2017 KTM 125 SX vs 2020 Yamaha YZ125
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | Orange/white/black | Team Yamaha Blue |
| Warranty | - | 30 Day Limited Factory Warranty |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 14.8 inches | 14.4 inches |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 375 mm | 366 mm |
| Seat Height | 960 mm / 37.8 in. | 975 mm / 38.4 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1,485 mm / 58.5 in. | 1443 mm / 56.8 in. |
| Height | - | 1295 mm / 51.0 in. |
| Length | - | 2136 mm / 84.1 in. |
| Width | - | 828 mm / 32.6 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Oil Capacity (l) | - | 0.70 litres |
| Oil Capacity (Quarts) | - | 0.74 US quarts |
| Dry Weight | 87.2 kg / 192.2 lbs | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons | 8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons |
| Wet Weight | - | 93.9 kg / 207.0 lbs |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 2.1 x 2.1 inches | 2.1 x 2.1 inches |
| Displacement (ci) | 7.62 cubic inches | 7.63 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, two-stroke | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
| Displacement (cc) | 124.80 cc | 125.0 cc |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 54.0 x 54.5 mm | 54.0 x 54.5 mm |
| Engine Detail | Reed intake. | Reed-valve-inducted |
| Fuel System | Carburettor. Mikuni TMX | Carburettor. Mikuni TMX 38 |
| Compression Ratio | - | 10.7:1 |
| Engine Lubrication | - | Premix |
| Ignition | Kokusan EMS | CDI |
| Starter | Kick | Kick |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Multi-plate clutch, Brembo hydraulics | Multiplate wet clutch |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain (final drive) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Primary Drive | 13:50. Primary drive: 23:73. | - |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Chrome-molybdenum steel central-tube frame | Semi-double cradle aluminium frame |
| Suspension - Front | WP-USD, AER 48, ? 48 mm | KYB® Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork; fully adjustable |
| Suspension - Rear | WP shock absorber with linkage | KYB® single shock; fully adjustable |
| Rake | 26.5° | 26.0° |
| Trail | - | 109 mm / 4.3 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 300 mm / 11.8 in. | 300 mm / 11.8 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 300 mm / 11.8 in. | 315 mm / 12.4 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | 220 mm | - |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | 8.7 inches | - |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | 260 mm | - |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | 10.2 inches | - |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings | Single disc. Hydraulic. |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings | Single disc. Hydraulic. |
| Rims | CNC machined hubs. Excel rims. Wire spoked. | Dunlop® MX52 |
| Tyres - Front | - | 80/100-21 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2017 KTM 125 SX and the 2020 Yamaha YZ125 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.
Key Differences
2017 KTM 125 SX - Advantages
- ✓Competitive all-round: The 2017 KTM 125 SX matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.
2020 Yamaha YZ125 - Advantages
- ✓Competitive all-round: The 2020 Yamaha YZ125 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.
2017 KTM 125 SX vs 2020 Yamaha YZ125 - FAQs
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 KTM 125 SX or the 2020 Yamaha YZ125?
The 2017 KTM 125 SX has the lower seat at 960 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 Yamaha YZ125 sits higher at 975 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2017 KTM 125 SX or the 2020 Yamaha YZ125?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 KTM 125 SX has its own strengths, while the 2020 Yamaha YZ125 offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.