2012 YAMAHA YZ125LC gas type

1-12
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
FUEL
Mix oil with the gas at the ratio speci-
fied below. Always use fresh, name-
brand gasoline, and mix the oil and gas
the day of the race. Do not use premix
that is more than a few hours old.
If knocking or pinging occurs, use a
different brand of gasoline or higher
octane grade.
Never mix two types of oil in the
same batch; clotting of the oil
could result. If you wish to change
oil types, be sure to drain the fuel
tank and the carburetor float bowl
of old premix prior to filling with
the new type.
HANDLING NOTE
Before starting the machine, per-
form the checks in the pre-opera-
tion check list.
Never start or run the engine in a
closed area. The exhaust fumes are
poisonous; they can cause loss of
consciousness and death in a very
short time. Always operate the ma-
chine in a well-ventilated area.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
According to "CLEANING THE AIR
FILTER ELEMENT" section in the
CHAPTER 3, apply the foam-air-filter
oil or its equivalent to the element.
(Excess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
1. Shift the transmission into neutral.
2. Turn the fuel cock to "ON" and full
open the starter knob (CHOKE).
3. With the throttle completely
closed start the engine by kicking
the kick starter forcefully with firm
stroke.
4. Run the engine at idle or slightly
higher until it warms up: this usu-
ally takes about one or two min-
utes.
5. The engine is warmed up when it
responds normally to the throttle
with the starter knob (CHOKE)
turned off.
Do not warm up the engine for ex-
tended periods of time.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
Do not operate the starter knob
(CHOKE). Open the throttle slightly
and start the engine by kicking the
kick starter forcefully with firm stroke.
Observe the following break-in
procedures during initial operation
to ensure optimum performance
and avoid engine damage.
BREAK-IN PROCEDURES
1. Before starting the engine, fill the
fuel tank with a break-in oil-fuel
mixture as follows.
2. Perform the pre-operation checks
on the machine.
3. Start and warm up the engine.
Check the idle speed, and check
the operation of the controls and
the "ENGINE STOP" button.
4. Operate the machine in the lower
gears at moderate throttle open-
ings for five to eight minutes. Stop
and check the spark plug condi-
tion; it will show a rich condition
during break-in.5. Allow the engine to cool. Restart
the engine and operate the ma-
chine as in the step above for five
minutes. Then, very briefly shift to
the higher gears and check full-
throttle response. Stop and check
the spark plug.
6. After again allowing the engine to
cool, restart and run the machine
for five more minutes. Full throttle
and the higher gears may be
used, but sustained full-throttle
operation should be avoided.
Check the spark plug condition.
7. Allow the engine to cool, remove
the top end, and inspect the pis-
ton and cylinder. Remove any
high spots on the piston with #600
grit wet sandpaper. Clean all
components and carefully reas-
semble the top end.
8. Drain the break-in oil-fuel mixture
from the fuel tank and refill with
the specified mix.
9. Restart the engine and check the
operation of the machine through-
out its entire operating range.
Stop and check the spark plug
condition. Restart the machine
and operate it for about 10 to 15
more minutes. The machine will
now be ready to race.
• After the break-in or before each
race, you must check the entire
machine for loose fittings and
fasteners as per "TORQUE-
CHECK POINTS". Tighten all
such fasteners as required.
• When any of the following parts
have been replaced, they must
be broken in.
CYLINDER AND CRANKSHAFT:
About one hour of break-in oper-
ation is necessary.
PISTON, RING AND GEARS:
These parts require about 30
minutes of break-in operation at
half-throttle or less. Observe the
condition of the engine carefully
during operation.
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded
gasoline only with a re-
search octane number
of 95 or higher.
Fuel tank capacity:
8.0 L (1.76 Imp gal, 2.11
US gal)
Mixing oil:
Recommended oil:
Yamalube "2-R"
(Yamalube racing 2-
cycle oil)
Mixing ratio: 30:1
If unavailable, use an
equivalent type of oil.
Mixing oil:
Yamalube "2-R"
Mixing ratio:
15:1

2-1
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model name: YZ125B (USA, CDN, AUS, NZ)
YZ125 (EUROPE, ZA)
Model code number: 1SR1 (USA, CDN)
1SR2 (EUROPE)
1SR4 (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:
Curb weight 94 kg (207 lb)
Engine:
Engine type Liquid cooled 2-stroke, gasoline
Cylinder arrangement Single cylinder
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

2-2
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINETransmission:
Primary reduction system Gear
Primary reduction ratio 3.368 (64/19)
Final drive Chain
Secondary reduction ratio 3.692 (48/13)
Transmission type Constant mesh, 6-speed
Operation Left foot operation
Gear ratio:
1st 2.385 (31/13)
2nd 1.933 (29/15)
3rd 1.588 (27/17)
4th 1.353 (23/17)
5th 1.200 (24/20)
6th 1.095 (23/21)
Chassis: USA, ZA, AUS, NZ EUROPE, CDN
Frame type Semi double cradle←
Caster angle 25.50 ° 25.60 °
Trail 105 mm (4.13 in) 107 mm (4.21 in)
Tire:
Type With tube
Size (front) 80/100-21 51M
Size (rear) 100/90-19 57M
Tire pressure (front and rear) 100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm
2, 15 psi)
Brake:
Front brake type Single disc brake
Operation Right hand operation
Rear brake type Single disc brake
Operation Right foot operation
Suspension:
Front suspension Telescopic fork
Rear suspension Swingarm (link type monocross suspension)
Shock absorber:
Front shock absorber Coil spring/oil damper
Rear shock absorber Coil spring/gas, oil damper
Wheel travel:
Front wheel travel 300 mm (11.8 in)
Rear wheel travel 315 mm (12.4 in)
Electrical:
Ignition system CDI magneto
Item Standard Limit
Cylinder head:
Combustion chamber volume 8.4 cm
3 (0.296 Imp oz, 0.284 US oz) ----
Warp limit ---- 0.03 mm
(0.0012 in)

2-5
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
CHASSISCooling:
Radiator core size:
Width 107.8 mm (4.24 in) ----
Height (left) 240 mm (9.45 in) ----
Height (right) 220 mm (8.66 in) ----
Thickness 32 mm (1.26 in) ----
Radiator cap opening pressure 95–125 kPa (0.95–1.25 kg/cm
2, 13.5–17.8 psi) ----
Radiator capacity (total) 0.56 L (0.49 Imp qt, 0.59 US qt) ----
Water pump:
Type Single-suction centrifugal pump ----
Item Standard Limit
Steering system:
Steering bearing typeTaper roller bearing ----
Front suspension: USA, CDN, ZA, AUS,
NZEUROPE
Front fork travel 300 mm (11.8 in)←----
Fork spring free length 454 mm (17.9 in)←449 mm (17.7
in)
Spring rate, STD K=4.1 N/mm (0.418 kg/
mm, 23.4 lb/in)←----
Optional spring Yes←----
Oil capacity 524 cm
3 (18.4 Imp oz,
17.7 US oz)526 cm3 (18.5 Imp oz,
17.8 US oz)----
Oil grade Suspension oil "S1"←----
Inner tube outer diameter 48 mm (1.89 in)←----
Front fork top end 5 mm (0.2 in)←----
Rear suspension: USA, CDN, ZA, AUS,
NZEUROPE
Shock absorber travel 131.5 mm (5.18 in)←----
Spring free length Approx.265 mm (10.43
in)←----
Fitting length*----
I.D. mark (Red/1) 258 mm (10.16 in) 252 mm (9.92 in) ----
I.D. mark (Red/2) 264 mm (10.39 in) 258 mm (10.16 in) ----
I.D. mark (Red/3) 255.5 mm (10.06 in) 249.5 mm (9.82 in) ----
Preload length
1.5–18 mm (0.06–0.71
in)←----
Spring rate, STD K=46.0 N/mm (4.70 kg/
mm, 263.2 lb/in)←----
Optional spring Yes←----
Enclosed gas pressure 1,000 kPa (10 kg/cm
2,
142 psi)←----
* Spring specification varies according to the differ-
ence in the production lot.Item Standard Limit

3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
REGULAR INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
• The following schedule is intended as a general guide to maintenance and lubrication. Bear in mind that such factors as
weather, terrain, geographical location, and individual usage will alter the required maintenance and lubrication intervals.
If you are a doubt as to what intervals to follow in maintaining and lubricating your machine, consult your Yamaha dealer.
• Periodic inspection is essential in making full use of the machine performance. The service life of the parts varies sub-
stantially according to the environment in which the machine runs (e.g., rain, dirt, etc.). Therefore, earlier inspection is
required by reference to the list below.
ItemAfter
break-in
Every
race
(about
2.5
hours)Every
third
(about
7.5
hours)Every
fifth
(about
12.5
hours)
As re-
quiredRemarks
PISTON
Inspect and clean●●Inspect crack.
Replace●●Inspect carbon deposits and
eliminate them.
PISTON RING
Inspect●●Check ring end gap.
Replace●●
PISTON PIN, SMALL END
BEARING
Inspect●
Replace●
CYLINDER HEAD Inspect carbon deposits and
eliminate them.
Inspect and clean●●Check gasket.
Retighten●●
CYLINDER
Inspect and clean●●Inspect score marks.
Replace●Inspect wear.
YPVS
Inspect and clean●●Inspect carbon deposits and
eliminate them.
CLUTCH
Inspect and adjust●●Inspect housing, friction plate,
clutch plate and spring.
Replace●
TRANSMISSION
Replace oil●●Recommended brand: YA-
MALUBE
SAE10W-40
API service SG type or higher
JASO standard MA
Inspect●
Replace bearing●
SHIFT FORK, SHIFT CAM,
GUIDE BAR
Inspect●Inspect wear

3-9
CHASSIS
c. Inspect the gasket (oil check bolt),
replace if damaged.
d. Tighten the oil check bolt.
CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION
OIL
1. Start the engine and warm it up
for several minutes and wait for
five minute.
2. Place the machine on a level
place and hold it on upright posi-
tion by placing the suitable stand
under the engine.
3. Place a suitable container under
the engine.
4. Remove:
• Oil drain bolt "1"
• Oil filler cap "2"
Drain the transmission oil.
5. Install:
• Aluminum washer
• Oil drain bolt "1"6. Fill:
• Transmission oil
7. Check:
• Oil leakage
8. Check:
• Transmission oil level
9. Install:
• Oil filler cap "2"
ADJUSTING THE PILOT SCREW
1. Adjust:
• Pilot air screw "1"
Adjustment steps:
a. Screw in the pilot air screw until it
is lightly seated.
b. Back out by the specified number
of turns.
ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING
SPEED
1. Start the engine and thoroughly
warm it up.
2. Adjust:
• Engine idling speed
Adjustment steps:
a. Loosen the locknut "1".
b. Turn the throttle stop screw "2"
until the engine runs at the lowest
possible speed.
c. Tighten the locknut.
CHECKING THE EXHAUST PIPE
1. Inspect:
• O-ring "1"
Damage→Replace.
Install the O-rings with their de-
pressed "a" facing outward.
CHASSIS
BLEEDING THE HYDRAULIC
BRAKE SYSTEM
Bleed the brake system if:
• The system has been disassem-
bled.
• A brake hose has been loosened
or removed.
• The brake fluid is very low.
• The brake operation is faulty.
A dangerous loss of braking per-
formance may occur if the brake
system is not properly bled.
1. Remove:
• Brake master cylinder cap
• Diaphragm
• Reservoir float (front brake)
• Protector (rear brake)
2. Bleed:
• Brake fluid
Air bleeding steps:
a. Add proper brake fluid to the res-
ervoir.
b. Install the diaphragm. Be careful
not to spill any fluid or allow the
reservoir to overflow.
c. Connect the clear plastic tube "2"
tightly to the caliper bleed screw
"1". Oil check bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Oil drain bolt:
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Recommended brand:
YAMALUBE
Recommended engine
oil type
SAE10W-40
Recommended engine
oil grade
API service SG type or
higher
JASO standard MA
Oil capacity (periodic oil
change):
0.66 L (0.58 Imp qt, 0.69
US qt)
Pilot air screw:
2-1/4 turns out
To increase idle speed→Turn the
throttle stop screw "2" in.
To decrease idle speed→Turn the
throttle stop screw "2" out.

3-19
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
CHECKING THE SPARK PLUG
1. Remove:
• Spark plug
2. Inspect:
• Electrode "1"
Wear/damage→Replace.
• Insulator color "2"
Normal condition is a medium to
light tan color.
Distinctly different color→Check
the engine condition.
When the engine runs for many hours
at low speeds, the spark plug insula-
tor will become sooty, even if the en-
gine and carburetor are in good
operating condition.
3. Measure:
• Plug gap "a"
Use a wire gauge or thickness
gauge.
Out of specification→Regap.
4. Clean the plug with a spark plug
cleaner if necessary.
5. Tighten:
• Spark plug
• Before installing a spark plug, clean
the gasket surface and plug sur-
face.
• Finger-tighten "a" the spark plug
before torquing to specification "b".
CHECKING THE IGNITION TIMING
1. Remove:
•Fuel tank
Refer to "SEAT, FUEL TANK
AND SIDE COVERS" section in
the CHAPTER 4.
• Spark plug
• Crankcase cover (left)
2. Attach:
• Dial gauge "1"
• Spark plug hole dial stand "2"
3. Rotate the magneto rotor "1" until
the piston reaches top dead cen-
ter (TDC). When this happens,
the needle on the dial gauge will
stop and reverse directions even
though the rotor is being turned in
the same direction.
4. Set the dial gauge to zero at TDC.
5. From TDC, rotate the rotor clock-
wise until the dial gauge indicates
that the piston is at a specified
distance from TDC.
6. Check:
• Ignition timing
Punch mark "a" on rotor should be
aligned with punch mark "b" on
stator.
Not aligned→Adjust.7. Adjust:
• Ignition timing
Adjustment steps:
a. Loosen the screws (stator) "1".
b. Align the punch mark on the rotor
with punch mark on the stator "2"
by moving the stator.
c. Tighten the screws (stator).
Spark plug gap:
0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–
0.028 in)
Standard spark plug:
BR9EVX/NGK (resistance type)
Spark plug:
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Dial gauge:
YU-3097/90890-01252
Spark plug hole dial
stand:
YU-1256
Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.):
0.48 mm (0.019 in)
Screw (stator):
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)

5-40
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER
HANDLING NOTE
• Support the machine securely so
there is no danger of it falling
over.
• This rear shock absorber is pro-
vided with a separate type tank
filled with high-pressure nitro-
gen gas. To prevent the danger
of explosion, read and under-
stand the following information
before handling the shock ab-
sorber. The manufacturer can
not be held responsible for prop-
erty damage or personal injury
that may result from improper
handling.
• Never tamper or attempt to dis-
assemble the cylinder or the
tank.
• Never throw the rear shock ab-
sorber into an open flame or
other high heat. The rear shock
absorber may explode as a re-
sult of nitrogen gas expansion
and/ or damage to the hose.
• Be careful not to damage any
part of the gas tank. A damaged
gas tank will impair the damp-
ing performance or cause a
malfunction.
• Take care not to scratch the
contact surface of the piston
rod with the cylinder; or oil
could leak out.
• Never attempt to remove the
plug at the bottom of the nitro-
gen gas tank. It is very danger-
ous to remove the plug.
• When scrapping the rear shock
absorber, follow the instruc-
tions on disposal.
NOTES ON DISPOSAL (YAMAHA
DEALERS ONLY)
Before disposing the rear shock ab-
sorber, be sure to extract the nitrogen
gas from valve "1". Wear eye protec-
tion to prevent eye damage from es-
caping gas and/or metal chips.
To dispose of a damaged or worn-
out rear shock absorber, take the
unit to your Yamaha dealer for this
disposal procedure.
REMOVING THE BEARING
1. Remove:
• Stopper ring (upper bearing) "1"
Press in the bearing while pressing its
outer race and remove the stopper
ring.
2. Remove:
• Upper bearing "1"
Remove the bearing by pressing its
outer race.
3. Remove:
• Lower bearing "1"
Remove the bearing by pressing its
outer race.
CHECKING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER
1. Inspect:
• Damper rod "1"
Bends/damage→Replace rear
shock absorber assembly.
• Shock absorber "2"
Oil leaks→Replace rear shock
absorber assembly.
Gas leaks→Replace rear shock
absorber assembly.
• Spring "3"
Damage→Replace spring.
Fatigue→Replace spring.
Move spring up and down.
• Spring guide "4"
Wear/damage→Replace spring
guide.
• Spring seat "5"
Cracks/damage →Replace.
• Bearing "6"
Free play exists/unsmooth revolu-
tion/rust →Replace.
INSTALLING THE BEARING
1. Install:
• Upper bearing "1"
Install the bearing parallel until the
stopper ring groove appears by
pressing its outer race.
Do not apply the grease on the
bearing outer race because it will
wear the rear shock absorber sur-
face on which the bearing is press
fitted.