
1-5
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
• The machine you have purchased may differ slightly from those shown in the following.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1. Clutch lever
2. Engine stop switch
3. Front brake lever
4. Throttle grip
5. Radiator cap
6. Fuel tank cap
7. Kickstarter crank
8. Fuel tank
9. Radiator
10. Coolant drain bolt
11. Check bolt (Transmission oil level)
12. Rear brake pedal
13. Valve joint14. Fuel cock
15. Air filter
16. Drive chain
17. Shift pedal
18. Starter knob
19. Front fork 

2-1
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model name: YZ125Z (USA, CDN)
YZ125 (EUROPE, ZA)
YZ125Z (AUS, NZ)
Model code number: 1C3M (USA, CDN)
1C3N (EUROPE)
1C3R (AUS, NZ, ZA)
Dimensions: USA, AUS, NZ, ZA EUROPE, CDN
Overall length 2,135 mm (84.1 in) 2,139 mm (84.2 in)
Overall width 827 mm (32.6 in)←
Overall height 1,315 mm (51.8 in) 1,318 mm (51.9 in)
Seat height 997 mm (39.3in) 998 mm (39.3 in)
Wheelbase 1,443 mm (56.8 in)←
Minimum ground clearance 386 mm (15.2 in) 388 mm (15.3 in)
Weight:
With oil and fuel 94.5 kg (208 lb)
Engine:
Engine type Liquid cooled 2-stroke, gasoline
Cylinder arrangement Single cylinder, forward inclined
Displacement 124 cm
3 (4.36 Imp oz, 4.19 US oz)
Bore × stroke 54 × 54.5 mm (2.126 × 2.146 in)
Compression ratio 8.6–10.7 : 1
Starting system Kick starter
Lubrication system: Premix (30 : 1)(Yamalube 2-R)
Oil type or grade (2-stroke):
Transmission oil  Recommended brand: YAMALUBE
SAE10W-40
API service SG type or higher
JASO standard MA
Periodic oil change  0.66 L (0.58 Imp qt, 0.69 US qt)
Total amount  0.70 L (0.62 Imp qt, 0.74 US qt)
Coolant capacity (including all routes): 0.9 L (0.79 Imp qt, 0.95 US qt)
Air filter: Wet type element
Fuel:
Type Premium unleaded gasoline only with a research octane 
number of 95 or higher.
Tank capacity 8.0 L (1.76 Imp gal, 2.11 US gal)
Carburetor:
Type/Manufacturer TMXχ38SS/MIKUNI
Spark plug:
Type/Manufacturer BR9EVX/NGK (resistance type)
Gap 0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-disc
2 

2-7
TIGHTENING TORQUES
ELECTRICAL
TIGHTENING TORQUES
ENGINE
△- marked portion shall be checked for torque tightening after break-in or before each race.
Item Standard Limit
Ignition system:
Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.) 0.48 mm (0.019 in) ----
Advancer type Electrical ----
CDI:
Magneto-model (stator)/Manufacturer 1C3-10/YAMAHA ----
Charging coil 1 resistance (color) 720–1,080 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F) (Green/
White-Black/Red)----
Charging coil 2 resistance (color) 44–66 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F) (Black-Green/
Blue)----
Pickup coil resistance (color) 248–372 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F) (White/Blue-
White/Red)----
CDI unit-model/manufacturer 1C3-10/YAMAHA ----
Ignition coil:
Model/manufacturer 1C3-00/YAMAHA ----
Minimum spark gap 6 mm (0.24 in) ----
Primary winding resistance 0.24–0.36 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F) ----
Secondary winding resistance 5.7–8.5 kΩat 20 °C (68 °F) ----
Spark plug cap:
Resistance 4–6 kΩat 20 °C (68 °F) ----
Part to be tightened Thread size Q'tyTightening torque
Nm m•kg ft•lb
Spark plug M14S × 1.25 1 20 2.0 14
Cylinder head (nut) M8 × 1.25 5 28 2.8 20
Cylinder head (stud) M8 × 1.25 5 13 1.3 9.4
Cylinder (nut) M8 × 1.25 4 30 3.0 22
Cylinder (stud) M10 × 1.25 4 13 1.3 9.4
Power valve:
Cover M5 × 0.8 4 5 0.5 3.6
Link lever M4 × 0.7 1 4 0.4 2.9
Holder (power valve)  M5 × 0.8 4 8 0.8 5.8
Push rod M5 × 0.8 1 5 0.5 3.6
Thrust plate M5 × 0.8 1 4 0.4 2.9
Governor fork M4 × 0.7 2 5 0.5 3.6
Housing M5 × 0.8 3 4 0.4 2.9
Water pump housing cover  M6 × 1.0 4 10 1.0 7.2
Coolant drain bolt M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Radiator M6 × 1.0 6 10 1.0 7.2
Radiator panel  M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Radiator hose clamp M6 × 1.0 8 2 0.2 1.4
Air filter element  M6 × 1.0 1 2 0.2 1.4 

3-2
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
ROTOR NUT
Retighten●●
MUFFLER
Inspect●●
Clean●
Retighten●●
Replace fiber●** When the exhaust sound be-
comes louder or when a per-
formance drop is felt
CRANK
Inspect and clean●●
CARBURETOR
Inspect, adjust and clean●●
SPARK PLUG
Inspect and clean●●
Replace●
DRIVE CHAINUse chain lube.
Lubricate, slack, alignment●●Chain slack: 48–58 mm (1.9–
2.3 in)
Replace●
COOLING SYSTEM
Check coolant level and 
leakage●●
Check radiator cap opera-
tion●
Replace coolant●Every two years
Inspect hoses●
OUTSIDE NUTS AND 
BOLTS
Retighten●●Refer to "STARTING AND 
BREAK-IN" section in the 
CHAPTER 1.
AIR FILTER
Clean and lubricate●●Use foam air-filter oil or equiv-
alent oil.
Replace●
FRAME
Clean and inspect●●
FUEL TANK, COCK
Clean and inspect●● ItemAfter 
break-in
Every 
race 
(about 
2.5 
hours)Every 
third 
(about 
7.5 
hours)Every 
fifth 
(about 
12.5 
hours)
As re-
quiredRemarks
3 

3-5
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Before riding for break-in operation, practice or a race, make sure the machine is in good operating condition.
Before using this machine, check the following points.
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Item Routine Page
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage.P. 3-6 – 7
FuelCheck that a fresh mixture of oil and gasoline is filled in the fuel 
tank. Check the fuel line for leakage.P. 1-12
Transmission oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase for leak-
age.P. 3-8 – 9
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the 
clutch operates smoothly.P. 3-7
Throttle grip/HousingCheck that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly 
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.P. 3-7 – 8
Brakes Check the play of front brake and effect of front and rear brake. P. 3-9 – 12
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain 
is lubricated properly.P. 3-12 – 13
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check for loose 
spokes and have no excessive play.P. 3-16
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play.P. 3-17
Front forks and rear shock 
absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage.
P. 3-13 – 16
Cables (wires)Check that the clutch and throttle cables move smoothly. Check 
that they are not caught when the handlebars are turned or when 
the front forks travel up and down.—
Muffler Check that the muffler is tightly mounted and has no cracks. P. 4-3 – 4
Rear wheel sprocket  Check that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is not loose. P. 3-12
Lubrication  Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P. 3-18
Bolts and nuts  Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P. 1-13
Lead connectorsCheck that the CDI magneto, CDI unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly.P. 1-7
SettingsIs the machine set suitably for the condition of the racing course 
and weather or by taking into account the results of test runs be-
fore racing? Are inspection and maintenance completely done?P. 7-1 – 11 

3-6
ENGINE
ENGINE
CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL
Do not remove the radiator cap 
"1", drain bolt and hoses when the 
engine and radiator are hot. Scald-
ing hot fluid and steam may be 
blown out under pressure, which 
could cause serious injury. When 
the engine has cooled, place a 
thick towel over the radiator cap, 
slowly rotate the cap counter-
clockwise to the detent. This pro-
cedure allows any residual 
pressure to escape. When the 
hissing sound has stopped, press 
down on the cap while turning 
counterclockwise and remove it.
Hard water or salt water is harmful 
to the engine parts. You may use 
distilled water, if you can't get soft 
water.
1. Place the machine on a level 
place, and hold it in an upright po-
sition.
2. Remove:
• Radiator cap
3. Check:
• Coolant level "a"
Coolant level low→Add coolant.
1. Radiator
CHANGING THE COOLANT
Do not remove the radiator cap 
when the engine is hot.
Take care so that coolant does not 
splash on painted surfaces. If it 
splashes, wash it away with water.
1. Place a container under the en-
gine.
2. Remove:
• Coolant drain bolt "1"
3. Remove:
• Radiator cap
Drain the coolant completely.
4. Clean:
• Cooling system
Thoroughly flush the cooling sys-
tem with clean tap water.
5. Install:
• Copper washer 
• Coolant drain bolt
6. Fill:
• Radiator
•Engine
To specified level.
• Do not mix more than one type of 
ethylene glycol antifreeze con-
taining corrosion inhibitors for 
aluminum engine.
• Do not use water containing im-
purities or oil.
Handling notes of coolant:
The coolant is harmful so it should be 
handled with special care.
• When coolant splashes to your 
eye.
Thoroughly wash your eye with 
water and see your doctor.
• When coolant splashes to your 
clothes.
Quickly wash it away with water 
and then with soap.
• When coolant is swallowed.
Quickly make him vomit and take 
him to a doctor.
7. Install:
• Radiator cap
Start the engine and warm it up 
for a several minutes.
8. Check:
• Coolant level
Coolant level low→Add coolant.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
1. Inspect:
• Seal (radiator cap) "1"
• Valve and valve seat "2"
Crack/damage→Replace.
Exist fur deposits "3" →Clean or 
replace.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP 
OPENING PRESSURE
1. Attach:
• Radiator cap tester "1" and adapt-
er "2"
Apply water on the radiator cap seal.
Coolant drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 
ft•lb)
Recommended coolant:
High quality ethylene 
glycol anti-freeze con-
taining anti-corrosion 
for aluminum engine
Coolant "1" and water 
(soft water) "2" mixing ra-
tio:
50%/50%
Coolant capacity:
0.9 L (0.79 Imp qt, 0.95 
US qt)
Radiator cap tester:
YU-24460-01/90890-
01325
Radiator cap tester 
adapter:
YU-33984/90890-01352 

3-7
ENGINE
3. Radiator cap
2. Apply the specified pressure.
3. Inspect:
• Pressure
Impossible to maintain the speci-
fied pressure for 10 seconds→
Replace.
CHECKING THE COOLING 
SYSTEM
1. Inspect:
• Coolant level
2. Attach:
• Radiator cap tester "1" and adapt-
er "2"
3. Apply the specified pressure.
• Do not apply pressure more than 
specified pressure.
• Radiator should be filled fully.
4. Inspect:
• Pressure
Impossible to maintain the speci-
fied pressure for 10 seconds→
Repair.
•Radiator "1"
• Radiator hose joint "2"
Coolant leakage→Repair or re-
place.
• Radiator hose "3"
Swelling→Replace.ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH CABLE 
FREE PLAY
1. Check:
• Clutch lever free play "a"
Out of specification→Adjust.
2. Adjust:
• Clutch lever free play
Clutch lever free play adjustment 
steps:
a. Loosen the locknuts "1".
b. Turn the adjuster "2" until free 
play "a" is within the specified lim-
its.
c. Tighten the locknuts.
• Before adjustment, expose the ad-
juster by moving the boot "3" and 
cap "4" away.
• Make minute adjustment on the le-
ver side using the adjuster "5".
• After adjustment, check proper op-
eration of clutch lever.
3. Install:
• Cap "1"
•Boot "2"
Place the tip "a" of the cap in the boot.
ADJUSTING THE THROTTLE 
CABLE FREE PLAY
1. Check:
• Throttle grip free play "a"
Out of specification→Adjust.
2. Adjust:
• Throttle grip free play
Throttle grip free play adjustment 
steps:
a. Slide the adjuster cover.
b. Loosen the locknut "1".
c. Turn the adjuster "2" until the 
specified free play is obtained.
d. Tighten the locknut.
Before adjusting the throttle cable 
free play, the engine idle speed 
should be adjusted.
After adjusting the throttle cable 
free play, start the engine and turn 
the handlebar to right and left and 
make sure that the engine idling 
does not run faster.
Radiator cap opening 
pressure:
95–125 kPa (0.95–1.25 
kg/cm
2, 13.5–17.8 psi)
Radiator cap tester:
YU-24460-01/90890-
01325
Radiator cap tester 
adapter:
YU-33984/90890-01352
Standard pressure:
180 kPa (1.8 kg/cm
2, 
25.6 psi)
Clutch lever free play "a" 
:
8–13 mm (0.31–0.51 in)
Locknut:
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 
ft•lb)Throttle grip free play 
"a":
3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in)
Locknut:
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 
ft•lb) 

4-5
RADIATOR
RADIATOR
REMOVING THE RADIATOR
Order Part name Q'ty Remarks
Drain the coolant.Refer to "CHANGING THE COOLANT" sec-
tion in the CHAPTER 3.
Seat and fuel tankRefer to "SEAT, FUEL TANK AND SIDE 
COVERS" section.
1 Radiator guard 2
2 Radiator hose clamp (radiator hose 1, 3) 2 Only loosening.
3 Radiator hose 2 1
4 Left radiator 1
5 Radiator hose 4 1
6 Right radiator 1
7 Radiator hose 1 1
8 Radiator hose 3 1
9 Radiator breather hose 1
10 Nm (1.0 m   kg, 7.2 ft   lb)
2 Nm (0.2 m   kg, 1.4 ft   lb)
10 Nm (1.0 m   kg, 7.2 ft   lb)
10 Nm (1.0 m   kg, 7.2 ft   lb)
2 Nm (0.2 m   kg, 1.4 ft   lb)