
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 oper-
ate the machine 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:YZ125D (USA, CDN, AUS, NZ)
YZ125 (EUROPE, ZA)
Model code number: 1SR5 (USA, CDN)
1SR6 (EUROPE)
1SR8 (AUS, NZ, ZA)
Dimensions: USA, AUS, NZ, ZAEUROPE, 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 (2.1 × 2.1 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 on ly 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 TMX χ38SS/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 

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 

3-9
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 AIR 
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.