes on or flashes high beam of the headlight is switched when an electrical circuit monitoring the engine is defective. When this occurs, have a Yamaha dealer check the self- diagnosis system. EAUM2290 Coolant temperature warning The electrical circuit of the warning light light “...
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU11872 EAUM2301 Tachometer Multi-function display NOTE: Be sure to turn the key to “ON” be- fore using the “RESET/ SELECT” button. For the U.K. only: To switch the speedometer and odometer/trip- meter displays between kilometers and miles, press the “RESET/SE- LECT”...
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS switches the display between the vari- The fuel meter indicates the amount of EAU12347 Handlebar switches ous tripmeter and odometer modes in fuel in the fuel tank. The display seg- the following order: ments of the fuel meter disappear to- Left F-TRIP →...
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU12360 EAU12710 EAU12820 Pass switch “PASS” Start switch “ ” Clutch lever Press this switch to flash the headlight. Push this switch to crank the engine with the starter. EAU12400 ECA10050 Dimmer switch “ ” CAUTION: Set this switch to “...
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU12870 EAU12890 EAU12941 Shift pedal Brake lever Brake pedal 1. Shift pedal 1. Brake lever 1. Brake pedal The shift pedal is located on the left The brake lever is located at the right The brake pedal is on the right side of side of the engine and is used in com- handlebar grip.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAUM2080 EAU13211 Fuel tank cap NOTE: Fuel The fuel tank cap cannot be installed unless the key is in the lock. In addition, the key cannot be removed if the cap is not properly installed and locked. EWA11140 WARNING Make sure that the fuel tank cap is...
Do not allow the engine to idle as well as to the exhaust system. too long. Your Yamaha engine has been de- signed to use premium unleaded gaso- line with a research octane number of 95 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-...
The anti-theft device housing, located down to lock it in place. under the rider seat, is designed to hold 3. Turn the key counterclockwise, a genuine Yamaha CYCLELOK. (See and then remove it. 1. Seat lock page 3-9 for seat removal and installa- 2.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU15301 below and have a Yamaha dealer re- EAU44890 Sidestand Ignition circuit cut-off system pair it if it does not function proper- The sidestand is located on the left side The ignition circuit cut-off system (com- of the frame.
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5. Push the start switch. Does the engine start? The neutral switch may be defective. The motorcycle should not be ridden until checked by a Yamaha dealer. With the engine still running: 6. Move the sidestand up. 7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS EAU15593 The condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly, even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss of tire air pressure could have serious consequences.
• If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level. 6-12 • Check cooling system for leakage. • Check operation. • If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system. • Check brake pads for wear. Front brake • Replace if necessary.
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• Make sure that operation is smooth. • Check cable free play. Throttle grip 6-15, 6-25 • If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable and grip housing. • Make sure that operation is smooth. Control cables 6-24 •...
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir- sciousness and death within a described on page 3-10. cuit. short time. Always make sure Never ride with the sidestand 3.
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS ECA11040 EAU16671 ECA10260 Shifting CAUTION: CAUTION: For maximum engine life, never ac- Even with the transmission in celerate hard when the engine is the neutral position, do not cold! coast for long periods of time with the engine off, and do not NOTE: tow the motorcycle for long dis-...
After every hour of operation, stop the period, immediately have a engine, and then let it cool for five to ten Yamaha dealer check the vehi- minutes. cle. Vary the engine speed from time to time.
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS EAU17212 Parking When parking, stop the engine, and then remove the key from the main switch. EWA10310 WARNING Since the engine and exhaust system can become very hot, park in a place where pedestri- ans or children are not likely to touch them.
Yamaha dealer certain maintenance work correctly. do it for you. NOTE: If you do not have the tools or experi- ence required for a particular job, have a Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
From 30000 km (17500 mi), repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 6000 km (3500 mi). Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical skills.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR ODOMETER READING ANNUAL ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB 1000 km 6000 km 12000 km 18000 km 24000 km CHECK (600 mi) (3500 mi) (7000 mi) (10500 mi) (14000 mi) • Check operation, fluid level and √...
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR ODOMETER READING ANNUAL ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB 1000 km 6000 km 12000 km 18000 km 24000 km CHECK (600 mi) (3500 mi) (7000 mi) (10500 mi) (14000 mi) • Check bearing play and steering √...
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR ODOMETER READING ANNUAL ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB 1000 km 6000 km 12000 km 18000 km 24000 km CHECK (600 mi) (3500 mi) (7000 mi) (10500 mi) (14000 mi) • Check coolant level and vehicle √...
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR EAU18731 EAU18790 2. Remove the screws, slide the Removing and installing the Cowling A cowling forward, and then take it cowlings and panel off. To remove the cowling 3. Disconnect the turn signal light Remove the screws, and then take the lead coupler.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR EAU18851 2. Remove the screws and the quick Cowling C NOTE: fasteners, and then take the cowl- To install the quick fasteners, push the ing off. To remove the cowling center pin out so that it will protrude NOTE: Remove the screws, and then pull the from the fastener head, insert the fas-...
NOTE: If the spark plug shows a distinctly dif- ferent color, the engine could be oper- ating improperly. Do not attempt to diagnose such problems yourself. In- 1. Spark plug cap stead, have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR 2. Check the spark plug for electrode 2. Clean the surface of the spark plug EAUM2380 Engine oil and oil filter ele- erosion and excessive carbon or gasket and its mating surface, and ment other deposits, and replace it if then wipe off any grime from the The engine oil level should be checked necessary.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR ECA10010 NOTE: CAUTION: The engine oil should be between the Do not operate the vehicle until you minimum and maximum level marks. know that the engine oil level is suf- ficient. 4. If the engine oil is below the mini- mum level mark, add sufficient oil of the recommended type to raise it to the correct level.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR Tightening torque: Oil filter element cover bolt: 10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf) NOTE: Make sure that the O-ring is properly seated. 10. Install the engine oil strainer, com- pression spring, O-ring and the en- 1.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR 13. Turn the engine off, and then EAU20070 Recommended engine oil: Coolant check the oil level and correct it if See page 8-1. The coolant level should be checked necessary. Oil quantity: before each ride. In addition, the cool- Without oil filter element replace- ant must be changed at the intervals ment:...
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The coolant must be changed at the in- If water has been added to the tervals specified in the periodic mainte- coolant, have a Yamaha dealer nance and lubrication chart. Have a check the antifreeze content of Yamaha dealer change the coolant.
Periodically check the obtained as described above, have a throttle cable free play and, if neces- 3. Tighten the locknut. Yamaha dealer make the adjustment. sary, adjust it as follows. 3. Install the panel. NOTE: The engine idling speed must be cor- rectly adjusted before checking and ad- justing the throttle cable free play.
175 kPa (25 psi) (1.75 kgf/cm²) Rear: from occurring, the valve clearance regarding the specified tires. 200 kPa (29 psi) (2.00 kgf/cm²) must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer 90–185 kg (198–408 lb): at the intervals specified in the periodic Tire air pressure Front: maintenance and lubrication chart.
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Do not carry along loosely glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is packed items, which can shift cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re- Tire information during a ride. place the tire immediately. Securely pack the heaviest...
Other tires may run fore each ride. If any damage is valve cores listed below to the danger of bursting at super found, have a Yamaha dealer re- avoid tire deflation during a ride. high speeds. place the wheel. Do not attempt...
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR EAU22041 5. To increase the clutch lever free Adjusting the clutch lever free NOTE: play, turn the adjusting nut in direc- If the specified clutch lever free play play tion (a). To decrease the clutch le- could be obtained as described above, ver free play, turn the adjusting nut tighten the locknut and skip the rest of...
Periodically check the brake le- shown. Periodically check the brake ver free play and, if necessary, have a pedal free play and, if necessary, have Yamaha dealer check the brake sys- a Yamaha dealer adjust it. tem. EWAM1030 WARNING...
Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to thickness is less than 1 mm (0.04 in), enter the brake system, possibly caus- have a Yamaha dealer replace the ing it to become ineffective. brake pads as a set. 6-21...
EAU22760 Changing the brake fluid Drive chain slack ter the brake fluid reservoir when Have a Yamaha dealer change the The drive chain slack should be refilling. Water will significantly brake fluid at the intervals specified in checked before each ride and adjusted...
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR ECA10570 CAUTION: Improper drive chain slack will over- load the engine as well as other vital parts of the motorcycle and can lead to chain slippage or breakage. To prevent this from occurring, keep the drive chain slack within the specified limits.
If a cable is damaged wet areas. Service the drive chain as or does not move smoothly, have a follows. Yamaha dealer check or replace it. ECA10581 CAUTION: Recommended lubricant: Engine oil...
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR EAU23111 EAU44271 Recommended lubricant: Checking and lubricating the Checking and lubricating the Lithium-soap-based grease throttle grip and cable brake and shift pedals The operation of the throttle grip should be checked before each ride. In addi- tion, the cable should be lubricated at the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance chart.
EWA10730 WARNING If the sidestand does not move up and down smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or repair it. Recommended lubricant: The operation of the brake and clutch Lithium-soap-based grease levers should be checked before each ride, and the lever pivots should be lu- bricated if necessary.
If any damage is found or the front Check the inner tubes for scratches, fork does not operate smoothly, damage and excessive oil leakage. have a Yamaha dealer check or re- pair it. To check the operation 1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi- tion.
2. Hold the lower ends of the front fork legs and try to move them for- ward and backward. If any free play can be felt, have a Yamaha dealer check or repair the steering. 6-28...
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR EAU23310 • INTERNAL: Drink large quan- Battery tities of water or milk and im- A poorly maintained battery will corrode mediately call a physician. and discharge quickly. The electrolyte • EYES: Flush with water for 15 UPPER level, battery lead connections and minutes and seek prompt...
4. If the fuse immediately blows such a way that the frame is ex- the electrical circuit in question. again, have a Yamaha dealer posed to electrolyte or gas expelled 2. Remove the blown fuse, and then check the electrical system.
If a headlight bulb burns type tail/brake light. 1. Remove the turn signal light lens out, have a Yamaha dealer replace it If the tail/brake light does not come on, by removing the screw. and, if necessary, adjust the headlight have a Yamaha dealer check it.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR EAUM2200 EAU43230 EAU24350 Replacing the license plate Replacing an auxiliary light Supporting the motorcycle light bulb bulb Since this model is not equipped with a centerstand, follow these precautions 1. Remove the socket (together with This model is equipped with two auxil- when removing the front and rear the bulb) by pulling it out.
EAUM2420 To remove the front wheel EWA10820 WARNING It is advisable to have a Yamaha dealer service the wheel. Securely support the motor- cycle so that there is no danger of it falling over. 1. Speed sensor cable holder 1.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR ECA11050 NOTE: CAUTION: Make sure that there is enough space Do not apply the brake after the between the brake pads before install- brake calipers have been removed, ing the brake caliper onto the brake otherwise the brake pads will be disc.
Do not apply the brake after the 6. Remove the drive chain from the wheel has been removed together It is advisable to have a Yamaha rear sprocket. with the brake disc, otherwise the dealer service the wheel.
However, should your motorcycle 2. Install the drive chain onto the rear require any repair, take it to a Yamaha sprocket. dealer, whose skilled technicians have 3. Install the axle nut, and then lower...
Remove the spark plug and check the electrodes. The engine does not start. Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle. Check the battery. 4. Battery The engine turns over The battery is good.
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Start the engine. If the engine overheats again, have a The coolant level Yamaha dealer check and repair the cooling system. is OK. NOTE: If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant as soon as possible.
Rust and corrosion can develop matte colored finished parts. Be Cleaning even if high-quality components are sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for ECA10771 advice on what products to use be- used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un- CAUTION: fore cleaning the vehicle.
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE contact with strong or abrasive scratched, use a quality plastic NOTE: cleaning products, solvent or polishing compound after Salt sprayed on roads in the winter may thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re- washing. remain well into spring. movers or inhibitors, brake flu- id, antifreeze or electrolyte.
NOTE: 8. Let the motorcycle dry completely To prevent corrosion, avoid before storing or covering it. Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice on damp cellars, stables (because what products to use. EWA11130 of the presence of ammonia)
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE 3. Perform the following steps to pro- 4. Lubricate all control cables and the tect the cylinder, piston rings, etc. pivoting points of all levers and from corrosion. pedals as well as of the side- a. Remove the spark plug cap stand/centerstand.
Record the key identification number, vehicle identification number and mod- el label information in the spaces pro- vided below for assistance when ordering spare parts from a Yamaha dealer or for reference in case the vehi- cle is stolen. KEY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1.
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1. Model label The model label is affixed to the frame under the rider seat. (See page 3-9.) Record the information on this label in the space provided. This information will be needed when ordering spare parts from a Yamaha dealer.
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INDEX Engine stop switch........3-5 Periodic maintenance and lubrication Engine trouble warning light ....3-2 chart............6-2 Air filter element and check hose, Pre-operation check list......4-2 replacing and cleaning......6-14 Anti-theft device housing......3-9 Front and rear brake pads, checking..6-20 Auxiliary light bulb, replacing ....
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