This will probably upset the editor who is not a two stroke fan but I own a two stroke that is fast, fairly economical and has proved extremely reliable over 29000 miles. What is this wonderful machine? A 21hp Yamaha RD125LC.
This machine, which is now nearly 5 years old, was purchased for £820 new. It certainly has proved to be money well spent as the bike has taken me 24 miles to work and back most days during the past 5 years without ever breaking down. In fact, the engine and gearbox have never been stripped down but they both still work well with no rattles.
The bike was carefully run in, according to the instructions in the owner’s handbook. Silkolene 30 2-stroke oil has always been used in the engine and the bike has been serviced every 2000 miles my local Yamaha dealer. These services are quite inexpensive due to the simple nature of the single cylinder two stroke engine. Anyone with more time than myself could service the bike with the aid of a Haynes manual. Also, when the engine does finally expire it shouldn't be too expensive an experience.
The largest expense has been rear tyres, which due to the excellent acceleration of the bike last only 4500 miles. However, front tyres last about 16000 miles. During the life of the machine it has had three replacement chains which cost £11 each and one replacement sprocket set. It also needed 3 sets of rear brake shoes and one set of front pads.
Troubles experienced have been mainly due to corrosion caused by the he amount of salt used on our local roads in winter. The stud on the front brake caliper seized and had to be drilled out and a replacement fitted. The worst problem has been rusting of the rear swinging arm despite regular cleaning, particularly in winter. This rust eventually caused holes in the swinging arm which were initially repaired by bracing, but eventually became so bad that I recently fitted a new swing arm at a cost of £54, which will be covered in grease as soon as the next winter occurs. The rest of the bike is immaculate, so it wasn’t due to neglect. Also, I had to buy one indicator unit costing £4 and one flasher timer costing £11.
The bike is extremely fast for a 125. Top speed with an Allspeed exhaust system and bigger main jet is approximately 90mph, although there is little power below 6000rpm and it comes in with a bang when these revs are reached. In fact, great care must be taken in the lower gears because the bike is so light, excessive throttle aviates the front end or spins the back wheel. You have to open up steadily on tight, damp bends or it would be easy to take a hedge ticket.
The 21hp version of the RD is definitely not for learners. Gear changing with the six speed box is light and is better than the new ZR125. Most cars can be left standing on ordinary roads. The bike is perfectly practical and comfortable on long runs - I have covered 200 miles in a day and the bike can cruise at 70mph without distress.
Roadholding is good. The rear monoshock suspension absorbs the bumps whilst cornering without the bike being thrown off line. Later models have braced front forks which must improve the already good front end. Brakes are powerful but the front disc is affected by corrosion. Fuel consumption at 60mpg is, in my view, reasonable, considering the performance available - many Jap 250s would have trouble staying with it and most British 500s are lost on acceleration compared with this 125. The handlebar fairing is more useful than its appearance would suggest and the lights don’t blow.
I find the Yam RD125 an excellent and exciting machine to ride, whilst being cheap to run. The little superbike?
Vince Dusang