The Yamaha YZF-R125 ABS and YZF-R1S use the same superbike-inspired visual vocabulary at opposite ends of the performance scale. The European-market R125 is a learner-category 125 with a single-cylinder engine. The North American R1S is a 998 cc superbike introduced for 2016 as a slightly less expensive alternative to the regular R1.
The old page label adds “Urban” to the R1S name, but Yamaha’s production model was simply YZF-R1S. It was road legal; “urban” was not a separate factory trim.
YZF-R125 ABS and YZF-R1S Specifications
| Specification | YZF-R125 ABS | 2016 YZF-R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 124.7 cc liquid-cooled single | 998 cc liquid-cooled crossplane inline-four |
| Claimed output | 15 PS at 9,000 rpm | Not officially stated by Yamaha |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual with slipper clutch |
| Front brakes | Single 292 mm disc with ABS | Dual 320 mm discs with ABS |
| Seat height | 825 mm | 33.7 inches / 856 mm |
| Wet weight | 142 kg with ABS | 448 lb / 203 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 11.5 liters | 4.5 US gallons / 17 liters |
Learner Sportbike or Full Superbike?
The R125 provides full-size styling, a six-speed gearbox and predictable 15 PS performance. Its modest output, light fuel use and ABS make sense for commuting and developing smooth control. The riding position still places more weight on the rider’s wrists than a conventional upright 125.
The R1S retained the R1’s electronic rider aids, aluminum Deltabox frame and crossplane engine architecture. Cost reductions included steel connecting rods and exhaust headers, aluminum rather than magnesium wheels, and a slightly lower rev ceiling. Yamaha did not publish an official horsepower figure for the R1S, although its performance remained close to the standard R1 below the top of the rev range.
These machines are related mostly by styling. The R125 is transport with sporting flavor; the R1S is a superbike requiring advanced training, careful throttle use and insurance paperwork in good order.
