Yamaha MT-125 with the look of the MT-07 and MT-09: What changes for A1 riders

• New front end, reshaped tank and slimmer seat in the style of the larger MT models
• Engine, frame and chassis carry over: 15 hp (11 kW) and 142 kg (313 lbs) ready to ride
• On sale from January 2027 for 5,949 euros including on-the-road costs

The smallest MT is moving closer to its big sisters. For the 2027 model year, Yamaha has given the MT-125 a thorough visual overhaul. The front, tank, side panels and seat have all been redesigned. The 2027 Yamaha MT-125 does, however, carry over its engine, frame and chassis unchanged from its predecessor. For riders with an A1 licence, this means the bike looks different and should be more comfortable, but it still rides on the familiar technical base. The new generation arrives at dealers from January 2027.

What is new on the 2027 Yamaha MT-125?

The main changes are the front end, tank, side fairings and seat. Yamaha has made no significant technical changes; the update is almost entirely about design and ergonomics.

The difference is most obvious from the front. The front end has sharper lines and carries a dark-tinted, transparent mask with a matt MT-125 logo. Below the central LED headlight sit two narrow, blade-shaped LED strips that serve as position lights. The LED indicators have also moved. They are no longer mounted below the handlebar but sit directly under the edges of the tank, which integrates them more closely into the bodywork. Yamaha expects this to improve visibility.

At the sides, newly shaped panels cover the radiator. They have a textured surface with a transparent, smoke-grey pattern in a glitch style, a look reminiscent of a digital image error. Underneath is a gloss base paint with an MT logo. All colour options also carry a large new 125 graphic on the tank.

How does the riding position change on the new MT-125?

The new seat is slimmer and makes the MT-125 look more stretched from the side. Together with the reshaped tank, it is intended to give the rider more comfort and more freedom of movement.

Above all, the slimmer seat is meant to improve knee grip, meaning how well the knees rest against the tank. The tank itself is more sculpted and flows smoothly into the side fairings. According to Yamaha, the new shape suits both a relaxed posture in city traffic and a more active riding position on twisty country roads.

The basic dimensions remain unchanged. The seat height stays at 810 millimetres, and the tank still holds 10 litres. Ready to ride, the MT-125 weighs 142 kg (313 lbs). Behind the upright handlebar, beginners therefore get the same basic posture as before, just with a new contact area between rider and motorcycle.

What technology does the 2027 MT-125 use?

The 2027 MT-125 continues to use the liquid-cooled 125 cc single-cylinder engine with four valves and VVA variable valve actuation. It produces 15 hp (11 kW) at 10,000 rpm, putting it right at the upper limit of the A1 licence class.

Peak torque is 11.5 Nm (8.5 lb-ft) at 8,000 rpm. The VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) technology is designed to spread the engine’s power across a wider rev range than is usual for a 125. In city traffic, this should mean less gear changing. Yamaha also uses the same engine in the R125 sportbike and the XSR125 retro roadster.

The chassis also remains as before. The MT-125 is still built around the Deltabox frame, a steel bridge-type frame. At the front is a non-adjustable upside-down fork with 41-millimetre stanchions. With this design, the thicker tubes sit at the top in the triple clamp, which makes the fork stiffer. The previous generation has been in the range since 2023.

What features does the MT-125 display offer?

The MT-125 has a five-inch TFT colour display, which its predecessor already had. A smartphone can be paired via Yamaha’s free MyRide app.

This brings turn-by-turn navigation to the cockpit, along with control of calls, music and messages. The app itself can plan and record routes. It also stores riding data such as lean angle and distance travelled. Riders can turn their trips into short stories with photos and share them on social networks or in the MyRide community.

The MT-125 in the Hyper Naked family

Yamaha launched its Hyper Naked range more than ten years ago. Alongside the MT-125, it includes the MT-03, the MT-07 and the MT-09. Since then, the manufacturer has gradually developed all of the models further.

With the 2027 model year, the MT-125 now joins the next generation of this family. The larger MT models have already received their new design, and the entry-level model now follows with a matching look. This makes the MT-125 one of the new models for the 2027 model year, even though the changes mainly concern its appearance.

How much does the 2027 Yamaha MT-125 cost and when is it coming?

In Germany, the 2027 Yamaha MT-125 costs 5,949 euros (around 6,666 US dollars) including tax and on-the-road costs. It is due at dealers in January 2027. In other European countries, the market launch has been announced for the first quarter of 2027.

Instead of three colours, there will now be four. New is Redline White, a pearl white with fluorescent red accents. The red wheels are particularly striking. This is the only version to get a two-tone seat. Ice Storm in light grey with light blue, Icon Blue and Tech Black remain in the range.

What accessories are available for the MT-125?

Yamaha offers its own genuine accessories for the MT-125, both as packs and as individual parts. Buyers can order the parts before delivery and have them fitted directly by the dealer.

The range includes a fly screen, hand guards, a radiator guard and a road-legal titanium exhaust system from Akrapovič. All components of the packs are also available individually. Yamaha has not yet announced prices for the accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

➜ This article is part of our comprehensive overview: New Motorcycles 2027: All Models, Releases and Highlights at a Glance. Find all key information on this topic in one place.