All-new 2022 Yamaha YZ125 two-banger ready to launch

Yamaha has overhauled its popular YZ125 two-stroke motocross machine for the first time in nearly 15 years, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to two-stroke off-road motorcycles. The bike will arrive in late 2021 with a starting price tag of $10,799 rideaway.

The new 2022 Yamaha YZ125 features a powerful new liquid-cooled 125cc two-stroke engine. Every functional part of the new donk is new, including the cylinder body, cylinder head, piston, piston pin, connecting rod, crankcase, and expansion chamber. The new motor offers more power in the mid-high rpm range.

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Also new is the high-precision Hitachi Astemo Kehin PWK38S carburettor that enhances fuelling and power delivery, as well as clean, crisp throttle response and superior ride ability. A new intake design with VForce4 carbon reed valve also leads to improved feeling of power in the low rpm range.

To match the increased performance, Yamaha as also added an updated and lightweight braking system with larger front pistons, a more-rigid caliper, a redesigned 270mm front rotor and higher-friction pad material. The rear rotor has also been redesigned with the same braking power but a smaller 240mm diameter resulting in less unsprung weight.

The best-in-class KYB suspension has also been updated with revised front and rear suspension damping helping to improve bump absorption and cornering performance.

A new and flatter seat, a narrower fuel tank, smoothly integrated body panels and a slimmer radiator shroud also improve the machine’s ergonomics.

Elsewhere, the 2022 Yamaha YZ85 and YZ85LW have both been overhauled, while the 2022 YZ250 features key updates to ergonomics, suspension, brakes, and bodywork.

The 2022 Yamaha YZ125 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue ($10,799) or Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition ($10,899) from late 2021.

Here is the full list of features for the 2022 Yamaha YZ125:

• Redesigned liquid-cooled Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) 125cc two-stroke engine boasts more power in the mid- to high-range for increased usability over the previous model
• New high-precision Hitachi Astemo Keihin PWK38S carburettor features throttle position sensor and 3D-map-controlled CDI unit resulting in crisp throttle response and superior rideability
• New straight intake design improves feeling of power in the low rpm range
• New shorter, lighter muffler
• High performance brake setup features more rigid front caliper, larger front pistons and redesigned rotors with increased pad contact area for exceptional stopping power and feel, along with less unsprung weight
• Improved rider ergonomics with a narrower tank, flatter seat and slimmer radiator shrouds offering greater freedom of movement
• Fully adjustable KYB inverted front fork now includes a leaf spring in the mid-speed valve for increased performance and comfort
• Revised fully adjustable KYB rear shock features reduced-friction Kashima Coat internals
• Race-proven, highly developed forged aluminium semi-double cradle frame
• Removable aluminium rear subframe constructed of square-section tubing for reduced weight
• Lightweight finely tuned chassis for nimble handling, more control and less rider fatigue
• Revised six-speed, close-ratio transmission has wider transmission gear tooth width and new, optimised gear ratios for maximum performance
• New lightweight rear sprocket design
• New lightweight chain
• High-capacity radiator features a 10-row core with blacked-out louvres to deliver maximum cooling and aggressive looks
• Lightweight aluminium handlebar with two-position adjustable handlebar clamp
• Adjustable clutch lever with cable adjuster
• New premium graphics are now embedded for improved durability and scratch resistance
• Race-developed Bridgestone Battlecross X20 tyres