YAMAHA MT-125 2018 Owners Manual

PANTONE285C
MT125-A
MT-125
OWNER’S MANUAL
BR3-F8199-E2
MOTORCYCLE
[English (E)]
Read this manual carefully before oper-
ating this vehicle.

EAU46091
Read this manual carefully before operating this vehicle. This manual
should stay with this vehicle if it is sold.
UBR3E1E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 10, 2016 9:45 AM

Introduction
EAU10103
Welcome to the Yamaha world of motorcycling!
As the owner of the MT125-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 MT125-A. The Owner’s Manual does not only instruct you in how to oper-
ate, 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. There-
fore, while this manual contains the most current 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 read this manual carefully and completely before operating this mo-
torcycle.
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Important manual information
EAU63350
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following
notations:
*Product and specifications are subject to change without notice.
EAUM1013
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to
alert you to potential personal injury haz-
ards. Obey all safety messages that follow
this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
A NOTICE indicates special precautions that
must be taken to avoid damage to the vehi-
cle or other property.
A TIP provides key information to make proce-
dures easier or clearer.MT125-A
OWNER’S MANUAL
©2018 by MBK INDUSTRIE 1st edition, May 2018
All rights reserved
Any reprinting or unauthorized use without the written permission of
MBK INDUSTRIE
is expressly prohibited. Printed in France.
WARNING
NOTICE
TIP
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Table of contents
Safety information............................1-1
Description........................................2-1
Left view ..........................................2-1
Right view........................................2-2
Controls and instruments ................2-3
Instrument and 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 ...................................3-15
ABS ...............................................3-15
Fuel tank cap.................................3-16
Fuel................................................3-17
Catalytic converter ........................3-18
Rider seat ......................................3-19
Sidestand ......................................3-20
Ignition circuit cut-off system........3-20
For your safety – pre-operation
checks...............................................4-1
Operation and important riding
points.................................................5-1
Starting the engine ..........................5-2
Shifting ............................................5-3
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ................................5-4
Engine break-in ...............................5-4
Parking ............................................5-5
Periodic maintenance and
adjustment........................................6-1
Owner’s 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 ...6-7
Checking the spark plug .................6-8Engine oil and oil filter element ....... 6-9
Coolant ......................................... 6-12
Replacing the air filter element
and cleaning the check hose..... 6-14
Checking the engine idling
speed......................................... 6-14
Adjusting the throttle grip free
play ............................................ 6-15
Valve clearance ............................. 6-16
Tires .............................................. 6-16
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....... 6-23
Changing the brake fluid............... 6-24
Drive chain slack ........................... 6-24
Cleaning and lubricating the drive
chain .......................................... 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
cables ........................................ 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-27
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers ............. 6-27
Checking and lubricating the
brake pedal................................ 6-28
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand ................................... 6-28
Lubricating the swingarm
pivots ......................................... 6-29
Checking the front fork ................. 6-29
Checking the steering ................... 6-30
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-30
Battery .......................................... 6-31
Replacing the fuses ...................... 6-32
Replacing the headlight bulb ........ 6-33
Auxiliary lights ............................... 6-35
Tail/brake light .............................. 6-35
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Table of contents
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb ........................................... 6-36
Replacing the license plate light
bulb ........................................... 6-36
Supporting the motorcycle ........... 6-37
Troubleshooting............................ 6-37
Troubleshooting charts................. 6-38
Motorcycle care and storage.......... 7-1
Matte color caution ........................ 7-1
Care ................................................ 7-1
Storage ........................................... 7-4
Specifications................................... 8-1
Consumer information..................... 9-1
Identification numbers .................... 9-1
Diagnostic connectors.................... 9-2
Vehicle data recording.................... 9-2
Index................................................ 10-1
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1-1
1
Safety information
EAU1028B
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 Riding
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 ofan 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.
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Safety information
1-2
1Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators. In fact, many op-
erators who have been involved in
accidents do not even have a cur-
rent motorcycle license.
• Make sure that you are qualified
and that you only lend your mo-
torcycle to other qualified oper-
ators.
• Know your skills and limits.
Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.
• We recommend that you prac-
tice riding your motorcycle
where there is no traffic until you
have become thoroughly famil-
iar with the motorcycle and all of
its controls.
Many accidents have been
caused by error of the motorcycle
operator. A typical error made by
the operator is veering wide on a
turn due to excessive speed or un-
dercornering (insufficient lean an-
gle for the speed).
• Always obey the speed limit and
never travel faster than warrant-
ed by road and traffic condi-
tions.
• Always signal before turning or
changing lanes. Make sure that
other motorists can see you.
The posture of the operator and
passenger is important for proper
control.
• The operator should keep both
hands on the handlebar and
both feet on the operator foot-
rests during operation to main-
tain control of the motorcycle.• The passenger should always
hold onto the operator, the seat
strap or grab bar, if equipped,
with both hands and keep both
feet on the passenger footrests.
Never carry a passenger unless
he or she can firmly place both
feet on the passenger footrests.
Never ride under the influence of
alcohol or other drugs.
This motorcycle is designed for
on-road use only. It is not suitable
for off-road use.
Protective Apparel
The majority of fatalities from motorcy-
cle accidents are the result of head in-
juries. The use of a safety helmet is the
single most critical factor in the pre-
vention or reduction of head injuries.
Always wear an approved helmet.
Wear a face shield or goggles.
Wind in your unprotected eyes
could contribute to an impairment
of vision that could delay seeing a
hazard.
The use of a jacket, heavy boots,
trousers, gloves, etc., is effective
in preventing or reducing abra-
sions or lacerations.
Never wear loose-fitting clothes,
otherwise they could catch on the
control levers, footrests, or wheels
and cause injury or an accident.
Always wear protective clothing
that covers your legs, ankles, and
feet. The engine or exhaust sys-
tem become very hot during or af-
ter operation and can cause
burns.
A passenger should also observe
the above precautions.
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Safety information
1-3
1 Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
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.
Loading
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. Useextra 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 overloaded vehicle
could cause an accident.
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
Maximum load:
180 kg (397 lb)
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Safety information
1-4
1sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-
sponse.
This vehicle is not designed to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a sidecar.
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, and
Modifications
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 othersat 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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