INTRODUCTION
EAU10102
Welcome to the Yamaha world of motorcycling!
As the owner of the YZF-R125, you are benefiting from Yamaha’s vast experience and newest technology regarding the de-
sign and manufacture of high-quality products, which have earned Yamaha a reputation for dependability.
Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly, so as to enjoy all advantages of your YZF-R125. The Owner’s Manual
does not only instruct you in how to operate, inspect and maintain your motorcycle, but also in how to safeguard yourself and
others from trouble and injury.
In addition, the many tips given in this manual will help keep your motorcycle in the best possible condition. If you have any
further questions, do not hesitate to contact your Yamaha dealer.
The Yamaha team wishes you many safe and pleasant rides. So, remember to put safety first!
Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most cur-
rent product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and this
manual. If there is any question concerning this manual, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10031
Please read this manual carefully and completely before operating this motorcycle.
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IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EAU10132
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
A NOTICE indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to the
vehicle or other property.
A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
NOTICETIP
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TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION ..................1-1
DESCRIPTION ..................................2-1
Left view ..........................................2-1
Right view ........................................2-2
Controls and instruments.................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS.......................................3-1
Main switch/steering lock ................3-1
Indicator and warning lights ............3-2
Tachometer ....................................3-3
Multi-function display ......................3-3
Handlebar switches ........................3-5
Clutch lever .....................................3-6
Shift pedal .......................................3-6
Brake lever .....................................3-6
Brake pedal ....................................3-7
Fuel tank cap ..................................3-7
Fuel .................................................3-8
Catalytic converters ........................3-9
Rider seat .....................................3-10
Sidestand ......................................3-10
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........3-11
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS..............4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS.................................5-1
Starting the engine .........................5-1Shifting ........................................... 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ............................... 5-3
Engine break-in .............................. 5-3
Parking ........................................... 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance chart for the
emission control system ............. 6-2
General maintenance and
lubrication chart .......................... 6-3
Removing and installing the
cowlings and panel ..................... 6-7
Checking the spark plug ................. 6-9
Engine oil and oil filter element .... 6-10
Coolant ......................................... 6-13
Replacing the air filter element
and cleaning the check hose .... 6-15
Adjusting the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-15
Adjusting the throttle cable free
play ........................................... 6-16
Valve clearance ............................ 6-17
Tires ............................................. 6-17
Cast wheels .................................. 6-19
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play ........................................... 6-20
Checking the front brake lever
free play .................................... 6-21Adjusting the brake pedal free
play ........................................... 6-21
Checking the front and rear brake
pads .......................................... 6-21
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-22
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-23
Drive chain slack .......................... 6-23
Cleaning and lubricating the drive
chain ......................................... 6-25
Checking and lubricating the
cables ....................................... 6-25
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals .............. 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers ............ 6-27
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand .................................. 6-27
Lubricating the swingarm
pivots ........................................ 6-28
Checking the front fork ................. 6-28
Checking the steering .................. 6-29
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-29
Battery ......................................... 6-29
Replacing the fuses ..................... 6-31
Replacing a headlight bulb .......... 6-32
Tail/brake light ............................. 6-32
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb ........................................... 6-32U5D7E1E0.book Page 1 Monday, July 13, 2009 11:55 AM
1-1
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU10283
Be a Responsible Owner
As the vehicle’s owner, you are respon-
sible for the safe and proper operation
of your motorcycle.
Motorcycles are single-track vehicles.
Their safe use and operation are de-
pendent upon the use of proper riding
techniques as well as the expertise of
the operator. Every operator should
know the following requirements before
riding this motorcycle.
He or she should:
Obtain thorough instructions from
a competent source on all aspects
of motorcycle operation.
Observe the warnings and mainte-
nance requirements in this Own-
er’s Manual.
Obtain qualified training in safe
and proper riding techniques.
Obtain professional technical ser-
vice as indicated in this Owner’s
Manual and/or when made neces-
sary by mechanical conditions.Safe Riding
Perform the pre-operation checks each
time you use the vehicle to make sure it
is in safe operating condition. Failure to
inspect or maintain the vehicle properly
increases the possibility of an accident
or equipment damage. See page 4-1
for a list of pre-operation checks.
This motorcycle is designed to car-
ry the operator and a passenger.
The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize motorcycles in traf-
fic is the predominating cause of
automobile/motorcycle accidents.
Many accidents have been caused
by an automobile driver who did
not see the motorcycle. Making
yourself conspicuous appears to
be very effective in reducing the
chance of this type of accident.
Therefore:
Wear a brightly colored jacket.
Use extra caution when you are
approaching and passing
through intersections, since in-
tersections are the most likely
places for motorcycle accidents
to occur.Ride where other motorists can
see you. Avoid riding in another
motorist’s blind spot.
Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators. In fact, many op-
erators who have been involved in
accidents do not even have a cur-
rent motorcycle license.
Make sure that you are qualified
and that you only lend your mo-
torcycle to other qualified opera-
tors.
Know your skills and limits.
Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.
We recommend that you prac-
tice riding your motorcycle
where there is no traffic until you
have become thoroughly famil-
iar with the motorcycle and all of
its controls.
Many accidents have been caused
by error of the motorcycle opera-
tor. A typical error made by the op-
erator is veering wide on a turn
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-1
3
EAU10460
Main switch/steering lock The main switch/steering lock controls
the ignition and lighting systems, and is
used to lock the steering. The various
positions are described below.
EAU36870
ON
All electrical circuits are supplied with
power, the meter lighting, taillight, li-
cense plate light and auxiliary lights
come on, and the engine can be start-
ed. The key cannot be removed.TIPThe headlight comes on automatically
when the engine is started and stays on
until the key is turned to “OFF”, even if
the engine stalls.
EAU10661
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
WARNING
EWA10061
Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the vehicle is moving.
Otherwise the electrical systems will
be switched off, which may result in
loss of control or an accident.
EAU10691
LOCK
The steering is locked, and all electrical
systems are off. The key can be re-
moved.To lock the steering
1. Turn the handlebars all the way to
the left or right.
2. Push the key in from the “OFF” po-
sition, and then turn it to “LOCK”
while still pushing it.
3. Remove the key.1. Push.
2. Turn.
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-2
3To unlock the steering
Push the key into the main switch, and
then turn it to “OFF” while still pushing
it.
EAU11004
Indicator and warning lights
EAU11020
Turn signal indicator light“”
This indicator light flashes when the
t u r n s i g n a l s w i t c h i s p u s h e d t o t h e l e f t o r
right.
EAU11060
Neutral indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAUM2294
Coolant temperature warning
light“”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine overheats. If this occurs, stop the
engine immediately and allow the en-
gine to cool.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”. The warning light should come
on for a few seconds, and then go off.
If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.NOTICE
ECA10021
Do not continue to operate the en-
gine if it is overheating.
1. Push.
2. Turn.
1. Neutral indicator light“”
2. Turn signal indicator light“”
3. High beam indicator light“”
4. Engine trouble warning light“”
5. Coolant temperature warning light“”
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-3
3
TIP
For radiator-fan-equipped vehi-
cles, the radiator fan(s) automati-
cally switch on or off according to
the coolant temperature in the ra-
diator.
If the engine overheats, see page
6-38 for further instructions.
EAUT1934
Engine trouble warning light“”
This warning light flashes or stays on if
an electrical circuit monitoring the en-
gine is not working correctly. If this oc-
curs, have a Yamaha dealer check the
self-diagnosis system.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”. The warning light should come
on for a few seconds, and then go off.
If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
EAU11872
Tachometer The electric tachometer allows the rider
to monitor the engine speed and keep it
within the ideal power range.
When the key is turned to “ON”, the ta-
chometer needle will sweep once
across the r/min range and then return
to zero r/min in order to test the electri-
cal circuit.NOTICE
ECA10031
Do not operate the engine in the ta-
chometer red zone.
Red zone: 10000 r/min and above
EAUM2303
Multi-function display
WARNING
EWA12312
Be sure to stop the vehicle before
making any setting changes to the
multi-function display. Changing
settings while riding can distract the
operator and increase the risk of an
accident.The multi-function display is equipped
with the following:
a speedometer (which shows the
riding speed)
an odometer (which shows the to-
tal distance traveled)
1. Tachometer
2. Tachometer red zone
1. Multi-function display
2.“RESET/SELECT” button
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
3
two tripmeters (which show the
distance traveled since they were
last set to zero)
a fuel reserve tripmeter (which
shows the distance traveled since
the fuel level warning light came
on)
a fuel meter
TIP
Be sure to turn the key to “ON” be-
fore using the “RESET/ SELECT”
button.
For the U.K. only: To switch the
speedometer and odometer/trip-
meter displays between kilometers
and miles, press the “RESET/SE-
LECT” button for at least eight sec-
onds.
Odometer and tripmeter modes
A brief push (less than one second) on
the “RESET/SELECT” button switches
the display between the odometer
mode “ODO” and the tripmeter modes
“TRIP 1” and “TRIP 2” in the following
order:
ODO → TRIP 1 → TRIP 2 → ODOWhen approximately 1.6 L (0.42 US
gal, 0.35 Imp.gal) of fuel remains in the
fuel tank, the odometer display will au-
tomatically change to the fuel reserve
tripmeter mode “F-TRIP” and start
counting the distance traveled from that
point, and the last segment of the fuel
meter will start flashing. In that case,
pushing the “RESET/SELECT” button
switches the display between the vari-
ous tripmeter and odometer modes in
the following order:
F-TRIP → TRIP 1 → TRIP 2 → ODO →
F-TRIP
To reset a tripmeter, select it by push-
ing the “RESET/SELECT” button briefly
(less than one second), and then push
the button again for at least three sec-
onds while the selected tripmeter is
flashing. If you do not reset the fuel re-
serve tripmeter manually, it will reset it-
self automatically and the display will
return to the prior mode after refueling
and traveling 5 km (3 mi).Fuel meter
The fuel meter indicates the amount of
fuel in the fuel tank. The display seg-
ments of the fuel meter disappear to-
wards “E” (Empty) as the fuel level
decreases. When the last fuel meter
segment starts flashing, refuel as soon
as possible.
1. Fuel meter
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