light YAMAHA MT-125 2021 Owner's Manual

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-8
6
EAU18782
Removin g an d installin g cowl-
in gsThe cowlings shown need to be re-
moved to perform some of the mainte-
nance jobs described in this chapter.
Refer to this section each time a cowl-
ing needs to be removed and installed.
EAU46742
Cowlin g A
To remove the cowlingRemove the bolts, and then take the
cowling off. To install the cowling
Place the cowling in the original posi-
tion, and then install the bolts.
EAU19623
Checkin
g the spark plu gThe spark plug is an important engine
component, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
it should be removed and checked in
accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addi-
tion, the condition of the spark plug
can reveal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the
center electrode of the spark plug
should be a medium-to-light tan (the
ideal color when the vehicle is ridden
normally). If the spark plug shows a
distinctly different color, the engine
could be operating improperly. Do not
attempt to diagnose such problems
yourself. Instead, have a Yamaha deal-
er check the vehicle.
If the spark plug shows signs of elec-
trode erosion and excessive carbon or
other deposits, it should be replaced.
1. Cowling AZAUM1738
1
1. Bolt
1
Specified spark plu g:
NGK/MR8E9
UB6GE1E0.book Page 8 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-10
6
EAUM2584
En gine oil an d oil filter ele-
mentThe engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter ele-
ment replaced at the intervals specified
in the periodic maintenance and lubri-
cation chart.
To check the en gine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set- tles, remove the oil filler cap, wipe
the dipstick clean, insert it back
into the oil filler hole (without
screwing it in), and then remove it
again to check the oil level.
NOTICE: Do not operate the ve-
hicle until you know that the en-
g ine oil level is sufficient.
[ECA10012]
TIPThe engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.
5. Install the oil filler cap.
To chan ge the en gine oil (with or
without oil filter element replace-
ment) 1. Start the engine, warm it up for several minutes, and then turn it
off.
2. Place an oil pan under the engine to collect the used oil.
3. Remove the engine oil filler cap and the drain bolt along with the
O-ring, compression spring, and
engine oil strainer, to drain the oil
from the crankcase. NOTICE:
When removin g the en gine oil
d rain bolt, the O-rin g, compres-
sion sprin g, an d oil strainer will
fall out. Take care not to lose
these parts.
[ECA11002]
1. Engine oil filler cap
1. Dipstick
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1
2
3
ZAUE1300
UB6GE1E0.book Page 10 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-13
6
EAUS1203
CoolantThe coolant level should be checked
regularly. In addition, the coolant must
be changed at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance chart.TIPIf genuine Yamaha coolant is not avail-
able, use an ethylene glycol antifreeze
containing corrosion inhibitors for alu-
minum engines and mix with distilled
water at a 1:1 ratio.
EAUE4091
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face.
2. Remove cowling A. (See page 6-8.)
3. Hold the vehicle in an upright po- sition.
TIPThe coolant level must be
checked on a cold engine since
the level varies with engine tem-
perature.
 Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to the
side can result in a false reading.4. Check the coolant level in the
coolant reservoir.TIPThe coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
5. If the coolant is at or below theminimum level mark, remove the
coolant reservoir cap protector by
removing the bolt then remove the
coolant reservoir cap.
Recommen ded coolant:
YAMALUBE coolant
Coolant quantity: Coolant reservoir (max level mark):0.15 L (0.16 US qt, 0.13 Imp.qt)
Radiator (including all routes): 0.49 L (0.52 US qt, 0.43 Imp.qt)
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1. Coolant reservoir cap protector
1. Coolant reservoir cap
UB6GE1E0.book Page 13 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-21
6
EAUM1355
A djustin g the brake pe dal free
playMeasure the brake pedal free play as
shown.
Periodically check the brake pedal free
play and, if necessary, have a Yamaha
dealer adjust it.
WARNING
EWAM1031
An incorrect brake pe dal free play
in dicates a hazar dous con dition in
the brake system. Do not operate the motorcycle until the
brake sys-
tem has b een checked or repaired
b y a Yamaha dealer.
EAU36505
Brake li ght switchesThe brake light should come on just
before braking takes effect. The brake
light is activated by switches connect-
ed to the brake lever and brake pedal.
Since the brake light switches are
components of the anti-lock brake sys-
tem, they should only be serviced by a
Yamaha dealer.
1. Brake pedal free playBrake pe dal free play:
7.0–13.0 mm (0.28–0.51 in)
1
UB6GE1E0.book Page 21 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-31
6
To char
ge the b attery
Have your Yamaha dealer charge the
battery if it seems to have discharged.
Keep in mind that the battery tends to
discharge more quickly if the vehicle is
equipped with optional electrical ac-
cessories.
NOTICE
ECA16522
To char ge a VRLA (Valve Re gulate d
Lea d Aci d) battery, a special (con-
stant-volta ge) battery char ger is re-
quire d. Usin g a conventional b attery
char ger will damag e the battery.To store the battery
1. If the vehicle will not be used for more than one month, remove the
battery, fully charge it, and then
place it in a cool, dry place.
NOTICE: When removin g the
b attery, be sure to turn the main
switch off, then disconnect the
ne gative lead before discon-
nectin g the positive lea d.
[ECA16304]
2. If the battery will be stored for
more than two months, check it at
least once a month and fully
charge it if necessary. 3. Fully charge the battery before in-
stallation. NOTICE: When install-
in g the b attery, be sure to turn
the main switch off, then con-
nect the positive lea d before
connectin g the ne gative lea d.
[ECA16842]
4. After installation, make sure that
the battery leads are properly con-
nected to the battery terminals.NOTICE
ECA16531
Always keep the b attery charged .
Storin g a dischar ged battery can
cause permanent b attery damag e.
EAUB1116
Replacin g the fusesThe fuse box is located under the seat.
(See page 3-19.)
If a fuse is blown, replace it as follows.
1. Turn the main switch off and turn off the electrical circuit in ques-
tion.
2. Remove the blown fuse, and then install a new fuse of the specified
amperage. WARNING! Do not
use a fuse of a hi gher ampera ge1. Fuse box
2. Spare fuse
3. Headlight fuse
4. ABS control unit fuse
5. Main fuse
6. ABS solenoid fuse
7. ABS motor fuse
8. Fuse tongs
15
7.5
2
1
5
7
.5
1
5
3
0
30
2
1
8
76
543
2
UB6GE1E0.book Page 31 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-32
6 ratin
g than recommen ded to
avoi d causin g extensive d am-
a g e to the electrical system an d
possi bly a fire.
[EWA15132]
3. Turn the main switch on and turn
on the electrical circuit in question
to check if the device operates.
4. If the fuse immediately blows again, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical system.
EAUN2261
Vehicle lig htsThis model is equipped with LED lights
for headlights, auxiliary lights and
brake/tail light. If a light does not come
on, check the fuse and then have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.NOTICE
ECA16581
Do not affix any type of tinte d film or
stickers to the hea dlig ht lens.
EAU24182
Tail/ brake li ghtThis model is equipped with an LED-
type tail/brake light.
If the tail/brake light does not come on,
have a Yamaha dealer check it.
Specifie d fuses:
Main fuse: 15.0 A
ABS motor fuse:
30.0 A
ABS solenoid fuse: 15.0 A
ABS control unit fuse: 2.0 A
Headlight fuse:
7.5 A
1. Auxiliary light
2. Headlight
2 1
UB6GE1E0.book Page 32 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-33
6
EAU62590
Replacin g a turn sig nal light
b ul b1. Remove the turn signal light lens
by removing the screw.
2. Remove the turn signal light bulb socket (together with the bulb) by
turning it counterclockwise. 3. Remove the burnt-out bulb by
pulling it out.
4. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
5. Install the socket (together with the bulb) by turning it clockwise.
6. Install the turn signal light lens by installing the screw. NOTICE: Do
not overti ghten the screw, oth-
erwise the lens may break.
[ECA11192] EAUM3510
Replacin
g the license plate
lig ht bul b1. Remove the license plate light unit
by removing the screw.
2. Remove the license plate light bulb socket (together with the
bulb) by pulling it out.
3. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pulling it out.
4. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
5. Install the socket (together with the bulb) by pushing it in.
6. Install the license plate light unit by installing the screw.
1. Screw
1
1. Turn signal light bulbZAUM1609
1
1. License plate light bulb socket
2. License plate light unit
3. ScrewZAUM1621
2
3
UB6GE1E0.book Page 33 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-2
7 chemicals such as, solvents,
g
asoline, rust removers, brake
flui d, or antifreeze, etc.
Before washin g
1. Park the vehicle out of direct sun- light and allow it to cool. This will
help avoid water spots.
2. Make sure all caps, covers, elec- trical couplers and connectors are
tightly installed.
3. Cover the muffler end with a plas- tic bag and a strong rubber band.
4. Pre-soak stubborn stains like in- sects or bird droppings with a wet
towel for a few minutes.
5. Remove road grime and oil stains with a quality degreasing agent
and a plastic-bristle brush or
sponge. NOTICE: Do not use
d eg reasin g a gent on areas re-
quirin g lu brication such as
seals, gaskets, an d wheel axles.
Follow prod uct instructions.
[ECA26290]
Washing
1. Rinse off any degreaser and spray down the vehicle with a garden
hose. Use only enough pressure
to do the job. Avoid spraying wa-
ter directly into the muffler, instru-
ment panel, air inlet, or other inner
areas such as underseat storage
compartments.
2. Wash the vehicle with a quality au- tomotive-type detergent mixed
with cool water and a soft, clean
towel or sponge. Use an old tooth-
brush or plastic-bristle brush for
hard-to-reach places. NOTICE:
Use col d water if the vehicle has
b een exposed to salt. Warm wa-
ter will increase salt’s corrosive
properties.
[ECA26301]
3. For windshield-equipped vehicles: Clean the windshield with a soft
towel or sponge dampened with
water and a pH neutral detergent.
If necessary, use a high-quality
windshield cleaner or polish for
motorcycles. NOTICE: Never use
any stron g chemicals to clean
the win dshiel d. A dditionally,
some cleanin g compoun ds for plastic may scratch the win
d-
shiel d, so b e sure to test all
cleanin g prod ucts before gen-
eral application.
[ECA26310]
4. Rinse off thoroughly with clean water. Be sure to remove all deter-
gent residues, as they can be
harmful to plastic parts.
After washin g
1. Dry the vehicle with a chamois or absorbent towel, preferably mi-
crofiber terrycloth.
2. For drive chain-equipped models: Dry and then lubricate the drive
chain to prevent rust.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum, and stainless
steel parts. Often the thermally in-
duced discoloring of stainless
steel exhaust systems can be re-
moved through polishing.
4. Apply a corrosion protection spray on all metal parts including
chrome or nickel-plated surfaces.
WARNING! Do not apply sili-
cone or oil spray to seats, han d
g rips, ru bber foot peg s or tire
trea ds. Otherwise these parts
UB6GE1E0.book Page 2 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-3
7
will
become slippery, which
coul d cause loss of control.
Thorou ghly clean the surfaces
of these parts before operatin g
the vehicle.
[EWA20650]
5. Treat rubber, vinyl, and unpainted plastic parts with a suitable care
product.
6. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces using a non-abrasive wax or use a detail
spray for motorcycles.
8. When finished cleaning, start the engine and let it idle for several
minutes to help dry any remaining
moisture.
9. If the headlight lens has fogged up, start the engine and turn on
the headlight to help remove the
moisture.
10. Let the vehicle dry completely be- fore storing or covering it.NOTICE
ECA26320
Do not apply wax to ru bber or
unpainte d plastic parts. 
Do not use a brasive polishin g
compoun ds as they will wear
away the paint.
 Apply sprays an d wax sparin gly.
Wipe off excess afterwar ds.
WARNING
EWA20660
Contaminants left on the brakes or
tires can cause loss of control.  Make sure there is no lu bricant
or wax on the brakes or tires.
 If necessary, wash the tires with
warm water an d a mil d d eter-
g ent.
 If necessary, clean the b rake
d iscs an d pa ds with b rake
cleaner or acetone.
 Before ri din g at hi gher spee ds,
test the vehicle’s brakin g per-
formance an d cornerin g b ehav-
ior.
EAU83472
Stora geAlways store the vehicle in a cool, dry
place. If necessary, protect it against
dust with a porous cover. Be sure the
engine and the exhaust system are
cool before covering the vehicle. If the
vehicle often sits for weeks at a time
between uses, the use of a quality fuel
stabilizer is recommended after each
fill-up.NOTICE
ECA21170
 Storin g the vehicle in a poorly
ventilate d room or coverin g it
with a tarp, while it is still wet,
will allow water an d humi dity to
seep in an d cause rust.
 To prevent corrosion, avoi d
d amp cellars, stab les (because
of the presence of ammonia)
an d areas where stron g chemi-
cals are stored .Long term stora ge
Before storing the vehicle long term (60
days or more):
UB6GE1E0.book Page 3 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM

Specifications
8-2
8
Loadin g:Maximum load:
178 kg (392 lb)
(Total weight of rider, passenger, cargo and
accessories)Front brake:Type:
Hydraulic single disc brakeRear brake:Type:
Hydraulic single disc brakeFront suspension:Type:
Telescopic forkRear suspension:Type:Swingarm (link suspension)Electrical system:System voltage:12 VBattery:Model:
GTZ4V
Voltage, capacity: 12 V, 3.0 Ah (10 HR)Bul b watta ge:Headlight:
LED
Brake/tail light: LED
Front turn signal light: 10.0 W
Rear turn signal light:
10.0 W Auxiliary light:
LED
License plate light: 5.0 W
UB6GE1E0.book Page 2 Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:08 PM