This particular ‘small-capacity performance’ segment might never see the light of the day in our country but that does not mean that these three phenomenal motorcycles do not deserve a mention. We are talking about the Yamaha R125, the Kawasaki Ninja 125 and Kawasaki Z 125.

2019 Yamaha YZF-R125

The R-series from Yamaha is a much respected name in the world and we have the R15 V3 as the smallest representative from this family in our country. But in other parts of the world, there’s another little fighter which has enjoyed a whole lot of success. What has made it so popular is its highly successful blend of sharp big brother-aping style, roomy proportions that flatter the ever-expanding size of an average human, great handling and the best engine performance you can expect from a simplistic 125cc road bike.

And now it has evolved and it looks magnificent. It looks almost like an R15 V3 which means most of its styling cues come from the elders of the family like the R6 and the R1. And this isn’t just a facelift either. Under the sharp fairing, we have an all-new liquid-cooled 125cc 4-valve single that also now boasts Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), which optimises the inlet and outlet valve positions to improve the engine’s power and torque characteristics across the whole rev range. Add a next-gen Assist & Slip clutch makes for featherlight but positive clutch action, and allows for downshifting hooliganism.

The frame is the reputed and somewhat revised Deltabox chassis. The geometry has been revised which supposedly gives it more stability and control, but not at the expense of its sporting pretentions. There’s a new aluminium swingarm, that’s also shorter and lighter than the previous model’s, and holds a wider rear tyre (now a 140/70-17, up from 130). There’s also an attractive new LCD dash with a bar type tacho and large speedo and all the information you’d expect.

Specs

Engine: 124.7cc single

Performance: 14.75bhp / 12.2 Nm

Weight: 142kg (kerb)

Tank: 11-litre capacity

Colours: Yamaha Blue, Tech Black and Competition White

2019 Kawasaki Ninja 125

It seems to be a wonderful year for the lovers of small capacity motorcycles since we have one more supersport 125cc here, again from Japan. The new Kawasaki Ninja 125 has been released and it looks very very serious.

The new single-cylinder water-cooled engine churns out around 15 Bhp and is supposed to deliver a pleasing mix of midrange and top-end, it’s certainly one of the stronger small-capacity motorcycles.

The engine sits in a typical Kawasaki trellis frame that makes it look like its bigger siblings. That sense of big-bike class is carried through the proportions of each bike with a visual balance that could fool you into expecting more capacity lurking within. Kawasaki have done this with the aim of attracting new riders, who will then stay loyal to the brand as they progress through the cc-ladder. The fit and finish and the paintjob also looks classy and way better than the old flat monotone.

Specs

Engine: 125cc single

Performance: 14.75bhp / 11.66 Nm

Weight: 148kg (kerb)

2019 Kawasaki unveil Z125

We have another contender here, a rather naked and brash one. A sibling of the Kawasaki Ninja 125, the Z125. Almost everything is similar to the Ninja 125 apart from the fairing. The Z125 is the naked street-fighter variant of the Kawasaki ninja 125.

The design again gives this little fighter a feel of big-bikes with the fit-finish levels par excellence.

Specs

Engine: 125cc single

Performance: 14.75bhp / 11.66 Nm

Weight: 146kg (kerb)