Yamaha Brings Design Brilliance to Small Displacement

In the ever changing motorcycle market, we often only see the high-end models grab the attention of the more creative designers. Much of his comes from economic reality as a manufacturer will not spend large amounts of money on something which has a very narrow profit margin already - it could all be wasted if the bike itself isn't making enough of the green stuff to cover the initial outlay. However, one important aspect often over-looked in the markets which cover North America and Europe is that small bikes outsell their larger relatives when examined from a global perspective - in fact, those tiny bikes dominate the powered two-wheeler industry everywhere they are sold. And, that is exactly where Yamaha's bean-counters' minds were when they allowed the Yamaha Y125 to be conceptualized.

Take a close look at the Y125 and you will see massive influence from the very first road-going Yamaha ever, the YA-1. It is equipped with a "world-approved" - meaning it is legal everywhere - 125 cc engine which can deliver 188 MPG (U.S.) and is small enough to be handled like a bicycle. And, it is not hard on the eyes, either. The flowing lines of the tank and frame, the bulbous exhaust slung under the engine, the fancy six-spoke wheels, and that metal finish used throughout on all 'natural' metal surfaces all come together to give the world what may be the most organic, lovely and unusual small-displacement motorcycle available...where it will be available, though, is still an open question.

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