The Yamaha Virago 125 is a popular motorcycle among beginner riders or those who seek a budget-friendly cruiser. Introduced in the late 1990s, this motorcycle has a classic cruiser look that mimics the Harley-Davidson models. Despite its small displacement, the Virago 125 delivers decent performance, comfortable ride, and good fuel efficiency. In this article, we will explore the history, features, performance, and benefits of the Yamaha Virago 125.
History of Yamaha Virago 125
The Yamaha Virago line of motorcycles was first introduced in 1981 as a cruiser with V-twin engines. It quickly gained popularity for its distinctive styling, comfortable ride, and reliability. In 1997, Yamaha introduced a smaller version of the Virago, the Virago 125. It was designed to cater to beginner riders who demanded a lighter, more manageable cruiser that was easy to manoeuvre, and offered good fuel efficiency.
Features of Yamaha Virago 125
At first glance, the Yamaha Virago 125 looks like a classic cruiser with a teardrop fuel tank, chromed fenders, and a low-slung seat. Its compact size and low seat height make it easy for short riders to handle. The bike has a 124cc SOHC, air-cooled engine that produces 10.7 horsepower at 7,500 RPM and 7.4 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 RPM. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission that allows smooth shifting between gears. The bike's curb weight is about 130 kilograms, making it one of the lightest cruisers available in the market. The Yamaha Virago 125 is equipped with drum brakes on both the front and rear wheels, which provide adequate stopping power.
Performance of Yamaha Virago 125
The Yamaha Virago 125 is designed for daily commuting and leisure riding. Its lightweight body and small engine make it agile and easy to handle in city traffic or on highways. The maximum speed of the bike is around 70 mph, which is decent for a 125cc cruiser. The bike's suspension system consists of telescopic forks at the front and twin shocks at the rear, providing a comfortable ride on different road surfaces. The Virago 125 has a fuel tank capacity of 13 litres, which allows for a range of approximately 220 miles between fill-ups. The bike's fuel efficiency is around 65-70 miles per gallon, which is excellent for a cruiser.
Benefits of Yamaha Virago 125
The Yamaha Virago 125 offers several benefits to riders, especially to those who are new to riding. The bike's small size and low weight make it easy to control and manoeuvre, making it perfect for beginners. The low seat height gives riders confidence while keeping both feet firmly on the ground. The bike's small engine and fuel-efficient design mean that owners won't be spending a lot of money on fuel or maintenance. The Virago 125's classic cruiser style is perfect for riders who appreciate the retro look of motorcycles.
Comparison with other popular motorcycles
The Yamaha Virago 125 is often compared to similar entry-level cruisers like the Honda Rebel 300, Kawasaki Eliminator 125, and Suzuki Boulevard S40. The Honda Rebel 300 and Kawasaki Eliminator 125 both have similar engine sizes and power outputs. Still, they have different styling and suspension systems than the Virago 125. The Suzuki Boulevard S40 has a larger engine size, but it is significantly more expensive than the Yamaha Virago 125. Overall, the Virago 125 offers similar performance and style at a more affordable price point than its competitors, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Specifications of Yamaha Virago 125
Engine: 124cc SOHC, air-cooled, 4-stroke V-twin
Horsepower: 10.7 hp at 7,500 RPM
Torque: 7.4 lb-ft at 6,000 RPM
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension: Telescopic forks (front), twin shocks (rear)
Brakes: Drum brakes (front and rear)
Fuel tank capacity: 13 litres
Curb weight: 130 kg (287 lbs)
Seat height: 680 mm (26.8 in)
Top speed: 70 mph (112 kph)
Conclusion
The Yamaha Virago 125 is an excellent option for beginner riders or those looking for a budget-friendly, fuel-efficient cruiser. It offers good performance, comfortable ride, and classic styling that looks like more expensive Harley-Davidson models. While it may not be the most powerful cruiser in its class, the Virago 125 offers an excellent value proposition for those who appreciate its retro charm and affordability. If you're considering buying a cruiser, the Yamaha Virago 125 is definitely worth a test ride.
