BikeTest: Yamaha DT125 REIf rules and regulations or, just as likely, the cost of insurance mean that the sane choice is a 125cc machine then you have a choice. There are those machines which do all that they are meant to do, and do it well, but are totally lacking in any semblance of pIzzaZ, and then there are those which shriek Va Va Vroom.
If you want to make that kind of a statement, consider Yamaha's DT125RE.
This is the latest version of a bike that started life back in 1988. The RE is the electric start version of this much-loved, tried and tested 125 two-stroke. It is unashamedly a trail bike that falls within the "learner legal" bracket for the under-18s and yet one which remains a firm favourite with many of more advanced years.
Indeed if green lane riding is your main interest, this is a super machine.
Easy and pleasant to ride and yet capable of just achieving the legal maximum if pushed hard. It can even take into its stride a long, full-throttle motorway blast without getting tired or anxious.
It has a reputation of withstanding use and abuse both on road and off road and, in performance terms is no slouch even in standard trim. The 915mm seat height makes it somewhat of a challenge for the short of stature. The bonus is that the lofty seating position ensures a great over-the-traffic view.
The low first gear makes trickling along in traffic a joy and the great steering locks means it feels as if it can turn on a sixpence.
It comes complete with knobbly tyres, ideal for off-road work, not quite as good for rapid stops on the tarmac. You have disk brakes both front and back which guarantee the sort of stopping power few 125s can equal. We rated the front brake 100 per cent and the back less, at 70 per cent. The suspension is "long travel" which makes for a comfortable ride over the worst of surfaces.
The liquid-cooled engine is as tough as they come: no matter how hard it was pushed, even thrashed, it never for one moment gave a whimper of complaint. Owners report that, unlike high-performance Italian race replica two-strokes, it does not chew up piston rings.
The 21" front wheel is ideal for taking the bumps and boulders in its stride and makes short work of kerbstones. It is complimented by an 18" rear wheel. Both are shod with Michelin T63s.
The mirrors give an adequate rearwards view. The seat is very hard and there is what is best described as minimal pillion provision, in other words, not to be taken seriously.
There are grab handles which really are more use for tying down luggage. Handlebar height is just right for precise control. The controls, a hydraulic front brake and a cable clutch, are light and smooth in operation. There is a very small speedo with a trip facility, just enough to be legal.
Steering is excellent, slow speed riding a delight. Being a two-stroke there is no significant vibration. The exhaust note, which starts as a subtle burble, quickly develops into a purposeful bellow which starts to crescendo at half-throttle and rises at full throttle into a banshee like wail. And that is with the standard silencer.
You will often find that a high-performance after-market 'can' is fitted. That can increase the top speed from around 110 - 120 km/h to in the region of 140-145 km/h which for a 125 tall, unfaired two-stroke is mightily impressive.
This is reflected in the insurance grouping. Most 125s are classed as Group 2 but, recognising the DT125's above-average performance, it is classed as Group 3.
This kind of handling and performance ensures that the DT125 is much-loved by, amongst others, the urban cowboys who, all too often, ride them in city traffic with a verve that does nothing to endear motorcycles to other road users.
It does not have to be ridden like that and can be as civilised and unobtrusive in traffic as the most well-mannered rider.
Off road, amidst the mud, stones, boulders and gullies it has all the assurance of a mountain goat and if, perchance, you drop it, at a mere 116 kg you do not have to be Superman to right it.
Way back in a distant past, as an impecunious student, I ended up in an attempt to earn an honest crust, working on a large hill farm. A good deal of my time was spent, riding on a bronchitic, arthritic, union-minded, geriatric horse keeping an eye on suicidal, hypochondriac sheep scattered over hundreds of acres of hills and dale. The DT125RE, had it been around then, would have been just perfect for the job.
ENGINE: 124cc, single-cylinder, 2-stroke, 10.8kW (14.75hp) & 13Nm @ 8000rpm. Chaim drive, 5-speed, electric start
CHASSIS: Telescopic forks 60mm travel, swinging arm 'Monocross' rear suspension 125mm travel. Single fromt 230mm disk, single rear 220mm disk
DIMENSIONS: Seat height 915mm. Dry weight 116 kg. Wheelbase 1,415mm. Fuel 10.7 litres
PRICE: €4,678