2021 YAMAHA MT-125 maintenance

PANTONE285C
MTN125-A (MT-125)
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B6G-F8199-E1
Read this manual carefully
before operating this vehicle.
MOTORCYCLE
OWNER’S MANUAL
Specifications
Consumer information
Motorcycle care and storage
Periodic maintenance and adjustment
For your safety – pre-operation checks
Instrument and control functions Description
Safety information
Operation and important riding points
Index
[English (E)]

Table of contentsSafety information ............................ 1-1
Description ....................................... 2-1
Left view ......................................... 2-1
Right view ....................................... 2-2
Controls and instruments ............... 2-3
Instrument an d control functions ... 3-1
Main switch/steering lock............... 3-1
Indicator lights and warning lights............................................ 3-2
Multi-function meter unit ................ 3-4
Handlebar switches ...................... 3-12
Clutch lever .................................. 3-13
Shift pedal .................................... 3-14
Brake lever.................................... 3-14
Brake pedal .................................. 3-14
ABS .............................................. 3-15
Fuel tank cap ................................ 3-16
Fuel ............................................... 3-16
Fuel tank breather hose and overflow hose ............................ 3-18
Catalytic converter ....................... 3-19
Seat .............................................. 3-19
Helmet holder ............................... 3-20
Sidestand ..................................... 3-20
Ignition circuit cut-off system ....... 3-21 For your safety – pre-operation
checks
............................................... 4-1
Operation an d important ri din g
points ................................................. 5-1
Engine break-in ............................... 5-1
Starting the engine .......................... 5-2
Shifting ............................................ 5-3
Tips for reducing fuel consumption ................................ 5-4
Parking ............................................ 5-4
Perio dic maintenance an d
a d justment ........................................ 6-1
Tool kit ............................................ 6-2
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system .............. 6-3
General maintenance and lubrication chart ........................... 6-4
Removing and installing cowlings... 6-8
Checking the spark plug ................. 6-8
Canister ........................................... 6-9
Engine oil and oil filter element ..... 6-10
Why Yamalube .............................. 6-12
Coolant.......................................... 6-13
Replacing the air filter element
and cleaning the check hose..... 6-14
Adjusting the engine idling speed ......................................... 6-15
Adjusting the throttle grip free play ............................................ 6-16 Valve clearance............................. 6-16
Tires .............................................. 6-17
Cast wheels .................................. 6-19
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play ............................................ 6-19
Checking the front brake lever free play..................................... 6-20
Adjusting the brake pedal free
play ............................................ 6-21
Brake light switches ..................... 6-21
Checking the front and rear brake pads .......................................... 6-22
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-22
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-24
Drive chain slack........................... 6-24
Cleaning and lubricating the drive chain.......................................... 6-25
Checking and lubricating the cables ........................................ 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-26
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift pedals............... 6-27
Checking and lubricating the brake and clutch levers ............. 6-27
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand................................... 6-28
Lubricating the rear suspension ... 6-28
Checking the front fork ................. 6-29
Checking the steering................... 6-29
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-30UB6GE1E0.book Page 1 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

1-1
1
Safety information
EAU1028C
Be a Responsible Owner
As the vehicle’s owner, you are re-
sponsible for the safe and proper oper-
ation 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 be-
fore 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. 
Never operate a motorcycle with-
out proper training or instruction.
Take a training course. Beginners
should receive training from a cer-
tified instructor. Contact an autho-
rized motorcycle dealer to find out
about the training courses nearest
you.
Safe Ri din g
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 vehi-
cle 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
carry the operator and a passen-
ger.
 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 ap- pears to be very effective in reduc-
ing 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.
• Never maintain a motorcycle without proper knowledge.
Contact an authorized motorcy-
cle dealer to inform you on ba-
sic motorcycle maintenance.
Certain maintenance can only
be carried out by certified staff.UB6GE1E0.book Page 1 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-3
3
EAU88330
Malfunction in dicator li ght
(MIL) “ ”
This light comes on or flashes if a prob-
lem is detected in the engine or other
vehicle control system. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the on-
board diagnostic system. The electri-
cal circuit of the warning light can be
checked by vehicle power on. The light
should come on for a few seconds,
and then go off. If the light does not
come on initially when the vehicle pow-
er on, or if the light remains on, have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.NOTICE
ECA26820
If the MIL starts flashin g, re duce en-
g ine speed to prevent exhaust sys-
tem damag e.TIPThe engine is sensitively controlled for
the on-board diagnostic system to de-
tect deterioration and malfunction of
the emission control system. Due to
this specification, the MIL may come
on or flash for vehicle modifications,
lack of maintenance, or excessive or improper use of the motorcycle. To
prevent this, observe these precau-
tions.
 Do not attempt to modify the soft-
ware of the engine control unit.
 Do not add any electrical acces-
sories that interfere with engine
control.
 Do not use aftermarket accesso-
ries or parts such as suspension,
spark plugs, injectors, exhaust
system, etc.
 Do not change drivetrain specifi-
cations (chain, sprockets, wheels,
tires, etc.).
 Do not remove or alter the O2 sen-
sor, air induction system, or ex-
haust parts (catalysts or EXUP,
etc.).
 Maintain proper drive chain.
 Maintain correct tire pressure.
 Maintain proper brake pedal
height to prevent rear brake from
dragging.
 Do not operate the vehicle in an
extreme manner. For example, re-
peated or excessive opening and closing of the throttle, racing,
burnouts, wheelies, extended
half-clutch use, etc.
EAU69895
ABS warnin
g li ght “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
vehicle is first turned on, and goes off
after starting riding. If the warning light
comes on while riding, the anti-lock
brake system may not work correctly.
WARNING
EWA16043
If the ABS warnin g li ght does not
turn off after reachin g 10 km/h (6
mi/h), or if the warnin g li ght comes
on while ri din g:
 Use extra caution to avoi d pos-
si ble wheel lock d uring emer-
g ency brakin g.
 Have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle as soon as possi ble.
EAU80372
Shift li ght
This light can be set to come on and go
off at select engine speeds. (See page
3-10.)
ABS
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Instrument and control functions
3-19
3
EAU13435
Catalytic converterThe exhaust system contains catalytic
converter(s) to reduce harmful exhaust
emissions.
WARNING
EWA10863
The exhaust system is hot after op-
eration. To prevent a fire hazar d or
b urns:
 Do not park the vehicle near
possi ble fire hazard s such as
g rass or other materials that
easily burn.
 Park the vehicle in a place
where ped estrians or chil dren
are not likely to touch the hot
exhaust system.
 Make sure that the exhaust sys-
tem has cooled down before
d oin g any maintenance work.
 Do not allow the en gine to i dle
more than a few minutes. Lon g
i d lin g can cause a b uild-up of
heat.
EAU57992
SeatTo remove the seat 1. Open the seat lock cover, insert the key into the seat lock, and then
turn the key counterclockwise.
2. While holding the key in that posi- tion, slide the seat backward and
then lift the rear of the seat up, and
then pull the seat off.
To install the seat 1. Insert the projections into the seat holders as shown. 2. Push the rear of the seat down to
lock it in place.
3. Remove the key.
TIPMake sure that the seat is properly se-
cured before riding.
1. Seat lock cover
2. Seat lock
3. Turn.
1 2 3
UB6GE1E0.book Page 19 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

For your safety – pre-operation checks
4-1
4
EAU1559B
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
EWA11152
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an acci dent or equipment damag e.
Do not operate the vehicle if you fin d any pro blem. If a pro blem cannot be corrected b y the proce dures provi ded in
this manual, have the vehicle inspecte d b y a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel • Check fuel level in fuel tank.
• Refuel if necessary.
• Check fuel line for leakage.
• Check fuel tank breather hose and overflow hose for obstructions, cracks or
damage, and check hose connections. 3-16, 3-18
En gine oil • Check oil level in engine.
• If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
• Check vehicle for oil leakage. 6-10
Coolant • Check coolant level in reservoir.
• If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
• Check cooling system for leakage. 6-13
Front brake • Check operation.
• If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
• Check brake pads for wear.
• Replace if necessary.
• Check fluid level in reservoir.
• If necessary, add specified brake fluid to specified level.
• Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-22, 6-22
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-1
6
EAU17246
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and
lubrication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition
possible. Safety is an obligation of the
vehicle owner/operator. The most im-
portant points of vehicle inspection,
adjustment, and lubrication are ex-
plained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance charts should be simply
considered as a general guide under
normal riding conditions. However, de-
pending on the weather, terrain, geo-
graphical location, and individual use,
the maintenance intervals may need to
be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10322
Failure to properly maintain the vehi-
cle or performin g maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while usin g the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha d ealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15123
Turn off the en gine when performin g
maintenance unless otherwise
specified .
 A runnin g en gine has movin g
parts that can catch on b ody
parts or clothin g an d electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.
 Runnin g the eng ine while ser-
vicin g can lead to eye injury,
b urns, fire, or car bon monoxi de
poisonin g – possi bly lea din g to
d eath. See pag e 1-3 for more in-
formation a bout car bon monox-
i d e.
WARNING
EWA15461
Brake discs, calipers, drums, an d
linin gs can b ecome very hot during
use. To avoi d possi ble burns, let
b rake components cool before
touching them.
EAU17303
Emission controls not only function to
ensure cleaner air, but are also vital to
proper engine operation and maximum
performance. In the following periodic
maintenance charts, the services relat-
ed to emissions control are grouped
separately. These services require
specialized data, knowledge, and
equipment. Maintenance, replace-
ment, or repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be per-
formed by any repair establishment or
individual that is certified (if applicable).
Yamaha dealers are trained and
equipped to perform these particular
services.
UB6GE1E0.book Page 1 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-2
6
EAU85230
Tool kitThe tool kit is in the location shown.
The information included in this manual
and the tools provided in the tool kit are
intended to assist you in the perfor-
mance of preventive maintenance and
minor repairs. However, a torque
wrench and other tools are necessary
to perform certain maintenance work
correctly.TIPIf you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
your Yamaha dealer perform it for you.1. Tool kit
1
UB6GE1E0.book Page 2 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM