Yamaha TTR 125 Review: A Simple Guide

Opting for the Yamaha TTR 125 when I needed a dirt bike that would win me a local Adventure contest back then was a no-brainer. I was convinced that this model was the perfect candidate for me. Thank goodness, my decision finally paid off.

I’ve had the Yamaha TTR 125 for five years now. It’s been a phenomenal dirt bike over the years. This bike brings a variety of specs, including tremendous engine performance, reliability, and durability. We talk about the maximum speed, which is 45-55 MPH, and you can pick up this bike for as low as $1000, depending on the year it was made.

In this post, I’ll bring you up to speed on how the Yamaha TTR 125 is the leading dirt bike for all off-road ride enthusiasts. I’ll share the features and specifications − height, weight, dimension, engine type, pricing, power, torque, max speed, and durability – as well as the pros and cons.

Height & Weight

With a modest weight of about 200 pounds, beginner dirt bike enthusiasts and riders in their teenage years will find this guy an incredible partner on the road. With the TTR 125, you’re sure to sit on a perfect-sized lightweight bike that will scale the dirt’s hurdle. It may not promise too much speed, but it won’t fail to deliver power when you’re on the road for trail riding.

Now, let’s turn to the height of the TTR 125, which stands at 31 inches. This is great for both long-legged and short-legged riders. Here, we’re looking at a bike that accommodates teenagers of different sizes. If you’re on this bike, your toe ball could easily touch the ground, giving you confidence and a comfortable riding experience.

Engine Performance

Generally, the engine of a bike − and any vehicle, for that matter − has a lot to account for when it comes to power, performance, idling, speed, cost of maintenance, and the general functioning of the bike. The TTR 125 is an impressive performance and power deliverer, thanks to the 124cc four-stroke engine that powers and gives it life.

The TTR 125 makes one of the most durable bikes out there, and because it is air-cooled, it’s powered to perform optimally while moving around. On top of this is the manual 5-speed transmission, which requires the rider to use a clutch to switch gears.

Although you may get an automatic transmission that would have brought more comfortable riding, there are no issues with the TTR 125 manual system.

Reliability & Durability

As I’ve said earlier, the TTR 125 is a bike intended for reliability, durability, and comfort. I’m almost sure there are only a few bikes in the TTR bike class that is as reliable and durable as this Yamaha model.

The quality of the frame says s much about it. The frame is so sturdy, durable, and top-quality that this bike will last as long as 15 years, with 90% of its lifespan assuring little or no severe maintenance cost− if adequately used.

This bike makes an incredible configuration from the brake lever to the footpeg, the carburetor, handlebars, and the air and oil filter. They’re all designed with high-quality materials. The anti-corrosion and anti-scratch bodies owe a lot to the fantastic coating given to the bike.

Maximum Speed

I can confidently tell you that the bike I present to you in TTR 125 is not designed for speed. So, don’t expect a racing motorcycle when buying the Yamaha TTR 125. When discussing durability and comfort, you’re cold; no speed.

The maximum speed range on the TTR 125 is 45-55 miles per hour. This shouldn’t be bad for a bike not designed for racing, methinks. In the final analysis, however, the number of statute miles you can cover in one hour with the TTR 125 depends primarily on you, your weight, and the overall weight on the bike.

Price

Typical of me, I don’t bother about the price of a bike so long it can deliver and bring value to the table.

If you consider the great benefit and amazing features this product offers, you’re ten times more likely to be convinced that it is worth asking.

You might want to check Amazon to know how much this guy goes for. Who knows? You might be lucky to get it at a reasonable price. But I can beat my chest. You’re most likely not going to buy it at a price lower than $1000. That’s not unreasonable, anyways.

Yamaha TTR 125 Pricing Chart

Model	Year	Price
Yamaha TTR 125	2001	$1,000
Yamaha TTR 125	2005	$1,275
Yamaha TTR 125	2017	$2,999
Yamaha TTR 125	2020	$3,349

But be sure what you’re splashing your hard-earned income on is worth the price, and not some counterfeit and aftermarket products that won’t take you more than a year.

Downsides of the Yamaha TTR 125

Low speed

Well, I still feel 55 mph max speed on a dirt bike isn’t that bad.  But again, there are riders out there who want to go farther and speed faster. So, the TTR scores a low there. It doesn’t allow riders to fire up while trying to escape the traffic cop. 

Choke Seizes Up

What you also find out as one of the most significant downsides of this bike is that the choke may soon start to seize up after some amount of water runs down it. I’m talking about the choke located right in front of the handlebars. So, it would help if you were prepared to replace it as soon as you notice the breakdown.

Not Street Legal

This is not good news for riders who think hitting the road with their newly acquired TTR 125 is the next thing after getting home. Don’t think about that yet. The standard Yamaha TTR 125 is not designed to be ridden on the road.

What about checking your state and local rules to know if the law permits it? Or you’re thinking of making some modifications to the bike to become road legal? I’m not sure that’s worth your stress and money. You could get a street-legal bike for a lower price.

Caveat: Don’t get it twisted; these problems are not exclusive to the Yamaha TTR 125. You’ll find them with BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and many other famous brands.  

Comparing TTR 125 vs YZ 125 vs CRF 125

TTR 125	YZ 125	CRF 125
More Torque	Most Torque	Least Torque
Fun Ride	Mediocre	Has a More Responsive Throttle
5-speed Transmission	6-speed Transmission	4-speed Transmission
Not for Speed	Faster than TTR	For Speed
Easy to Control	Has Handling & Control Issue	Has a Stiffer Suspension
Great for Beginner	Not Meant for Entry-Level Riders	Works For Beginners & Veteran
Designed for Trail Riding & Leisure	Designed for Track	Designed for Trail
Has a Lot Less Power	Delivers Great Power	More Power Than TTR

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The winter is here, and you will need to brace up for the crazy weather. Don’t forget more than any other season, the winter presents the worst of conditions for riders, and the dirt bikes may be the only bike available to scale through the hurdles of the hazy vision, snow, ice crust, bad and low-Viz, rainy cloud, and lots of them.

I’m sure with this ultimate guide to the Yamaha TTR 125, you wouldn’t think twice before you gun for it as you prepare for that long-distance motorcycle trip. The pros outweigh the cons, and I’m sure there’s not much downside to taking your mind off the Yamaha TTR 125.

Read More

• Average Dirt Bike Cost: 20 Different Models Examined
• 10 Best Dirt Bike Brands You Can Buy
• Average Max Speed of 125cc Dirt Bike (With Examples)
• Best Dirt Bikes For Short Riders (Low Seat Heights)
• 5 Best Trail Riding Dirt Bikes

Yamaha TTR 125 Review: A Simple Guide