The Yamaha YBR 125 has been a beloved starter and commuter motorbike since 2005. In 2010, Yamaha released a dual sport version, called the YBR 125G.
Having owned both versions of the Yamaha YBR, as well as many other small cc engine motorbikes in the last 10 years, let me tell you about my experience with the YBRs and if the 125G version is a capable dual sport or not.
Different to the road model, the Yamaha YBR 125G comes with dual sport knobbly tires, engine and hand guards, a higher front fender and an anti-collision fender for the headlight.
During my ownership of the YBR 125G, I used it for commuting to work everyday. Every other weekend, I would also take it to a nearby off road area to ride around in the dirt.
While not the fastest motorbike in town, the YBR 125G is a solid commuter. The engine outputs 7.4 kw (10 bhp), with 9.5 Nm of torque. Depending on how new the engine is, your top speed will start at about 100 kph (62 mph) and get up to 120 kph (75 mph) as you bore out the engine. However, that really is riding it near the redline of its revs.
I would take my road version of the YBR 125 on the highway, but with the knobbly tires on the YBR 125G, I would not recommend highway riding. This is where the tires do not feel as planted as they do at lower speeds or in the dirt. When going at regular speeds on your commute, or while off-roading, the YBR 125G is a comfortable ride, thanks to telescopic fork suspension in the front and twin shocks at the rear.
When using the YBR 125G as a commuter, you would be hard pressed to find something as solid and reliable as this. Overall, the engine is smooth while riding, with great fuel consumption too. I would average around 37 km per litre (87 mpg). This is not bad at all considering I was heavy on the throttle for the most part. With that consumption, you could get around 480 km (300 miles) off a full tank. I would fill up with unleaded 95 octane fuel.
There is a single disc, twin piston brake up front, which is strong enough to bring you to a stop in time when dealing with idiots in traffic. At the back, there is an old school drum brake, which is fantastic for locking your rear wheel and sliding around in the dirt.
Off road, the YBR 125G is at home. I felt planted on the dirt trails and it was even nimble enough for me to throw it up a few dirt hills - which it went up with ease. Not surprising considering it only weighs around 124 kg (274 lbs) and that is with a full fuel tank.
I have also seen the YBR 125G regularly used as a delivery motorbike. In my locale, the delivery guys often do not maintain their motorbikes and drop them regularly. Despite this, the YBR 125 keeps on going, showing just how strong the little Japanese engine is.
The YBR 125G is perfect for those who want to learn how to ride a motorbike, as it is easy to handle both on and off road. With a seat height of just 780mm, the riding position is comfortable for people of most heights, particularly those of average height. (I am 175cm or 5"9 for reference).
If you are looking for a motorbike that can fit any budget, without compromising on reliability and quality, I would highly recommend the Yamaha YBR 125G.
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