Average mileage for a 125 before it goes bang?

[Dave70]

Partly out of curiosity and partly out of needing to have some idea, what is the general ballpark area that you can expect a decent brand 125 to last, mileage wise?

It's just that I'm getting a little concerned after looking at a lot of bigger bikes that are 10-15+ years older than my 125, yet have roughly the same or quite often less mileage than my R125 and I'm getting a little concerned (possibly wrongly so but, it doesn't help when some folks mention that it's got a high mileage at times) that some day soon, while giving it full throttle miles away from home, that the engine is going to blow up and die.

A brief history of my bike. As already mentioned, its a Yamaha R125, bought from new (stop laughing ) in August 2012. It has had a full Yammy dealership service history at the appropriate intervals (actually it's had a couple more than recommended ) for the first two years, mainly for warranty purposes but, also I trusted the mechanic back in the IoM and their prices were a lot lower than local Yammy dealerships in the UK.

The bike has around 26,000 miles on the clock and apart from regular oil and air filter changes, the only other thing that has been replaced are its chain and sprockets (and tyres, obviously).

Should I have any reason for worrying a little or, if looked after, should it still keep going for another 25,000 miles?

Also, are there any specific parts of the bike that I should have thoroughly checked over at this point, that may be a cause for concern?

Apologies if the post sounds a bit daft but, I am not mechanically minded in any way but, I hope some on here who are could give me a heads up if needed or inform me that I shouldn't have any concerns for a while yet.
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There ain't no devil, there's just god when he's drunk.

2012: R125 killed by white van. 2016 R125 killed by 30,000 miles of redline. Current: 2016 Kawasaki ER6f.

[Supermoto_Fan]

There have been more than a few cases of the R125 motor going bang but I would say if you've reached 26k without any issues your good for another 26k.. Keep an eye out on oil level. They only hold a litre so burning off 200ml can be more of a problem than a bike that holds 2.3 litres of oil.

The swingarm and wheel bearings will probably give up before the motor does
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

[Nemo]

I think one of the problems with 125s is that the engine works harder, because you have to rag them to go anywhere.

If you keep doing what you're doing with the servicing you should be good engine wise. Keep the bike clean to prevent corrosion in the wrong places.

Change the air filter and spark plug every three services or so. Also remember coolant change every 3 years, brake fluid every 2 years.
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Previously owned: Kawasaki KH125, Suzuki GP125, Suzuki GX 125, Honda CB125 TDC '83, Honda ntv 600, Kawasaki ER5, Kawasaki ZZR600, Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille
Now own: Ducati 848 evo

[P.]

Looked after, most engines should outlive the bike.
Abused, then you are in trouble.

Regular oil changes in my opinion are the only thing that gave my Vara the strength to get where it got

[Dave70]

[XBIKER]

Honda Varaderro 125 was still going strong after 79,000 miles from new and that was being pushed hard from morning to night. Another one reached 68,000 miles before being traded in.

Several Honda CG 125's also reached well into the 60,000's which as previously mentioned is all down to regular oil changes and generally looking after them although I must admit that sometimes those CG 125's came in for servicing with just a dribble of oil left

Probably testament to how tough those little bikes are.

[Dave70]

Cheers for the info guys

I think one of the things that had been playing on my mind a little also, was that a while ago, I saw another R125 for sale that had around 22,000 miles on the clock and it said that it had a total engine rebuild. That, along with so many much older bikes out there with far less miles than mine, started me thinking that I'm going to kill mine.

Anyways, all being well on the financial front, I hope to move up to something bigger soon. Would still like to get a reasonable amount for mine though. So glad to hear it's not nearly deaded. It's one less thing to worry about.
____________________
There ain't no devil, there's just god when he's drunk.

2012: R125 killed by white van. 2016 R125 killed by 30,000 miles of redline. Current: 2016 Kawasaki ER6f.

[DrSnoosnoo]

Dave. It'll be fine. You look after your bike. The bike is designed to be ragged and they designed their service schedule to reflect that. IMO you change the oil regularly, check valves when they're due and the engine should be fine.

As has been mentioned, bearings will start to go before the engine and they're replaceable. Obviously the longer you keep it, the more likely you'll need to fork out for replacements.

I love bikes how people see 30k as high mileage, I bought my car with 72k and that was considered low miles. Providing the bike hasn't been owned by total spaz who has never changed the oil, surely it should be ok, that and they don't ham fistedly attempt wheelies every second traffic light.

PS, if you ever want to attempt any work on your bike, give me a shout and I can come and drink your tea and observe your failures, I'm hardly a master but I've not broke mine yet.
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I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

[Dave70]

Cheers Sam.

As for valves, I probably shouldn't admit this here but, I'm merrily drunk, so fk it. I don't know what a valve is not on a bike anyway. Never mind how to check one.

If I was closer, I'd take you up on your offer but, it's a hell of a long way to ride to and couldn't possibly expect you to ride all this way, just to show some mechanical noob what things are and do.

However, if you feel the need for another Wales trip anytime, I'm sure we could work something out.

Oh shit! That sounded a bit gay Just to clarify, there are no gay offerings in this post.
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There ain't no devil, there's just god when he's drunk.

2012: R125 killed by white van. 2016 R125 killed by 30,000 miles of redline. Current: 2016 Kawasaki ER6f.

[DrSnoosnoo]

Honestly, Dave, I didn't know what valves where until I decided I'd take up the challenge on my bike!

Do you have a Haynes for your bike? I managed to get one off the net for mine. At first, everything seems complicated but when you read through and see the pictures it becomes clearer When you read it a few times. And on yours, it's one cylinder so very few valves as opposed to the 16 on my bike!!

My technique is to take pictures of everything as you go and then it can all go back together easily enough.

I've got a new job nearby to Burnley and will be moving this year so I'll be closer to lend a hand in the future.
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I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

[Ed Case]

Frequent oil changes (four strokes) every 1000 miles or so, wont break the bank + good basic maintenance and they should last for the life of the bike no matter how they're ragged.

[Rogerborg]

[Dave70]

[Dave70]

[kestrel]

[Rogerborg]

[Dave70]