Learner-legal bike is a boon for commuters as well
Picture: Yamaha YBR125, RRP £2,570
The YBR125 is available from Arnolds Motorcycles, Borough Road,
Burton for £2,370 complete with £200 of free riding equipment.
FUEL efficient, responsive, easy to handle and a doddle to ride — this just about sums up the ever-popular Yamaha YBR125.
As you may have guessed from the name, this is a 125cc bike, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bike just for learners.
Commuters love this bike because it feels like you can travel to the moon and back on one 13-litre tank of fuel. Depending on your riding style, you can easily achieve anywhere between 90 and 120mpg—almost double that of even the most fuel efficient car.
Even when fully fuelled, the YBR125 only weighs in at around 120kg making it nimble enough to spin around on a six pence, hence why it’s the learners’ favourite when it comes to mastering their U-turns and slalom riding.
The YBR125 has had a few face lifts over the years and its current styling is certainly the best yet. Moulding protection has now been added to the fuel tank which as well as offering some extra support around the tank, it also increases the size of the bike slightly and fools most people into thinking that you are riding something far bigger than a 125cc machine.
The YBR125 offers a comfortable ride even over long distances and the seat height of 780mm is perfect even for those with short legs.
The large seat offers space for two and grab rails and foot pegs come as standard for your pillion. Add to this a rear luggage rack which easily takes a back box pannier for your essentials or can be used simply as it is with a bungee cord.
When it comes to riding, the YBR125 is simple to use. The electronic ignition fires faultlessly every time and the analogue dials for your speed, revs and fuel are simplistic but accurate along with a selection of warning lights and a neutral transmission indicator light.
The grips are comfortable and the clutch and front brake levers are easily accessible even when wearing the thickest of winter riding gloves.
Likewise, the gear selector pedal is well positioned and the five-speed box is smooth and slick.
The YBR125 has a top speed of around 70mph, but rather than thrashing it to the limit, it prefers a cruising speed of around 55-60mph.
And when it comes to city driving, you will leave just about everything standing at the traffic lights.
With a very fast pick-up speed, good weight balance and nimble handling, the YBR125 will certainly cut through rush hour traffic
And when it comes to stopping, the YBR125 has a 245mm diameter single disc front brake and a 130mm diameter rear drum which are smooth and well balanced.
Overall, this learner-legal bike has the economical benefits every commuter longs for and the easy to ride elements every learner hopes for.
FACT FILE
Engine: air cooled, four stroke, single cylinder delivering 123.7cc
Power: 8.8KW (12hp) at 8,000rpm
Transmmissioon: chain driven
Size: 1,980mm (l) x 745mm (w) x
1,050mm (h) x seat 780mm
Weight: dry 106k
Article reproduced from the Burton Mail with kind permission of the author Stephen Sinfield.
Article source: Stephen Sinfield
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