2021 YAMAHA MT-125 warning

Introduction
EAU10103
Welcome to the Yamaha world of motorcycling!
As the owner of the MTN125-A, you are benefiting from Yamaha’s vast experience and newest technology regarding the
design and manufacture of high-quality products, which have earned Yamaha a reputation for dependability.
Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly, so as to enjoy all advantages of your MTN125-A. The Owner’s Manual
does not only instruct you in how to operate, inspect and maintain your motorcycle, but also in how to safeguard yourself
and others from trouble and injury.
In addition, the many tips given in this manual will help keep your motorcycle in the best possible condition. If you have any
further questions, do not hesitate to contact your Yamaha dealer.
The Yamaha team wishes you many safe and pleasant rides. So, remember to put safety first!
Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most cur- rent product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and
this manual. If there is any question concerning this manual, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10032
Please rea d this manual carefully an d completely before operatin g this motorcycle.
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Important manual information
EAU10134
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
*Product and specifications are subject to change without notice.This is the safety alert sym
bol. It is use d to alert you to potential personal injury
hazar ds. Ob ey all safety messa ges that follow this sym bol to avoi d possi ble injury
or death.
A WARNING in dicates a hazar dous situation which, if not avoi ded , coul d result in
d eath or serious injury.
A NOTICE in dicates special precautions that must be taken to avoi d d ama ge to the
vehicle or other property.
A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
NOTICETIP
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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
3-1
3
EAU10462
Main switch/steerin g lockThe main switch/steering lock controls
the ignition and lighting systems, and is
used to lock the steering. The various
positions are described below.
EAU85050
ON
All electrical circuits are supplied with
power and the vehicle lights are turned
on. The engine can be started. The key
cannot be removed.TIP To prevent battery discharge, do
not leave the key in the on position
without the engine running.
 The headlight comes on automat-
ically when the engine is started. 
The headlight will stay on until the
key is turned to “OFF”, even if the
engine stalls.
EAU10662
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
WARNING
EWA10062
Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the vehicle is movin g.
Otherwise the electrical systems will
b e switche d off, which may result in
loss of control or an acci dent.
EAU10696
LOCK
The steering is locked and all electrical
systems are off. The key can be re-
moved. To lock the steering
1. Turn the handlebars all the way to
the left or right.
2. With the key in the “OFF” position, push the key in and turn it to
“LOCK”.
3. Remove the key.TIPIf the steering will not lock, try turning
the handlebars back to the right or left
slightly.1. Push.
2. Turn.12
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Instrument and control functions
3-2
3
To unlock the steering
From the “LOCK” position, push the
key and turn it to “OFF”.
EAU4939N
In
dicator li ghts an d warnin g
lig hts
EAU11022
Turn si gnal in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light flashes when a turn
signal light is flashing.
EAU11061
Neutral in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11081
Hi gh beam in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU11449
Coolant temperature warnin g
li g ht “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
engine is overheating. If this occurs,
stop the engine immediately and allow
the engine to cool. (See page 6-36.)
For vehicles with a radiator fan, the ra-
diator fan(s) automatically switch on or
off according to the coolant tempera-
ture.TIPWhen the vehicle is turned on, the light
will come on for a few seconds, and
then go off. If the light does not come
on, or if the light remains on, have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehicle. NOTICE
ECA10022
Do not continue to operate the en-
g ine if it is overheatin g.
1. Push.
2. Turn.12
1. Shift light
2. Turn signal indicator light “ ”
3. High beam indicator light “ ”
4. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning
light “ ”
5. Malfunction indicator light “ ”
6. Coolant temperature warning light “ ”
7. Neutral indicator light “ ”ZAUM15665 6 7
2
3
4
1
ABS
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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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Instrument and control functions
3-4
3
TIPWhen the vehicle is turned on, the light
will come on for a few seconds and
then go off. If the light does not come
on, have a Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
EAUM4011
Multi-function meter unit
WARNING
EWA12423
Be sure to stop the vehicle before
makin g any settin g chan ges to the
multi-function meter unit. Chan gin g
settin gs while ri din g can distract the
operator an d increase the risk of an
acci dent.The multi-function meter unit is
equipped with the following:
 a speedometer
 a clock
 a fuel meter
 a VVA indicator
 a tachometer 
a transmission gear display
 a multi-function display
 a shift timing indicator light
 a self diagnostic device
TIPExcept when accessing the
brightness screen and shift timing
indicator light control mode or
when displaying the welcome
screen, the key must be turned
to “ ” before you can use the
“SELECT” and “RESET” buttons
to adjust the multi-function meter.
 For the UK: To switch between ki-
lometers and miles, press and
hold the “SELECT” button.
1. “SELECT” button
2. “RESET” buttonZAUM1567
1
2
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