The push for learner-legal supremacy has hit hard in recent years, especially in the small-bore four-stroke ranks where every ounce of power, a strong handling package and good looks can take a bike far.

Yamaha entered the arena with its super cool YZF-R125 on Aussie roads in 2009, a bike that is attention-grabbing and could even be fooled for a much higher capacity machine thanks it its full size stature.

They actually race the Yamaha in Europe and there are plans in the works to start an Aussie race series on a domestic level if all falls into place, proving the bike’s performance level in the tough world of track competition.

DESIGN AND STYLING
If you were to compare the YZF-R125 with anything, it’d have to be an early model YZF-R1, the bike that has won many accolades in the litre bike class over the years.

Where many learner-legal rides have somewhat of a ‘cheap’ look and feel to them, this little beauty has quality throughout from the fairing finish all the way to the component strength.

It’s got a superb looking instrument panel, Brembo front brakes seal the deal in the brand name stakes, the low-slung exhaust looks prime, and the race-inspired front ‘number plate’ is a nice touch.

If there’s one thing that does let it down however, you’d have to say it’s the ‘plastic’ feel of the grips – I’d be replacing them on pick-up from the dealer if I was buying one.

As you’ll soon see, the engine performance may not be at the level of the class-leading, top-selling Kawasaki Ninja 250R as you’d expect at half the capacity, but if looking cool is your thing, the Yamaha is top of the LAMS chain, only matched by Aprilia’s RS125 two-stroke.

HANDLING
Handling is where these LAMS-approved models are just so enjoyable, the YZF-R125’s race-inspired Deltabox frame being the heart of a sensational chassis.

At 138 kilograms full of fuel, you can flick the Yamaha around from the outset, something which even the most inexperienced of riders will get the hang of in no time.

The only real problem I can see as far as the chassis goes for young riders is the fact that it’s quite tall for a small capacity machine, but once you’re rolling the relation between the seat, footpegs and handlebars is very forgiving.

Take it through a swift set of bends or ride it through the city on tight 90-degree corners and it’ll react well, the balance of the chassis assisting you in flowing from turn to turn.

The 33mm forks with 130mm of travel will cop most of what the powerful Brembo 292mm disc front brakes can give them when pulling up, but I would have liked to see a little bit of adjustability included.

Meanwhile, the rear monoshock gives the same stiff feel as the front, not feeling springy at all and doing a good job of carrying my experience and 71 kilograms of weight throughout the test without a worry.

Higher quality tyres as standard fitment would only increase this bike’s capabilities, so once you’ve built up some experience then be sure to trade in your cash for some new hoops.

POWER
Engine performance may just be the Achilles heel for the Yamaha as it chases in the wake of its main LAMS competitors including the Kawasaki, however that doesn’t mean you should rule this ride out altogether.

Put simply, the liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-valve, single-cylinder, SOHC YZF-R125 doesn’t have the power or torque of the Ninja 250R, but it does outshine Honda’s CBR125R at the same capacity.

What the Yamaha does do very well though is deliver the power that it’s got, smoothly applied via the Electronic Fuel Injection system with 28mm throttle bodies.

It’s capable of a top speed of 130km/h if you tuck underneath the paint, which is around 30 kays shy of what its higher capacity 250cc rivals can pull, but well over the Learner speed limit that’s widely enforced.

Yeah, the Aprilia two-stroke may have more juice up top as what is arguably the fastest top-end of the small bores, yet the way the Yamaha’s four-stroke power is delivered is much more consistent.

It’s not really worth much comparing the different engine capacities that we have in the real world, however in the world of LAMS riding once you pass your bike test, it’s these range of options that are going to be appealing to you if you’re in the market for a new small capacity ride.

PERFORMANCE VS. PRACTICALITY
Despite its lack of outright power, there’s no doubt that this bike is a performance-type motorcycle, highlighted by its race-styling and sportsbike-like seating position (although a touch more relaxed).

The seat is comfy enough, vibrations low enough, wind protection good enough and engine capable enough to do reasonable stints in the saddle, but short bursts of sporty riding on the road will likely be your preferred option.

CONCLUSION
I was impressed when I first laid eyes on the Yamaha YZF-R125 on the web, surprised by its size when I picked it up from YMA for testing, and returned the bike as happy as a rider who’s tested Valentino Rossi’s Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP racer would be after a couple of weeks in LAMS mode.

What I’m saying is that if you’re a Learner rider working your way into the high-paced world of motorcycling, you’ll feel proud pulling up on the R125, with only the L- or P-plate on the rear being an indication that you’re a newbie on the roads.

If sportsbikes are your forte then this is a very solid breading ground, perhaps a good way to earn your stripes before stepping up to a YZF-R6 supersport once you get your full licence.

I enjoyed my time, and it’s likely that you will to. Just make sure you get a Rossi-replica lid to complete the package of an aspiring sportsbike stalwart.

FAST FACTS
Moto Rating:
6/10 – Quality is the strong point of this boy racer, matched by its impressive chassis. Power is the only thing you’ll be yearning for.

Suited To:
Beginners – Just get your licence and love Yamaha sportsbikes? This is the ride for you.

Bang For Buck:
At $6999 plus on-road costs, quality is what you’re paying for in this ride.

Plus Points:
+ Styling
+ Brakes
+ EFI

Minus Points:
– Grips
– Tyres