1986 Yamaha RD125LC MK2

Summary:

Best, most iconic 125 ever made; right time, right place

General Comments:

The RD125LC mk2 in standard form restricted power is 12hp; unrestricted it's 21hp. Any LC running correctly with say a micron small can exhaust, cone filter and correct jets and race reeds will top 100mph on its speedo no problem. I had this done to my mk2, and it would go off the clock; it was only ever beaten by a brand new 88 RG125 Pepsi Gamma that was unrestricted.

I now have a mk3 RDZ 125LC which is a limited run model in white or black. This is the YPVS model; british bikes had the servo unit/wiring for the YPVS removed, however mine is from Switzerland, so it's all wired up. These are the best ones of all the 125 LSs. Handling, brakes, power is very good. Decent tyres and a some PROPER mods will easily see off modern 125s, as the rd is lighter than most.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th February, 2008

14th Jan 2010, 14:33

I had a RD125 LC A reg brand new when I was 17. What a bike, as it was shipped into the UK brand new from France. It was never restricted and put out 21.5 bhp as standard with a top speed of just over 100 mph.

1985 Yamaha RD125LC MK2

Summary:

Maybe old, but still good.

Faults:

The engine required a full rebuild when acquired.

The left hand crankshaft mainshaft was badly worn. The main bearings, gearbox bearings and piston rings were worn.

However, the clutch components and gearshafts were sound. The total cost of the engine rebuild was £200.

The fork seals were blown and the suspension bushes were worn. Cost £25.

The rear cowling was cracked, probably the result of a careless person trying to manoeuvre the bike.

The tank paint was tatty. Respray cost about £80.

Indicators failed to work. Broken wires inside the loom. Replaced the wires.

General Comments:

The RD125LC was the predecessor to the TZR125. The RD125LC mk2 and mk3 had TZR125 instruments, wheels, exhaust, forks and 'bars.

The exhaust note sounds beautiful and throaty with the standard exhaust system.

Yamaha have done well with this machine, with regard to the attention to detail. Everything fits well and the components are of high quality.

The engine employs a broad range of useful torque. The motor will pull well in sixth gear at 30mph.

The engine is responsive thanks to the YEIS (Yamaha Energy Induction System).

Many people who have owned a RD125LC, have informed me that they are capable of exceeding a "ton".

The ride is good with good damping from the forks.

Some of the components are a hassle to remove. For example, removal of air intake and carburettor requires removal of rear shock.

Maintenance in general is fairly easy.

Forks don`t need to be removed in order to change the oil. The engine is accessible without any dismantling work. Therefore carrying out the cable adjustments etc is a breeze.

The RD125LC may not be as glamorous as the latest Aprilias or Cagivas, but is a lot more durable and less expensive.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th June, 2005

31st Aug 2005, 20:50

Yamaha used to sell an model called the RD125 in the US back in the 70's.

Is this a similar motorcycle?

1st Oct 2005, 14:36

With regards to the above question, the RD125LC described in the main text is completely different to the RD125 that was available in the seventies. In fact, the seventies RD125 was the predecessor to the RD125LC, and was known as the RD125DX. The RD125DX was more of a commuter, and had an air-cooled twin two stroke engine that was available between 1974 and 1982. The RD125LC was introduced in 1982, and was more of a sports bike that was restricted to comply with the new learner laws, introduced to the UK in January 1981.

The RD125DX is a beautiful machine, although quite rare now.