2021 YAMAHA MT-125 suspension

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

Safety information
1-3
1Avoi
d Car bon Monoxi de Poisonin g
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing
carbon monoxide can cause head-
aches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea,
confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas which may be pres-
ent even if you do not see or smell any
engine exhaust. Deadly levels of car-
bon monoxide can collect rapidly and
you can quickly be overcome and un-
able to save yourself. Also, deadly lev-
els of carbon monoxide can linger for
hours or days in enclosed or poorly
ventilated areas. If you experience any
symptoms of carbon monoxide poi-
soning, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREAT-
MENT.  Do not run engine indoors. Even if
you try to ventilate engine exhaust
with fans or open windows and
doors, carbon monoxide can rap-
idly reach dangerous levels.
 Do not run engine in poorly venti-
lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports. 
Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loa din g
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabil-
ity and handling if the weight distribu-
tion of the motorcycle is changed. To
avoid the possibility of an accident, use
extreme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloa ded vehicle
coul d cause an acci dent. When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:
 Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle
as possible and make sure to dis-
tribute the weight as evenly as
possible on both sides of the mo-
torcycle to minimize imbalance or
instability.
 Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that
accessories and cargo are se-
curely attached to the motorcycle
before riding. Check accessory
mounts and cargo restraints fre-
quently.
• Properly adjust the suspension for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.
• Never attach any large or heavy items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. These
items, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
Maximum loa d:
178 kg (392 lb)
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Safety information
1-4
1
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-
sponse.
 This vehicle is not desi gne d to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a si decar.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail- able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection
to Yamaha manufacture parts and ac-
cessories or offer other modifications
for Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in
a position to test the products that
these aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer. Aftermarket Parts, Accessories, an
d
Mo difications
While you may find aftermarket prod-
ucts similar in design and quality to
genuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accesso-
ries or modifications are not suitable
because of potential safety hazards to
you or others. Installing aftermarket
products or having other modifications
performed to your vehicle that change
any of the vehicle’s design or operation
characteristics can put you and others
at greater risk of serious injury or
death. You are responsible for injuries
related to changes in the vehicle.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.  Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the per-
formance of your motorcycle.
Carefully inspect the accessory
before using it to make sure that it
does not in any way reduce
ground clearance or cornering
clearance, limit suspension travel, steering travel or control opera-
tion, or obscure lights or reflec-
tors.
• Accessories fitted to the han- dlebar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improp-
er weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
• Bulky or large accessories may seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become
unstable in cross winds. These
accessories may also cause in-
stability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.
• Certain accessories can dis- place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the
freedom of movement of the
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Safety information
1-5
1operator and may limit control
ability, therefore, such accesso-
ries are not recommended.
 Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical ac-
cessories exceed the capacity of
the motorcycle’s electrical sys-
tem, an electric failure could re-
sult, which could cause a
dangerous loss of lights or engine
power.
Aftermarket Tires an d Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match
the performance capabilities and to
provide the best combination of han-
dling, braking, and comfort. Other
tires, rims, sizes, and combinations
may not be appropriate. See page 6-17
for tire specifications and for informa-
tion on servicing and replacing your
tires.
Transportin g the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle. 
Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle.
 Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the off position and
that there are no fuel leaks.
 Shift the transmission into gear
(for models with a manual trans-
mission).
 Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or
parts that could break). Choose
the location for the straps carefully
so the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.
 The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce exces-
sively during transport.
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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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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-6
6
20 Si destan d • Check operation.
• Lubricate with lithium-soap-
based grease. √√√√√
21 *Sidestan d switch • Check operation and replace if
necessary. √√√√√√
22 *Front fork • Check operation and for oil leak-
age.
• Replace if necessary. √√√√
23 *Shock a
bsor ber as-
sem bly • Check operation and for oil leak-
age.
• Replace if necessary. √√√√
24 *Rear suspension re-
lay arm an
d con-
nectin g arm
pivotin g points • Check operation.
√√√√
• Lubricate with lithium-soap- based grease. √√
25 En gine oil • Change (warm engine before
draining).
• Check oil level and vehicle for oil leakage. At the initial interval and
every 3000 km (1800 mi) thereafter. √
26 En
gine oil filter ele-
ment • Replace.
√√√√√
27 *Coolin g system • Check coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage. √√√√√
• Change. Every 3 years
28 *Front an
d rear
b rake switches • Check operation.
√√√√√√
29 *Movin
g parts an d
cab les • Lubricate.
√√
√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB
ODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 6000 km
(3500 mi) 12000 km
(7000 mi) 18000 km
(10500 mi) 24000 km
(14000 mi)
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Specifications
8-2
8
Loadin g:Maximum load:
178 kg (392 lb)
(Total weight of rider, passenger, cargo and
accessories)Front brake:Type:
Hydraulic single disc brakeRear brake:Type:
Hydraulic single disc brakeFront suspension:Type:
Telescopic forkRear suspension:Type:Swingarm (link suspension)Electrical system:System voltage:12 VBattery:Model:
GTZ4V
Voltage, capacity: 12 V, 3.0 Ah (10 HR)Bul b watta ge:Headlight:
LED
Brake/tail light: LED
Front turn signal light: 10.0 W
Rear turn signal light:
10.0 W Auxiliary light:
LED
License plate light: 5.0 W
UB6GE1E0.book Page 2 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

10-1
10
IndexAABS ....................................................... 3-15
ABS warning light ................................... 3-3
Air filter element and check hose,
replacing and cleaning ....................... 6-14BBattery .................................................. 6-30
Brake and clutch levers, checking and lubricating ........................................... 6-27
Brake and shift pedals, checking and lubricating ........................................... 6-27
Brake fluid, changing ............................ 6-24
Brake fluid level, checking .................... 6-22
Brake lever ............................................ 3-14
Brake light switches.............................. 6-21
Brake pedal........................................... 3-14
Brake pedal free play, adjusting ........... 6-21CCables, checking and lubricating ......... 6-26
Canister................................................... 6-9
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Catalytic converter ................................ 3-19
Clutch lever ........................................... 3-13
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ........... 6-19
Coolant ................................................. 6-13
Coolant temperature warning light ......... 3-2
Cowlings, removing and installing .......... 6-8DData recording, vehicle ........................... 9-2
Diagnostic connector.............................. 9-2
Dimmer switch ...................................... 3-13
Drive chain, cleaning and lubricating .... 6-25
Drive chain slack................................... 6-24
EEngine break-in ...................................... 5-1
Engine idling speed .............................. 6-15
Engine oil and oil filter element ............ 6-10
Engine overheating ............................... 6-36
Engine serial number .............................. 9-1FFront and rear brake pads, checking ... 6-22
Front brake lever free play, checking ... 6-20
Front fork, checking ............................. 6-29
Fuel ....................................................... 3-16
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ...... 5-4
Fuel tank breather hose and overflow hose ................................................... 3-18
Fuel tank cap ........................................ 3-16
Fuses, replacing ................................... 6-31HHandlebar switches .............................. 3-12
Helmet holder ....................................... 3-20
High beam indicator light ....................... 3-2
Horn switch .......................................... 3-13IIdentification numbers ............................ 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ............... 3-21
Indicator lights and warning lights ......... 3-2LLicense plate light bulb, replacing........ 6-33MMain switch/steering lock....................... 3-1
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic ... 6-4
Maintenance, emission control system.................................................. 6-3
Malfunction indicator light (MIL) ............. 3-3
Matte color, caution ............................... 7-1 Model label .............................................9-1
Multi-function meter unit .........................3-4
NNeutral indicator light ..............................3-2PParking ....................................................5-4
Part locations ..........................................2-1
Pass switch ...........................................3-13RRear suspension, lubricating ................6-28SSafety information ...................................1-1
Seat .......................................................3-19
Shifting ....................................................5-3
Shift light .................................................3-3
Shift pedal .............................................3-14
Sidestand ..............................................3-20
Sidestand, checking and lubricating.....6-28
Spark plug, checking ..............................6-8
Specifications .........................................8-1
Start/Engine stop switch .......................3-13
Starting the engine ..................................5-2
Steering, checking ................................6-29
Storage ...................................................7-3
Supporting the motorcycle ...................6-34TTail/brake light ......................................6-32
Throttle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating ...........................................6-26
Throttle grip free play, adjusting ...........6-16
Tires ......................................................6-17
Tool kit ....................................................6-2
Troubleshooting ....................................6-34
Troubleshooting chart ...........................6-35
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