Kawasaki Z125 vs Yamaha MT125: Image Comparison

The Kawasaki Z125 and Yamaha MT125 are some of the more affordable bikes in developed countries. In Europe in particular, these bikes serve as a stepping stone to learn motorcycle riding, as licences are given as per the performance of the motorcycle and skill level. These bikes come under A1 licensing norms, which is essentially the entry-level segment. 

That said, both Kawasaki and Yamaha have made sure that these bikes don’t have to necessarily look ‘cheap’ as such. Priced at GBP 4,399 ( around Rs 5,69,399 ) for the Z125 and GBP 5,302 ( around Rs 6,86,282 ) for the MT125, take a look at the bike in pics: 

Front Design: Sugomi Snarl vs Dark Side Glare

While Kawasaki has taken design inspiration from the bigger bikes in the Z lineup, the headlight design looks distinctly different on the Z125, compared to the other bigger bikes. It looks relatively less aggressive, but sharp enough to not make the bike look too plain. The angular headlight cowl houses a halogen bulb to keep the costs in check. The indicators are also bulbs. Also, the instrument console is full-LCD with an orange background. It looks old-school but has all the necessary information, including a tachometer, clock, speedometer, odometer, and tripmeter readings. 

The MT-125, on the other hand, looks quite similar to the Yamaha MT-15 that’s sold in India. In fact, if you put both of them next to each other, you’ll hardly find any differences. The MT looks a bit more modern thanks to the LED DRLs along with the LED projector headlight. It also gets a proper TFT, too, with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. The MT 15 wins this round as it is a lot more modern and feature-packed. 

Side Profile: Trellis Frame vs Diamond Frame

The Z125 keeps its steel trellis frame fully exposed, which is a big part of its visual identity, especially the green coloured frame in one of the colour variants. The Z125’s sharp tank extensions look cool, and it neatly covers the radiator. Up front, the suspension isn’t all that modern, as it uses a 37mm telescopic fork. The rear uses a linked monoshock with 5-step preload adjustment, though. The alloy wheel design is pretty good but is blacked out.

The engine is a liquid-cooled 125cc single making 14.14PS, 11.7Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. At 147kg (kerb) and with an 11-litre tank, it's a touch heavier than the Yamaha.

The MT-125 hides its blacked-out diamond-type frame under sculpted, mass-forward bodywork. It also gets a beefier and more advanced 41mm inverted fork, while the rear uses a linked monoshock, just like the Z125. Also, the MT125’s alloy wheel design looks relatively simpler but feels funkier thanks to the fact that it is colour-coded as per the colour variant you choose. 

Yamaha's 125cc single also makes similar power (15PS & 11.5Nm) but weighs 142kg kerb, and carries a slightly smaller 10-litre tank.

As for the mileage figures, the MT-125 is more efficient, offering a claimed 50kmpl when compared to the Z125’s 37kmpl.

Rear Design: Sporty and Simple vs Sharp and Compact

At the back, the Z125 stays true to naked streetfighter proportions, a slim tail section, sharp taillight design (bulb type), and a full-length upswept exhaust. 

The MT-125's rear feels a bit more compact thanks to the stubby tail section, small LED taillight, and the shorter blacked-out exhaust. 

All in all, while both look sporty, the MT125 feels a lot more modern due to the added tech, not to mention being better at efficiency as well. That said, it is a whole GBP 903 (around Rs 1,16,882 ) more expensive than the Kawasaki Z125. That makes it a bit tricky to recommend, especially considering the fact that riders will outgrow such bikes fairly easily.