2020 Yamaha YZ125 vs 2021 Honda CRF125F

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 Yamaha YZ125 2020 Yamaha YZ125

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
93.9 kg / 207.0 lbs
2021 Honda CRF125F 2021 Honda CRF125F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
88.0 kg / 194.0 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Model ID: CRF125F.
ColoursTeam Yamaha BlueRed
Warranty30 Day Limited Factory WarrantySix Months transferable limited warranty
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)366 mm211 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)14.4 inches8.3 inches
Seat Height975 mm / 38.4 in.739 mm / 29.1 in.
Wheelbase1443 mm / 56.8 in.1219 mm / 48.0 in.
Height1295 mm / 51.0 in.1010 mm / 39.8 in.
Length2136 mm / 84.1 in.1770 mm / 69.7 in.
Width828 mm / 32.6 in.740 mm / 29.1 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.74 US quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)0.70 litres-
Fuel Capacity8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons3.79 litres / 1.00 US gallons
Wet Weight93.9 kg / 207.0 lbs88.0 kg / 194.0 lbs
Performance
Max Torque-10.2 Nm (1.0 kgf-m or 7.5 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions"
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.1 x 2.1 inches2.1 x 2.3 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)54.0 x 54.5 mm52.4 x 57.9 mm
Displacement (cc)125.0 cc124.9 cc
Displacement (ci)7.63 cubic inches7.62 cubic inches
Fuel Control-Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, two-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Engine DetailReed-valve-inducted-
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Mikuni TMX 38Injection. 22mm throttle bore
Compression Ratio10.7:19.0:1
Emissions-Meets current California Air Resource Board (CARB) and EPA off-road emissions standards.
Engine LubricationPremix-
IgnitionCDIFull Transistorized
StarterKickElectric
Valve System-2
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate wet clutch-
Final DriveChain   (final drive)Chain   (final drive)
Gearbox6-speed4-speed
Primary Drive-Chain 13T/49T
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double cradle aluminium frameDiamond, steel
Suspension - FrontKYB® Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork; fully adjustable31mm telescopic fork
Suspension - RearKYB® single shock; fully adjustablePro-Link single-shock
Rake26.0°27.3°
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.81 mm / 3.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Front300 mm / 11.8 in.132 mm / 5.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear315 mm / 12.4 in.140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Hydraulic.Single disc. Hydraulic.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Hydraulic.Expanding brake (drum brake)
RimsDunlop® MX52-
Tyres - Front80/100-2170/100-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 Yamaha YZ125

The 2020 Yamaha YZ125 edges out the 2021 Honda CRF125F thanks to its greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2020 Yamaha YZ125 - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 366 mm vs 211 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 315 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 132 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Honda CRF125F - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 739 mm vs 975 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2020 Yamaha YZ125 vs 2021 Honda CRF125F - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 Yamaha YZ125 and 2021 Honda CRF125F?
The 2020 Yamaha YZ125 uses Single cylinder, two-stroke, while the 2021 Honda CRF125F is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2020 Yamaha YZ125 is a two-stroke engine while the 2021 Honda CRF125F runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 Yamaha YZ125 or the 2021 Honda CRF125F?
The 2021 Honda CRF125F has the lower seat at 739 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 2020 Yamaha YZ125 or the 2021 Honda CRF125F?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 Yamaha YZ125 has the edge in greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2021 Honda CRF125F stands out for lower seat height and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.