
FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of 
a Yamaha YZ series. This model is 
the culmination of Yamaha's vast ex-
perience in the production of paceset-
ting racing machines. It represents 
the highest grade of craftsmanship 
and reliability that have made Yama-
ha a leader.
This manual explains operation, in-
spection, basic maintenance and tun-
ing of your machine. If you have any 
questions about this manual or your 
machine, please contact your Yama-
ha dealer.
Yamaha continually seeks advance-
ments in product design and quality. 
Therefore, while this manual contains 
the most current product information 
available at the time of printing, there 
may be minor discrepancies between 
your machine and this manual. If you 
have any questions concerning this 
manual, please consult your Yamaha 
dealer.
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL 
CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY 
BEFORE OPERATING THIS MA-
CHINE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OP-
ERATE THIS MACHINE UNTIL YOU 
HAVE ATTAINED A SATISFACTO-
RY KNOWLEDGE OF ITS CON-
TROLS AND OPERATING 
FEATURES AND UNTIL YOU HAVE 
BEEN TRAINED IN SAFE AND 
PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES. 
REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND 
CAREFUL MAINTENANCE, 
ALONG WITH GOOD RIDING 
SKILLS, WILL ENSURE THAT YOU 
SAFETY ENJOY THE CAPABILI-
TIES AND THE RELIABILITY OF 
THIS MACHINE.
IMPORTANT MANUAL 
INFORMATION
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 per-
sonal injury hazards. Obey all safe-
ty 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 in-
jury. 
A NOTICE indicates special pre-
cautions that must be taken to 
avoid damage to the vehicle or oth-
er property. 
A TIP provides key information to 
make procedures easier or clearer. 
SAFETY INFORMATION
THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED 
STRICTLY FOR COMPETITION 
USE, ONLY ON A CLOSED 
COURSE. It is illegal for this machine 
to be operated on any public street, 
road, or highway. Off-road use on 
public lands may also be illegal. 
Please check local regulations before 
riding.
• THIS MACHINE IS TO BE OPER-
ATED BY AN EXPERIENCED RID-
ER ONLY.
Do not attempt to operate this ma-
chine at maximum power until you 
are totally familiar with its character-
istics.
• THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED TO 
BE RIDDEN BY THE OPERATOR 
ONLY.
Do not carry passengers on this 
machine.
• ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE 
APPAREL.
When operating this machine, al-
ways wear an approved helmet with 
goggles or a face shield. Also wear 
heavy boots, gloves, and protective 
clothing. Always wear proper fitting 
clothing that will not be caught in 
any of the moving parts or controls 
of the machine.• ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR MA-
CHINE IN PROPER WORKING 
ORDER.
For safety and reliability, the ma-
chine must be properly maintained. 
Always perform the pre-operation 
checks indicated in this manual. 
Correcting a mechanical problem 
before you ride may prevent an ac-
cident.
• GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMA-
BLE.
Always turn off the engine while re-
fueling. Take care to not spill any 
gasoline on the engine or exhaust 
system. Never refuel in the vicinity 
of an open flame, or while smoking.
• GASOLINE CAN CAUSE INJURY.
If you should swallow some gaso-
line, inhale excess gasoline vapors, 
or allow any gasoline to get into 
your eyes, contact a doctor immedi-
ately. If any gasoline spills onto 
your skin or clothing, immediately 
wash skin areas with soap and wa-
ter, and change your clothes.
• ONLY OPERATE THE MACHINE 
IN AN AREA WITH ADEQUATE 
VENTILATION.
Never start the engine or let it run 
for any length of time in an enclosed 
area. Exhaust fumes are poison-
ous. These fumes contain carbon 
monoxide, which by itself is odor-
less and colorless. Carbon monox-
ide is a dangerous gas which can 
cause unconsciousness or can be 
lethal.
• PARK THE MACHINE CAREFUL-
LY; TURN OFF THE ENGINE.
Always turn off the engine if you are 
going to leave the machine. Do not 
park the machine on a slope or soft 
ground as it may fall over.
• THE ENGINE, EXHAUST PIPE, 
MUFFLER, AND OIL TANK WILL 
BE VERY HOT AFTER THE EN-
GINE HAS BEEN RUN.
Be careful not to touch them or to 
allow any clothing item to contact 
them during inspection or repair.
• PROPERLY SECURE THE MA-
CHINE BEFORE TRANSPORTING 
IT.
When transporting the machine in 
another vehicle, always be sure it is 
properly secured and in an upright 
position and that the fuel cock is in 
the "OFF" position. Otherwise, fuel 
may leak out of the carburetor or 
fuel tank. 

HOW TO READ DESCRIPTIONS
To help identify parts and clarify pro-
cedure steps, there are exploded dia-
grams at the start of each removal 
and disassembly section.
1. An easy-to-see exploded diagram 
"1" is provided for removal and 
disassembly jobs.
2. Numbers "2" are given in the or-der of the jobs in the exploded di-
agram. A number that is enclosed 
by a circle indicates a disassem-
bly step.
3. An explanation of jobs and notes 
is presented in an easy-to-read 
way by the use of symbol marks 
"3". The meanings of the symbol 
marks are given on the next page.4. A job instruction chart "4" accom-
panies the exploded diagram, 
providing the order of jobs, names 
of parts, notes in jobs, etc.
5. For jobs requiring more informa-
tion, the step-by-step format sup-
plements "5" are given in addition 
to the exploded diagram and job 
instruction chart.
ILLUSTRATED SYMBOLS (Refer to 
the illustration)Illustrated symbols "1" to "7" are used 
to identify the specifications appear-
ing in the text.
1. With engine mounted
2. Filling fluid
3. Lubricant
4. Special tool
5. Tightening
6. Specified value, Service limit
7. Resistance (Ω), Voltage (V), 
Electric current (A)    
Illustrated symbols "8" to "14" in the 
exploded diagrams indicate grade of 
lubricant and location of lubrication 
point.
8. Apply engine mixing oil
9. Apply transmission oil
10. Apply molybdenum disulfide oil
11. Apply brake fluid
12. Apply lightweight lithium-soap 
base grease
13. Apply molybdenum disulfide 
grease
14. Apply silicone greaseIllustrated symbols "15" to "16" in the 
exploded diagrams indicate where to 
apply a locking agent and where to in-
stall new parts.
15. Apply locking agent (LOC-
TITE
®)  
16. Use new one
1
23
45 

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 

1-7
CHECKING OF CONNECTION
4. During the machine disassembly, 
clean all parts and place them in 
trays in the order of disassembly. 
This will speed up assembly time 
and help assure that all parts are 
correctly reinstalled.
5. Keep away from fire.
ALL REPLACEMENT PARTS
1. We recommend to use Yamaha 
genuine parts for all replace-
ments. Use oil and/or grease rec-
ommended by Yamaha for 
assembly and adjustment.
GASKETS, OIL SEALS AND O-
RINGS
1. All gaskets, oil seals, and O-rings 
should be replaced when an en-
gine is overhauled. All gasket sur-
faces, oil seal lips, and O-rings 
must be cleaned.
2. Properly oil all mating parts and 
bearings during reassembly. Ap-
ply grease to the oil seal lips.
LOCK WASHERS/PLATES AND 
COTTER PINS
1. All lock washers/plates "1" and 
cotter pins must be replaced 
when they are removed. Lock 
tab(s) should be bent along the 
bolt or nut flat(s) after the bolt or 
nut has been properly tightened.BEARINGS AND OIL SEALS
1. Install the bearing(s) "1" and oil 
seal(s) "2" with their manufactur-
er's marks or numbers facing out-
ward. (In other words, the 
stamped letters must be on the 
side exposed to view.) When in-
stalling oil seal(s), apply a light 
coating of lightweight lithium base 
grease to the seal lip(s). Oil the 
bearings liberally when installing.
Do not use compressed air to spin 
the bearings dry. This causes dam-
age to the bearing surfaces.
CIRCLIPS
1. All circlips should be inspected 
carefully before reassembly. Al-
ways replace piston pin clips after 
one use. Replace distorted cir-
clips. When installing a circlip "1", 
make sure that the sharp-edged 
corner "2" is positioned opposite 
to the thrust "3" it receives. See 
the sectional view.
CHECKING OF 
CONNECTION
Dealing with stains, rust, moisture, 
etc. on the connector.
1. Disconnect:
• Connector
2. Dry each terminal with an air 
blower.3. Connect and disconnect the con-
nector two or three times.
4. Pull the lead to check that it will 
not come off.
5. If the terminal comes off, bend up 
the pin "1" and reinsert the termi-
nal into the connector.
6. Connect:
• Connector
The two connectors "click" together.
7. Check for continuity with a tester.
• If there in no continuity, clean the 
terminals.
• Be sure to perform the steps 1 to 7 
listed above when checking the 
wire harness.
• For a field remedy, use a contact re-
vitalizer available on the market.
• Use the tester on the connector as 
shown. 

1-10
SPECIAL TOOLS
Fork seal driver
YM-A0948, 90890-01502 This tool is used when install the fork 
oil seal.
Spoke nipple wrench
YM-01521, 90890-01521 This tool is used to tighten the 
spoke.
Pocket tester
YU-3112-C, 90890-03112 Use this tool to inspect the coil resis-
tance, output voltage and amper-
age.
Clutch holding tool
YM-91042, 90890-04086This tool is used to hold the clutch 
when removing or installing the 
clutch boss securing nut.
Dynamic spark tester
YM-34487
Ignition checker
90890-06754This instrument is necessary for 
checking the ignition system compo-
nents.
Yamaha Bond No. 1215 (Three-
Bond
® No. 1215)            
90890-85505This sealant (Bond) is used for 
crankcase mating surface, etc. Tool name/Part number How to use Illustration 

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 

1-14
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING
Frequent cleaning of your machine 
will enhance its appearance, maintain 
good overall performance, and ex-
tend the life of many components.
1. Before washing the machine, 
block off the end of the exhaust 
pipe to prevent water from enter-
ing. A plastic bag secured with a 
rubber band may be used for this 
purpose.
2. If the engine is excessively 
greasy, apply some degreaser to 
it with a paint brush. Do not apply 
degreaser to the chain, sprockets, 
or wheel axles.
3. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off 
with a garden hose; use only 
enough pressure to do the job.
Do not use high-pressure washers 
or steam-jet cleaners since they 
cause water seepage and deterio-
ration seals.
4. After the majority of the dirt has 
been hosed off, wash all surfaces 
with warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Use an old toothbrush to 
clean hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the machine off immediate-
ly with clean water, and dry all 
surfaces with a soft towel or cloth.
6. Immediately after washing, re-
move excess water from the 
chain with a paper towel and lubri-
cate the chain to prevent rust.
7. Clean the seat with a vinyl uphol-
stery cleaner to keep the cover 
pliable and glossy.
8. Automotive wax may be applied 
to all painted or chromed surfac-
es. Avoid combination cleaner-
waxes, as they may contain abra-
sives.
9. After completing the above, start 
the engine and allow it to idle for 
several minutes.STORAGE
If your machine is to be stored for 60 
days or more, some preventive mea-
sures must be taken to avoid deterio-
ration. After cleaning the machine 
thoroughly, prepare it for storage as 
follows:
1. Drain the fuel tank, fuel lines, and 
the carburetor float bowl.
2. Remove the spark plug, pour a ta-
blespoon of SAE 10W-40 motor 
oil in the spark plug hole, and re-
install the plug. With the engine 
stop switch pushed in, kick the en-
gine over several times to coat the 
cylinder walls with oil.
3. Remove the drive chain, clean it 
thoroughly with solvent, and lubri-
cate it. Reinstall the chain or store 
it in a plastic bag tied to the frame.
4. Lubricate all control cables.
5. Block the frame up to raise the 
wheels off the ground.
6. Tie a plastic bag over the exhaust 
pipe outlet to prevent moisture 
from entering.
7. If the machine is to be stored in a 
humid or salt-air environment, 
coat all exposed metal surfaces 
with a film of light oil. Do not apply 
oil to rubber parts or the seat cov-
er.
Make any necessary repairs before 
the machine is stored. 

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