Odd mix of trailie and learner bike (Yamaha TW125)

Member Name: the_guru

Product:	Yamaha TW125
Date:	07/11/01 (5499 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Zeppelin back tyre, reasonable price

Disadvantages: High centre of gravity, dodgy gearbox, vague handling

Just what IS the TW 125 ?

The TW125 sits somewhere between the ancient SR125 custom-style learner/commuter and the wild DT125 trail bike. It seems to take its styling cues from both parents, and looks a bit odd - too lardy to be a real trailie, but look at that back tyre !

The TW125 shares much of its 125cc engine mechanicals with the SR125, so as expected is a little low down on power, but is aimed at the learner after all. However, the engine is much more at home in the relaxed cruising mode of the SR125, and feels rather gutless in the trailie-style chassis. It has to work hard to get up to out-of town speeds, particularly because the upright riding position is not really designed for speed.

The back tyre gives away some of the intentions for this machine - it's a huge balloon-like object that would be great for riding on sand and for light off-roading. I can see a lot of TW125's hanging off the back of caravans and the like, and perhaps that's the rationale behind its styling - it's a sober, understated, unexciting version of a trail bike for those that don't want their machine too bright, garish and knobbly-tyred.

Although I could reach the ground easily, I found that the combination of a high centre of gravity, highish seat and wide bars made the TW125 difficult for me. It felt really rather vague and wobbly, and the gearbox sometimes gave me a few niggles, particularly when changing down into first gear. The TW lacks the friendly low-speed control and low centre of gravity of the SR125, and consequently isn't as learner-friendly. It's also rather heavier than the SR125/DT125, making it comparatively sluggish in both speed and handling.

If you are sufficiently tall and long-legged enough, and need a conservative mix of on and off-road ability,you may find that this might be a good bike for you.

However, the bike seems to be an odd mix of SR125 and DT125 - the SR125 is a more sta

ble and controllable learner bike, whilst the DT125 is better both on and off-road. I would suggest you check out both Yamaha alternatives before settling on the TW125, and take a good look at the competition, too. The TW125 probably has a niche somewhere, but there are much better road bikes and much better trailies out there - as a mix of the two styles it doesn't really work.

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