Yamaha TDR 125

I got my first TDR 125 in 1996. Although the EXUP valve (Exhaust Ultimate Power Valve) which I hear that is banned in most parts of Europe, which is originally built for the 4-stroke engines such as the FZR models, it was modified and fitted on the TDR125 (and the DT125).

What it actually does is, it makes the machine "boost" when it reaches to 7100 rpm to 11,000 rpm. Of course this action is very dangerous in low gears 1 and 2, especially in traffic, making the bike extra powerful (torque). But when its applied in 3-4-5, it gives you the nitro-boost sensational torque. So you can actually play drag with this thing and make the RR bikes wonder, what this machine is as it takes of like a rocket. NOT A RACER.

The deltabox frame, the plastics, the gear ratios, the rims are just superb.

Setbacks: Its a 2-Stoke engine, so gasoline consumption is higher than 4-stroke machines. The cylinder wears out faster (be sure to use original parts!), the crank arm wears out faster and its expensive. There is no fuel gauge on the dashboard (but there is reserve). Its water cooled, but there is no radiator fan (may boil water in heavy traffic).

Bottom line, if you want a fun bike with real power and not going to use it for economy then TDR is for you. Its far better than the Honda XL Varadero 125.

But it needs to be serviced and taken care of which it will pay back whatever you give to it.

Remember, if its equipped with EXUP valve, DO NOT go over 6000 rpm in gears 1-2 (as it suddenly boosts it will lift the front wheel up and throw you over it).

Yamaha TDR looks bigger than a 125cc and fantasic riding position.. no bad backs with this bike!

great looking bike and very cheap to run £15 a year road tax and round about £10 to fill tank...... and you get about 284 miles per tank

I would agree with most of you that the Yamaha TDR 125 bike is large and its comfortable to ride, but for some reason it requires a lot of repairs, my bike spends more time at the mechanics place then under me... For this reason i didnt really like the bike. The biggest problem for my bike is the engine, keeps on breaking. I changed so many pistons, that its impossible to change it next time because the cylinder is too wide.

If you want drive anywhere this is your bike. I love driving this bike because it ' s lovely to drive at sand road. But if you want better top-speed you had to buy tuning exhaust, best of those is arrow All-Road 2T exhaust. If you still want more you can buy new reeds and cylinder an carbs. Best of those cylinders are polini 160cc and Athena 170cc. I bought my tdr in this summer, price was around 1000. It looks great and sounds good.

Big body in compare with yamaha xt125x which looks like a moscito in compare with tdr, nice kick around 6-7000 rpm which is much more interesting than xtx, not digital speedometer, hate the digital one, simple engine when need repeare, sit can be taken of easy, comfortable wide enough.

Generally I agree with many that the tdr Yamaha is one of the best from 125 cc if you are not soo mad about speedy ones but enjoy enduro style more which I do.

The Yamaha TDR125 used to be sold in the UK but was discontinued in 1996 as it was too expensive compared to it's rivals at the time. The TDR is a Supermoto/Enduro bike, but unusually for the 125 class, it is fitted with a large front fairing that makes medium to long range commuting possible on the bike (or away from work and more fun, touring at the weekend!). The bike is LARGE! A lot larger than it looks in pictures. It is approximately the same size as Honda's similar offering - the Varadero 125. But the main difference with the TDR is the fact that unlike the Varadero (which is fitted with a 4 stroke V-twin engine), the TDR is fitted with the powerful 2-stroke motor that comes from Yamaha's DT-R range, and TZR sports bikes. The bike has only this year (2006) become available again in the UK as it is being imported by Granby Motors of Derbyshire. However there are other routes to buy one, as I bought mine brand new from my local motorcycle dealer, so I am assuming that as well as selling TDRs retail, direct to the public, Granby Motor are also supplying wholesale to the trade. The bike costs £2,600 new and was supplied with a 12 month dealer (not Yamaha) warranty. This compares to £3,300 for Honda'a 4-stroke Varadero, although clearly more Dealer service and back-up is available with the latter. The TDR is a majestic looking bike, the front fairing is huge and when I first picked the bike up it was parked close to a BMW 650 Dakar and the TDR almost looked bigger from the front profile. Seat height is high compared to most non-trail style 125s (higher than CBR125, CG125, YBR125, etc) but reasonably low compares to some trail bikes. My previous bike was a Yamaha YBR125 with a seat height of 780mm. In comparison, the TDR seat height is 850mm so 4-5 inches taller. Riders shorter than 5' 7" should definitely try the bike out before buying in case the seat is too high!

The bike requires full choke from cold, which only results in 2k revs, but which keeps the bike idling ok without a stall. The engine sound is pure 2-stroke... not particularly impressive! The gear box is smooth and the clutch very progressive and smooth also. On riding off the bike is immeasurably more lively than most 4 stroke 125s .... it quite literally flies up to 50mph although it does require a lot of gear changes as the bike is very low geared. In 6th at 50mph I felt like I needed another 2 gears! A replacement sprocket is available which lowers revs in 6th. Above 50mph the pace slows quite a bit (in restricted form) but the bike got up to 65mph on the flat with little stress. Once run in, I am confident the bike will see 70 mph with little problem and perhaps a little more indicated speed as long as the wind is not against you! Handling is SUPERB !! Compared to commuter bikes like the YBR, the TDR's handling is crisp, fun, and cornering is marvelous on this bike. The bike can be de-restricted but this is not as easy as it used to be on older generations of the Yamaha DT engine. Do not touch the power valve as it has a servo on that will give the best performance without modification. The main "stifling" of the engine comes from a restrictor in the exhaust and the fact that Yamaha, bizarrely, fitted a Catalytic Converter to this 2 stroke bike! (very unusual). Replacing the exhaust for a free flowing sport model will increase some noise but will also open up all of the top end of the bike. Unplugging the Reed Switch (do not cut the wires!!!) from behind the speedo will also allow the engine to develop more power over 50mph. Brakes on the 2006 TDR are very impressive, the front brake will stop you on a sixpence, and the back brake (also disc) isn't far behind!

All in all, for the money, this is probably the best allround 125cc bike you can buy. Let's hope Granby Motors continue to import them into the UK, servicing is easy and a supplying dealer (like Granby) can service the bike for you. Some Yamaha UK dealers MAY refuse to service the bike, it being an import. You know what they can be like.

Now excuse me, I want to go for a pointless, but hugely fun ride on my Yamha TDR 125 !!