BMW S 1000 R versus Yamaha MT-125

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
Yamaha

Yamaha MT-125

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2014 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 5.749 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • Extremely manoeuvrable
  • high-revving motor
  • Processing
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • hard seat

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.355 mm
Length :
1.955 mm Height : 1.040 mm
Seat :
810 mm
Weight :
138 kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, OHC, 1-cylinder engine 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 125 ccm
Hub: 59 mm
Hole: 52 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 km
Maximum speed: 115 km/h
Performance: 15 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 12 NM bei 8.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption:
2 l

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
Tubular bridge frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Strut hinged via lever system (travel 110 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 100/80-17M/C 52S
Rear tyres: 140/70-17M/C 66S

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Single disc ( 292 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

More fun than expected

What remains: The Yamaha MT-125 offers a lot of potential in terms of driving fun with its lively style. Definitely more than expected. It is also easy to use and high-quality. A new bench - and everything is good.

And yet: the circle of buyers remains limited to persons who are not allowed to drive more services. The enemy lurks in his own stable: the MT-03 brings five times the torque to the road and has 48 hp. And all this for only around 700 euros more. As good as the MT-125 is, motorcyclists with an extended driver's license will hardly be tempted.

The test bike was provided to us by Motorrad Ruser in Haseldorf.

What can I do with the A1 ticket? This is precisely what the legislator has specified:

1. Motorcycles (also with sidecars) with a cylinder capacity of up to 125 cubic centimetres, an engine power not exceeding 11 kW, where the ratio of power to weight does not exceed 0.1 kW/kg
2. Three-wheeled motor vehicles with symmetrically arranged wheels and a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cm3 for internal combustion engines or a maximum design speed of more than 45 km/h and with an output of up to 15 kW.

The minimum age for this driving licence is 16 years, the training takes place normally in a driving school.
If you are at least 25 years old and have had a driving licence for five years, you can achieve a significant abbreviation of this training. This abbreviation is called B196.

The legislator has defined as training for B196:
Theory: 4x motorcycle theory lessons 90 minutes each
Practice: 5x motorcycle driving lesson 90 minutes each
Examination: No theory or practical examination

Price/ Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 4,922€
  • Used (3 years old): 3,200€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Availability: medium
  • Colours: ice fluo, blue, black