*This was posted in Off Topic because I am sure it would end up there anyway. lol*


YZF series bikes (for the 2 of you that don't know) are the Sport Bikes from Yamaha. They are known for their sex appeal, and great performance out of the box. examples below

YZF-R1


YZF-R6 (my old bike)


New R6


Now that everyone has a vague understanding of what makes a YZF bike I am pleased to get on with what I actually intended to say in he first place.



Yamaha is now making a YZF-R125. No, not a 1200cc sport bike. It is a 125cc econo-bike. This thing goes over 85mph, and looks SICK! Mind you it's motor is only as big as a children's motorcycle. It has a lot more pep than the 'scooters' you see buzzing about town, and as an added bonus it looks like sex on wheels. The best part though is the bikes are *rated* for 47mpg. They are just under 15hp and have 9lb-ft of torque. 10,000 RPM redline and YES, are able to keep up on the highway. The whole bike weighs about 280lb, which is very light, and is being piloted for **potential** sales in the U.S.

There are already a bunch of youtube videos posted. Everything from top speed to aftermarket exhausts. I think it is pretty cool, and would consider buying one if they came to the U.S. As most of you know, I do NOT own a Fit, and do not get that great of gas mileage, and this would be perfect for getting back and forth to work.



.... anyway, just thought i would share the good news. Here's a pic to get you started.

 

YouTube - Yamaha YZF-R125 first ride

 

All of the Japanese bike companies build these cool 125, 250 and 400cc sportbikes and have for longer than 20 years. The thing is, in Japan licencing is so different then here, that its easier and and much cheaper tax wise to afford a small displacement bike. They build these with all of the latest technology and have super high reving engines. I was in Japan in 1999 and loved checking out these cool bikes. The reason they don't sell these models here though is because there just isn't a market for them. You and I think they are cool, but for the same price you can buy an R6 here. Would you pay 8 or 9 thousand dollars for one of these screamers with? Lol, maybe we would but few others would.

BTW, here is an older 2 stroke 125c.c. street legal Honda NSR125.One my favorites.

 

To correct myself, according to motorcycle news here , list price is 2,999 british pounds, which is $6,000 us dollars. I still don't think they could sell a 15hp bike for 6 grand here. Just my opinion.

 

i used to have a cagiva mito 125cc sport bike. but it was two stroke. a 125cc four stroke is going to be SUCH a dog. slowness to the maxx. also, my cagiva wasnt street legal (law says anything over 50cc and two stroke is illegal to have in ca.). my old bike was badass! 7speed gear box. could hit 120 mph any day.

 

haha i'm not going to lie, that is way cool,
till another biker wants to race on the highway haha
"SORRY! 15HP!!!"

this just made me think.
i want a 50hp go cart...
hmm..

 

That bike is rad.

US has the 2008 Ninja 250r, sick looking, crazy good MPG, 3500$ tag. Great deal.

Tyler

 

messed post cause wife dropped cell phone on keyboard while i was typing...

 

I used to own a ninja 250 and would own another 250 before i bought a 15 hp yamaha 125...

 

sick..

the my home girl just bought the ninja 250r for 4k otd

 

Just looked into it some more, and you are 100% correct.

I would not pay 6k for the thing either. I bought my R6 brand new for 9 and some change, and they had to order it and everything. (I still payed too much for that) I can't see spending 2/3 the price for 1/3 the performance. Though with the gas prices finally creeping up in the U.S. there may be a market forming, but they still would need to drop the price to around $3500 U.S. to be a competitor.


.........still think the idea of a 125 street bike is cool. I grew up on motorcycles as a kid, and this would be a great 1st bike for a new rider, or a great bike for someone that has way too much of an ego to drive around on a Vespa (ie: me) but still wants to get good gas mileage out of cheap and convenient transportation.

 

The new 250r is like a whole new bike
I may buy one soon.

Tyler

 

its pretty cool the 250 r..but its a girly bike to me.

around here girls ride those and some other people who like someone said dont wanna ride scooters!

have the look of a sportsbike but the function of the scooters.

like mainly the owners of high CC bikes.

they take these little bikes and canyon run them because they are so nimble and light.


i still want a honda ruckus though. with that 450cc swap i keed i keed
i want a bike. but turbo will come first