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Head to head

Yamaha MT-125 vs Yamaha MT-03

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Yamaha MT-125 and Yamaha MT-03 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. They land within touching distance on price, so this comes down to character and fit. On paper the Yamaha MT-03 leads on power with 42 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Yamaha MT-125
Our pick
7.9

Yamaha

Yamaha MT-125
Yamaha MT-03
7.6

Yamaha

Yamaha MT-03

The verdict

The Yamaha MT-125 edges it overall at 7.9/10, but the Yamaha MT-03 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Yamaha MT-125

A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Yamaha MT-03

42 hp and 0.25 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Yamaha MT-03

Our 7.6/10 at $4,999, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Yamaha MT-125

142 kg with an 810 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Yamaha MT-125

Our top score in this matchup at 7.9/10.

Price & rating
Price$5,299$4,999
KickTheStand score7.9 / 107.6 / 10
Performance
Engine125cc single321cc twin
Power15 hp42 hp
Torque11.5 Nm29.5 Nm
Power-to-weight0.11 hp/kg0.25 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm USD fork37mm USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockMonoshock
Front brakesSingle 292mm discSingle 298mm disc
Rear brakesSingle 230mm discSingle 220mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight142 kg167 kg
Seat height810 mm780 mm
Fuel capacity10 L14 L
Suitability
ClassNakedNaked
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersYesYes
Best forlearning, commutingcommuting, learning

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Yamaha MT-125 vs Yamaha MT-03: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Yamaha MT-125 or the Yamaha MT-03?

The Yamaha MT-03 makes the most power at 42 hp and 29.5 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Yamaha MT-125 or the Yamaha MT-03?

The Yamaha MT-03 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $4,999.

Which is lighter, the Yamaha MT-125 or the Yamaha MT-03?

The Yamaha MT-125 is the lightest at 142 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Yamaha MT-125 or the Yamaha MT-03?

For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha MT-125: A2-legal, 15 hp and 142 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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